A canine bite can lead to serious injuries, causing the victim to have a paralyzing fear of dogs. Even though a dog bite may come after a dog is provoked, in other situations, a dog may attack with little or no warning. Each state has its own laws pertaining to dog bite liability, with Pennsylvania law imposing liability on owners whose dog causes a person serious injury or disfigurement. If you have recently experienced a canine attack, the Reading dog bite attorneys at HGSK Injury Lawyers are available to answer any questions you may have.
Common Infections from Dog Bites
Dogs’ mouths are riddled with various types of bacteria, with canine bites causing serious infections. Some of which include:
Streptococcus (Strep) Infections
Group A streptococcal infections, more commonly known as strep, occur when a microorganism enters your body and makes you ill. Strep can cause sore throats and, in more serious cases, blood infections.
Strep can also cause the following conditions:
- Cellulitis: A bacterial infection that occurs on the skin and can impact underlying tissue. Symptoms include pain, swelling, fever, chills, and fluid-filled blisters.
- Impetigo: Reddish sores that may appear on the skin, usually around the nose or mouth.
- Strep throat: Bacterial infection that causes sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
In more severe cases, dog bite victims may experience scarlet fever, bloodstream infections, and necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating bacteria).
Staphylococcus Aureus (Staph) Infections
More commonly known as staph, Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found on the skin and nose, not causing any harm. However, a dog bite can cause staph to get into the bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs, and heart, causing a life-threatening infection.
Common symptoms include skin that is swollen or painful to the touch, blisters, fever, chills, and general malaise. If the infection gets into your bloodstream, you may experience a fast heart rate, shortness of breath, and disorientation. In addition to streptococcus, staph infection is another known cause of cellulitis.
Capnocytophaga
Although Capnocytophaga is found in the mouths of dogs and cats, it only causes a problem in people with weakened immune systems. If you are immunocompromised, you will be more vulnerable to this bacterium. It is crucial that you watch out for blisters around the area of your bite, swelling or draining pus, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, and/or fever, as these may be signs of Capnocytophaga. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream, inflammation of the heart lining (endocarditis) and meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes) may occur.
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries Under PA Law
Unlike other states that have the “one-bite rule,” allowing dog owners to escape liability for the first bite, Pennsylvania law holds dog owners legally responsible for any and all attacks. Dog owners must pay the victim’s medical bills that result from the attack, including the costs for any surgeries, treatments, follow-up visits, and rehabilitative therapies.
The owner may attempt to avoid liability by claiming that you provoked the animal, since this would mean that you contributed to your own injuries. If this happens to you, you need experienced representation to defend your interests. Thankfully, our dog bite lawyers in Reading, PA, are ready to put our knowledge and skills to work for you to guarantee the best possible outcome.
Speak with a Reading Dog Bite Attorney Today
While we often think of dogs as being “man’s best friend,” the fact of the matter is that canines can be unpredictable. If you or a loved one were recently attacked by a dog, the legal team at HGSK Injury Lawyers would like to speak with you. Our personal injury lawyers know what factors build a winning case, having successfully recovered over $500 million for injured parties.
To schedule your free consultation with one of our Reading, PA, dog bite lawyers, we can be reached online or by calling (267) 551-8782.