Alabama Dog Bite Disease Attorney

Each year about 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by a dog, according to a study from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of those who are bitten, one in five will require some kind of medical care to treat their dog-related injuries. With 850,000 dog bite victims needing medical attention each year, dog bite diseases are a serious threat to women, men, and children throughout the country.

Recent estimates project that approximately 1,000 Americans are sent to the emergency room each day for treatment of a dog bite injury. Due to the unpredictable nature of any animal, anticipating an attack is somewhat impossible. With this in mind, one should never approach a dog without permission from the owner. In addition, dog owners must pay careful attention to those who approach their dog, ensuring that the animal is under the owner’s control.

Beyond cuts, bruises, and skin abrasions, dog bite diseases are the most common medical condition related to dog bite injuries. Because a dog attack can occur at any moment, it is imperative that Alabama residents understand what to do in the event of an accident. When a dog bites you or a loved one, medical attention is typically a necessity. A medical professional will have the ability to determine if any disease is present, as many dog bites appear as simple surface wounds.

Citrin Law Firm appreciates man’s best friend and many of our staff members own dogs. Nevertheless, we feel strongly about protecting our children and loved ones from dangerous animal attacks. As a result, we feel that the dog owners must be held responsible for the damages that their dogs cause to others.

To learn more, please complete a Free Case Review on this page.

Dog Bite Diseases

When a dog attacks and bites you or a loved one, the skin of the victim is usually torn or broken. Many dog bite victims see a cut or wound after an attack and assume that this was the extent of injury. This assumption should never be made. Dogs carry a number of potential diseases within their saliva. When a dog bite occurs, the saliva may possibly pass along this disease or illness to the bite victim.

The following are the most common types of dog bite diseases:

Capnocytophaga Infection

Beginning from the bacterium that exists in dogs’ mouths, this dog bite infection may cause the dog bite victim to develop sepsis. Capnocytophaga is also referred to as blood poisoning or septicemia. This dog bite disease is especially worrisome for those with a weakened immune system. After contracting this infection, victims are subject to a number of health problems.

Pasteurellosis

All dogs, both healthy and unhealthy, have bacteria in their saliva known as pasteurella. After a dog attack, the bitten victim may experience infection as the saliva enters the human’s body through the open wound. Some of the common symptoms associated with pasteurellosis are swelling, pain, and redness in the skin surrounding the bite, Vomiting and headaches are also commonly linked to this dog bite disease.

Rabies

One of the most well-known dog bite diseases, rabies is the most deadly disease for both humans and animals that can be contracted from a dog bite. As a lethal infection, rabies often leads to a fatality if the bite victim is not treated immediately. Fortunately, the vaccinations required for most Americans have led to a great reduction in the number of dog bite victims developing rabies.

Staph Infections

When a dog’s saliva is introduced to the victim’s bloodstream, a staph infection may develop. The bacterium normally lives on the skin; yet do not show adverse effects unless entering broken skin. The most common symptoms associated with staph infections are swelling, fever, severe headache, and pain where the bite took place.

Tetanus

The majority of the country is required to receive a tetanus shot prior to entering school or joining the workforce, which leaves the person immune to the effects of the disease. However, tetanus is a serious dog bite disease. Symptoms usually include muscle spasms and fever, as the body tries to fight off the toxin within the disease. Seek medical attention immediately if you begin to feel these symptoms.

Contact a Dog Bite Disease Attorney Today

Dog bite diseases have the potential to inflict serious damage upon the accident victim. Citrin Law Firm believes that the owners of these dangerous dogs must be held liable for the injuries that they cause innocent victims. If you or a loved one has suffered injury due to a dog bite attack, you may be entitled to compensation from the owner for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our Mobile dog bite lawyers are prepared to take on your case today.

Servicing both Mobile and Baldwin counties, our staff takes pride in giving back to the Alabama community. We share a passion for the law, and even more so, a passion for protecting the rights of Alabama residents. With years of experience, expert resources, and unmatched dedication, our dog bite attorneys are always helping people.

Complete a Free Case Review on this page to get started.