Although dogs are affectionately known as man’s best friend, even the gentlest among them can bite if they are frightened or overly excited. Any animal bite can result in an open wound that becomes infected without proper treatment and care. Dog bites and subsequent infections can take an intense physical, emotional, and financial toll on victims as they recover from their injuries. If you are injured due to a negligent pet owner’s failure to control their dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. Homeowner’s insurance is one type of coverage that may apply to a dog bite injury.
At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, our specialist dog bite attorneys are committed to helping our clients build strong claims so they can recover the maximum compensation available for the harm they have suffered. We understand how challenging recovering from an animal attack can be, so we aim to be your pillar of support during this difficult time. Our attorneys can guide you through every step of the legal process and will fight aggressively for your rights and interests.
Following a dog bite injury, seeking professional medical attention as soon as possible is essential. Even injuries that do not seem especially severe may worsen over time or become infected without proper treatment. DO NOT avoid immediate medical evaluation unless you wish to undermine your potential claim for damages. As you recover from your dog bite, monitor your symptoms and watch out for the following common infections:
Following your dog bite injury, animal control will likely monitor the dog that bit you closely to determine whether they have rabies. Rabies infection is incredibly serious and often fatal for victims. As you recover from the bite, be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
If you notice any of the symptoms above or are notified that the dog has rabies, seek emergency medical treatment ASAP. If caught early, you may be able to receive a vaccination before the infection takes hold, avoiding more long-term treatment options.
A strep or staph infection may occur if your dog bite wound is exposed to bacteria from your environment. These infections caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria can be severe or even fatal if left untreated. A few symptoms to be aware of include the following:
Your doctor can treat your strep or staph infection by draining the area surrounding the wound and applying antibiotics to stop the disease from spreading throughout the body. Do not delay in getting your wound treated to avoid the risk of a dangerous infection.
A dog’s mouth contains bacteria that could infect your new open wound and cause severe illness. If cellulitis goes unnoticed, it can spread throughout the body, affecting your lymph nodes and bloodstream. While some early indicators of cellulitis include redness and swelling around the wound, some more severe symptoms include the following:
Children are especially vulnerable to cellulitis. If your child is injured due to a dog bite, monitor their symptoms closely so you can recognize the signs of infection before it spreads. Get a medical evaluation ASAP if the wound is serious.
Recovering from a dog attack can be a harrowing and overwhelming experience. To make matters worse, you must be vigilant to catch deadly infections before they spread. If you are injured due to a dog bite in Arizona, you deserve to recover monetary compensation for the full extent of your injuries and other losses.
At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, our specialist dog bite attorneys have over 65 years of combined experience and are ready to apply our extensive knowledge and skills to your unique case. We are dedicated to fighting tirelessly for our client’s right to compensation and have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for their cases. To schedule a free assessment of your case and an explanation of your rights, call us at (928) 778-2660 or complete our contact form today.