Some dog bites may appear harmless, while vicious attacks can lead to serious injury or death; however, even a small dog bite can easily escalate to a fatal illness or rabies, and ultimately cause death. If a dog bite breaks the skin, seek medical attention to avoid infection or disease. This is especially crucial when an unfamiliar or unknown dog bites you or a loved one.
Do not wait until symptoms of infection arise before seeking assistance. Small bites can be treated at your local doctor’s office, walk-in clinic, or minor injuries unit. Take the following actions if a dog bite breaks the skin:
- Stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the wound. Apply pressure to the bleed using sterile gauze or a clean towel.If the bleeding is severe, contact 911 immediately.
- If the bleeding is minor, immediately cleanse the puncture wound with soap and water.
- Once the bleeding has ceased, apply antibiotic ointment to the affected region.
- Use a bandage or sterile gauze to cover the affected area.
- Administer acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.
- Seek medical attention.
Most persons who become unwell after being bitten will exhibit symptoms within three to five days; however, this might range from one to fourteen days. The majority of Capnocytophaga infections are caused by dog or cat bites.
If you have not received a tetanus shot within the past 10 years, you may be required to have one; if you are unsure of the date of your previous tetanus shot and have been bitten, you should receive one within 72 hours after your injury. If bitten, disinfect and treat the wound as you would a small wound if the bleeding is minimal.
The most prevalent signs of infection caused by animal bites include redness, discomfort, swelling, and inflammation at the bite site. If any of these symptoms persist for longer than 24 hours, you should seek medical attention immediately. Additional signs of infection include pus or fluid leaking from a wound.
In the United States, vaccines for rabies consists of a 14-day regimen that includes one dose of immune globulin and four doses of rabies vaccine. Your healthcare provider should administer rabies immune globulin and the initial dose of rabies vaccine as soon as feasible after exposure.
For legal purposes, you should immediately document the bite by taking pictures with your cell phone or other camera. It is imperative to document the extent of the injury, especially injuries to the face. Be sure to document any bruising or swelling in the days subsequent to the bite as well.
In addition to photographs, try to gather as much information about the dog as possible. You will want to discover information as to whether the dog has attacked and bitten any other individuals or threatened to bite any other individuals.
Often, dog owners will claim that the victim provoked the dog bite after speaking with their insurance company’s lawyer. It is important to document in writing the exact circumstances leading up to the dog bite. Be sure to memorialize any persons present at the scene during the dog bite.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog bite, please contact our law firm immediately. Our firm has represented several victims of dog bites. Dog bites can lead to hundreds of thousands of dollars in future surgeries and medical bills and treatments. Do not assume that you can seek adequate compensation for your injuries and medical expenses without hiring a lawyer experienced in dealing with dog bite cases.
If you were bitten by a dog and live in Louisiana, call our firm today at 225-303-0455 and speak to an experienced lawyer who can obtain the compensation you deserve under the law.