An estimated 800,000 people a year seek medical attention due to dog bites. There is also data that says that the victims of 56% of dog bite fatalities were children under 16. In other words, dog bites are pretty common and can be deadly.

There are strict laws surrounding dog bites, and owners can be held liable for any injuries their pets cause. You should consider hiring a lawyer if a dog bites someone you know. Experienced legal professionals, like the dog bite lawyers at Bailey & Galyen, can help file a personal injury claim against the dog owner.

Diseases a dog bite victim may sustain

Dogs have a lot of bacteria living in their mouths. This bacteria can cause deadly infections if the bite cuts or breaks through the skin. The following is a list of infections commonly caused by dog bites.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that is spread to humans through the bites or scratches of an infected animal. It can be deadly if left untreated. The disease can spread if the dog that caused the bite has not been vaccinated.

If the dog that bit you was unaccompanied, behaving oddly, or unvaccinated, there is a chance of rabies transmission. You should immediately wash the area with soap and water and get yourself to an emergency center.

Meningitis

While rare, there is also a chance of contracting meningitis from a dog bite.

Meningitis is a disease caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. It leads to inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms include

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Fever
• Stiff neck

Meningitis requires immediate medical intervention, without which victims could die within days of infection.

Tetanus

Tetanus is a disease of the nervous system that causes muscle contractions. It is commonly called lockjaw as it particularly affects the jaw and neck muscles. A toxin-producing bacterium causes tetanus, for which there is no cure.

The only known solution is a vaccine, which must be administered within 48 hours of infection. Although symptoms of tetanus may not show up until a week later, getting a shot immediately is recommended if you suspect infection. Without treatment, it can lead to severe complications that can be life-threatening. 

Image source

Sepsis

Bacterial infections are also known to cause sepsis, a condition in which the body’s disease-fighting mechanism malfunctions. When an infection enters the body, the body’s immune reaction triggers inflammation, leading to cascading organ failure. This can be catastrophic and even lead to death.

Sepsis shows symptoms like

• Fever
• Low blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Fast heart rate

Medical intervention can save those with mild cases of sepsis. However, if the body goes into shock, 40% of victims don’t survive. 

Most diseases caused by dog bites are due to bacterial infections, which cause death when they’re not spotted and treated on time. The medical costs of treating dog bites can be significant, so you should be aware that you are entitled to compensation from the dog owner for any costs you incur. The dog owner’s insurance should typically cover any damage caused by the dog bite, including loss of wages, medical bills, emotional trauma caused by the dog bite, etc.

Conclusion

While not all dog bites are fatal, they do cause around 50 deaths a year. If a dog has bitten you, you should clean your wounds immediately and seek medical help. Diseases from dog bites are caused by bacteria and can be cured or well-managed with the right medication.

Dog owners are liable for any damages or injuries caused by their pets, so you should seek legal counsel. A lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim to compensate for your medical bills.

Lead image: Image source