Possible Complications Of Dog Bite Injuries

Being bitten by a dog can cause a range of physical and mental problems. While most bites are minor, some can lead to serious health complications, like rabies, sepsis, meningitis, endocarditis, and disfigurement. It’s important to be aware of the potential consequences of even minor bites so that you can take appropriate steps to protect your health.

If you were bitten by a dog, you might be entitled to compensation for your resulting medical expenses, losses, as well as pain and suffering, among other damages. Our Seattle dog bite lawyers at Emerald Law Group can help you hold the dog’s owner responsible for your injuries and damages.

5 Possible Complications of Dog Bite Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly one in five people who suffer dog bite injuries require medical attention. While not all dog bite injuries lead to complications, some do. Let’s take a closer look at some of the possible complications associated with dog bite injuries.

Rabies

Rabies is an infectious virus that is spread through contact with saliva from an infected animal. If you have been bitten by a wild or stray animal, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately in order to determine if the animal was infected and whether any preventative treatments are necessary. Even if the animal appears healthy, it is critical to get checked out as soon as possible. Rabies has an incubation period of up to two months, meaning symptoms may not present until weeks after exposure.

Sepsis

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication caused by an infection entering the bloodstream. It spreads quickly and can cause organ failure and death if not treated immediately. Sepsis is particularly likely when bacteria enter deep wounds caused by dog bites. It’s vital to keep these wounds clean and watch for any signs of infection, such as redness or swelling around the wound site.

Meningitis

Meningitis is another serious condition that can arise from dog bite injuries due to contact with saliva-containing bacteria such as Pasteurella or Capnocytophaga (these are common organisms found in dogs). Symptoms may include fever, headache, and stiff neck. If left untreated, meningitis can progress into life-threatening sepsis or worse. It is highly recommended that individuals who have been bitten by a dog seek medical attention immediately in order to diagnose and treat any potential infections before they become more serious conditions like meningitis or sepsis.

Endocarditis

Endocarditis occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and lodge on heart valves, causing inflammation which makes them less effective at pumping blood throughout the body. This condition affects people with weakened immune systems more often than those with healthy ones. However, anyone who has been bitten by an animal should keep an eye out for any signs of endocarditis, such as shortness of breath or fatigue/weakness in limbs/muscles. These symptoms could indicate that bacteria have entered into circulation via the bite wound(s).

Disfigurement

In extreme cases, disfigurement may result from dog bites due to damage caused by deep puncture wounds or scarring from lacerations (cuts). This type of injury can also lead to psychological distress, such as depression or anxiety, due to physical changes in appearance, which may be difficult for some people to cope with over time. Those affected should seek professional help if needed in order to mitigate any long-term psychological effects resulting from their experience(s).

Contact Emerald Law Group Today for Legal Guidance

Dog bite injuries can have serious consequences if left untreated. It’s vital for individuals who have been bitten by a dog to seek medical attention right away so that any infections/diseases can be diagnosed and treated promptly before they worsen over time.

If you were bitten by a dog in Seattle, our results-driven and skilled dog bite lawyers at Emerald Law Group can help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation to which you may be entitled. Call 206-826-5160 to discuss your case during a free consultation.

Source:

cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/dogs.html