What you’ll learn from this article:
- Some dog bite infection symptoms are noticeable right away, while others are less obvious.
- Any dog bite needs immediate medical attention, which may bring large medical bills and extensive treatment.
- Empower yourself to claim compensation with the help of an experienced dog bite lawyer.
Are you dealing with a dog bite infection after being bitten? Dog bite injuries are terrifying and painful for bite victims, especially when a dangerous infection follows the bite.
More than 4.5 million people suffer dog bites in the U.S. every year, and 800,000 need immediate medical attention. About 85% to 90% of all animal bites come from dogs, and 10% to 15% of all dog bites progress to infections.
In this article, we explain how to tell if your dog bite is infected and what to do if you suspect you have a dog bite infection. We’ll also provide tips for seeking compensation from the dog’s owner or the responsible party.
How to Tell if a Dog Bite is Infected
Would you recognize dog bite infection symptoms right away? Some symptoms are more obvious than others, and many symptoms take time to arise.
An open or leaking wound is a fairly clear sign that you’re at risk of an infection from a dog bite. Less obvious signs are a raised body temperature or a persistent headache, which might not seem connected to the bite but are common symptoms of dog bite infections.
Always seek a doctor’s evaluation as soon as possible after the bite. A medical professional knows the signs of dog bite infections, plus their medical treatment establishes a direct connection to your injury’s timing, the extent of damage, the costs, and other details.
See a doctor about any signs of infection from dog bites, including:
- Blackened or purple skin
- Blisters, boils, or weeping fluids around the wound
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Draining pus
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Hardness or lump in the skin
- Headache
- Hydrophobia (fear of water)
- Insomnia
- Muscle/joint pain
- Pain around the wound site
- Paralysis
- Redness
- Secondary infections, like pneumonia
- Stomach pains
- Swelling
- Weakness
- Vomiting
While rabies is one of the most well-known dog bite infections, statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) show rabies infection is rare in the U.S. because it is vaccine-preventable in dogs. However, rabies is 99% fatal after symptoms arise, including fever, fear of water, weakness, and confusion.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Capnocytophaga is a common infection humans acquire from dog bites. When the infection is allowed to progress without treatment, it can lead to sepsis, permanent organ damage, and death.
Cellulitis is another dangerous infection from dog bites. It spreads extremely quickly, especially in children, and kills cells, skin, and organs. Antibiotics are highly effective at treating cellulitis, as long as it’s not allowed to spread throughout the body for too long.
Remember that many symptoms of dog bites don’t arise immediately after the bite. Most symptoms are noticeable within 3 to 5 days, but some symptoms, including those from Capnocytophaga, take up to 14 days to cause obvious illness.
Claiming Compensation for a Dog Bite Injury
A dog bite injury is mentally and emotionally traumatic, plus it disrupts your life and brings costly medical bills. You may be unable to work and continue living your life normally while you recover from your injuries.
A mild dog bite might cost less than $2,000 for basic medical treatment, but the in-hospital treatment of severe dog bites often exceeds $18,000, based on government statistics. This figure doesn’t include additional imaging studies, medications, physical therapy, psychological therapy, or scar repair. It also doesn’t account for lost wages, lost earning potential, or your pain and suffering.
Could you afford all of these costs on your own? You may need to seek dog bite compensation to help you recover from your injuries and minimize the impact on your life. Doing so also places the responsibility where it belongs: on the dog’s owner or the person responsible for controlling the dog when it bit you.
In Kentucky, the average dog bite settlement is just over $49,000, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The amount varies because each dog bite case is unique and depends on the circumstances.
Factors that may impact your compensation include the cost of your medical bills, the total value of your losses, whether insurance coverage is available, and if you did anything to taunt or provoke the dog. If you hold partial responsibility, you may still be eligible to receive partial compensation.
Contact McCoy & Sparks – Kentucky Dog Bite Attorneys
After a dog bite, see a doctor about your injuries immediately and speak to a dog bite injury lawyer as soon as possible. You can turn to the lawyers at McCoy & Sparks to find compassion and experience with dog bite injuries.
For more than a decade, we’ve been helping Kentucky people handle the aftermath of dog bites. You deserve the best possible representation during this difficult situation.
There’s no need to worry about up-front fees because you owe McCoy & Sparks nothing until we recover dog bite compensation for you. Schedule your FREE consultation today by calling 844-459-9467 or filling out our online form.