Personal Injury Lawyer Charlottesville, VA
A personal injury lawyer in Charlottesville, VA from MartinWren, P.C. knows that even the most appearingly friendly dogs may bite if they get overexcited, frightened, or territorial. Regardless of the dog’s breed or size, any bite can cause open soft tissue wounds and risk for infection. It is imperative that people understand their rights if they are attacked by a dog, and take action swiftly. There are steps you can take now to protect your health and ensure a proper recovery.
Generally, infections happen when germs, spreadable disease, or bacteria enters the body. This transfer can occur when there is an open wound on the skin. For dog bites specifically, infection happens at a rate of about 10-15%, however, victims must get medical care so lower their chances of a serious infection brewing. If you are not sure what an infected dog bite look like, here are some common signs:
- Fluid oozing from wound
- Loss of feeling around area of bite
- Night sweating
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle tremors or weakness
- Unusual fatigue
An example of a bacterial organism that can be passed from canine to human from a bite that breaks through skin are pastuerella canis and pasteurella multocida. This bacteria lives in many dog’s mouths, and can cause a serious infection called cellulitis. The symptoms of this kind of infection typically presents itself within the first 24 hours after a dog bite:
- Wound tenderness
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pus discharge from wound
- Numbness or tingling
Keep in mind that even a small dog bite can turn into an infection that has terrible consequences. As a personal injury lawyer in Charlottesville, VA would advise, if you were hurt in a dog bite accident, then you must get medical attention so that a diagnosis and care plan can be created for you. Factors that can raise the risk of an infection include:
- Not washing the wound enough
- A weakened immune system
- A deep bite wound
- A bite that caused a fracture or other injury
Contact MartinWren, P.C.
If you or someone you care about was recently injured in a dog bite attack, then we suggest contacting our law firm now for a consultation. Many people just want to know whether their situation warrants legal action, and how much they could receive in compensation for their injuries and other losses. For the answers to your most pressing questions, call a personal injury lawyer in Charlottesville, VA from MartinWren, P.C. today.