6 Possible Complications From A Dog Bite

A dog bite can be more than just a minor annoyance. It has the potential to cause serious long-term complications. Whether you are an adult or a child, being bitten by a dog can lead to severe physical and emotional consequences. Being aware of these complications can help you seek appropriate medical attention and avoid unnecessary suffering.

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, you need to watch out for possible complications that may result from a dog bite. Seeking prompt medical attention is a crucial step to take after a dog bite incident. Another important thing to do is contact a lawyer to learn about your legal rights. Our Las Vegas dog bite lawyer at Cameron Law can help you sue the owner of the dog to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Possible Dog Bite Complications

Let’s discuss six possible complications that can result from a dog bite.

1. Infections

Infections are one of the most common complications of a dog bite. A dog’s mouth contains various bacteria, and these can be introduced into the bite wound. If left untreated, an infection can spread through the soft tissues or bloodstream, leading to more severe complications, such as cellulitis or sepsis. To prevent infection, it is essential to clean the wound properly and seek medical attention if the wound becomes red, swollen, or displays other signs of infection.

2. Rabies

Rabies is a rare but deadly viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, including dogs. If a dog with rabies bites a person, the rabies virus can enter the body and attack the central nervous system. This leads to symptoms such as fever, confusion, paralysis, and eventually death.

Early treatment with a series of rabies vaccinations can prevent the development of symptoms, but once symptoms appear, there is no cure for rabies. The best way to prevent rabies is to ensure that pet dogs are vaccinated regularly and to avoid contact with stray or wild animals.

Note: Human rabies is extremely rare in the United States, with only 1 to 3 cases of human rabies reported annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

3. Disfigurement

Dog bites often result in severe injuries, including deep cuts, puncture wounds, and skin tearing. These can lead to permanent disfigurement, particularly if they involve the face or other visible areas of the body. Scarring may become less noticeable over time, but some individuals may require surgical intervention to improve the appearance of scars or restore function in damaged areas.

4. Nerve Damage

When a dog bites, the force and puncture caused by its teeth can damage nerves in the affected area. Nerve damage can result in numbness, weakness, or even paralysis of the affected limb or body part. Depending on the extent of the injury, nerve damage can be temporary or permanent. In some cases, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to restore function to the affected area.

5. Emotional Trauma

The psychological impact of a dog bite can be just as severe as the physical consequences. Many people experience feelings of fear, anxiety, or depression following a dog bite incident. Children, in particular, may become fearful of dogs and experience nightmares or develop a lasting phobia. It is important to acknowledge these emotional consequences and seek help from a mental health professional if they continue to cause distress.

6. Meningitis

Though rare, a dog bite can lead to meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This can occur when bacteria from the dog’s saliva enter the bloodstream and travel to the meninges. Symptoms of meningitis include sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, and vomiting. Meningitis is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment, as it can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

Contact Cameron Law to Get Legal Representation

Dog bites can have serious long-term complications, affecting both physical and emotional health. Recognizing these complications and seeking appropriate medical attention can help prevent unnecessary suffering and ensure a more rapid recovery. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, reach out to our lawyer at Cameron Law for legal representation. Call 702-745-4545 to get a free case evaluation.

Source:

cdc.gov/rabies/location/usa/surveillance/human_rabies.html