What Are Common Complications of Dog Bites?

Types of Dog Bites by Severity

Dog bites can vary significantly, and understanding the level of severity is crucial for determining the appropriate response. One veterinarian developed a scale to identify the extent of the damage and evaluate the animal’s level of aggressiveness:

• Level 1: A warning snap or aggressive behavior where the dog makes no contact with the skin.
• Level 2: A bite that involves skin contact but does not break the skin, typically indicating the dog’s intent to warn rather than cause harm.
• Level 3: A bite resulting in up to four shallow puncture wounds shorter than the full length of the dog’s teeth, often showing that the bite was more than just a warning.
• Level 4: A more severe bite with deeper puncture wounds, possibly accompanied by gashes or tears, suggesting the dog clamped down and shook its head.
• Level 5: Multiple bites with deep puncture wounds, indicating a high level of aggression and significant risk of serious injury.
• Level 6: Very aggressive attacks in which the dog consumes flesh or causes the victim’s death.

These classifications not only help professionals assess the seriousness of the injury but also provide insight into the dog’s behavior, which can help animal control officials make decisions.

Infections and Medical Care After Dog Bites

Severe dog bites can lead to serious complications, particularly for bites on the hands, face, or joints. Some of these complications have lasting impacts on the victim’s physical and emotional well-being.

Staph and Strep Infections

Dogs’ mouths harbor numerous bacteria that can be harmful when introduced into a wound. Even if the wound is cleaned immediately, these bacteria can be pushed deep into the tissue, leading to infections.

Staph and strep infections are common after dog bites. They can spread rapidly and cause significant discomfort and health risks if untreated.

Symptoms of an infected bite wound include redness, swelling, warmth around the bite area, pus discharge, and fever. Prompt medical care is essential. Treatment may involve antibiotics and, in severe cases, hospitalization to prevent complications.

Tetanus

Tetanus is a type of bacteria that frequently lives in the intestines of animals. Although it is not commonly found in dogs, many physicians recommend a tetanus shot after a dog bite as a precaution.

A tetanus infection can damage your nervous system and become life-threatening.

If you haven’t had a recent booster, your medical treatment after a dog bite might include a tetanus shot.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Although many dogs in the United States have been vaccinated against rabies, the disease remains a serious concern for people bitten by stray or unvaccinated animals.

Signs of rabies in a dog include aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis. If there’s any suspicion of rabies, immediate medical attention is necessary. The typical treatment is called “rabies post-exposure prophylaxis” and includes a series of rabies vaccinations.

Nerve Damage

The force of a dog’s teeth tearing the skin can cause significant physical injuries, including nerve damage. This can lead to:

• Numbness: Loss of sensation in the affected area.
• Loss of function: Difficulty or inability to move certain body parts, particularly if the bite occurs on the hands or face.
• Paralysis: Partial or complete paralysis of the affected area in severe cases.

Some nerve injuries may require surgical intervention and can lead to long-term complications if not treated promptly and properly.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Dog bites often leave scars, which may cause ongoing pain or discomfort. These scars are particularly distressing when a victim is bitten on visible areas such as the face, neck, or hands. They often have a significant impact on a person’s appearance, leading to feelings of self-consciousness.

In severe cases, multiple surgeries or cosmetic procedures may be needed to reduce the appearance of scars and improve the victim’s quality of life.

Psychological Impact

The trauma of being bitten by a dog can lead to long-lasting psychological effects, including:

• Anxiety and fear: Victims may develop a fear of dogs or become anxious in environments where dogs are present.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): The sudden and violent nature of a dog bite can cause PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks and nightmares.
• Impact on daily life: These psychological effects can interfere with a victim’s ability to engage in normal activities, such as walking in parks or interacting with dogs.

To deal with the emotional trauma they experience after a dog bite, a victim might enter counseling or psychiatric treatment in order to manage their symptoms.

How Long After a Dog Bite Does the Infection Set In?

Many infections set in just 24 to 48 hours after a dog bite. Uninfected bites should begin to heal after two days. If the bite area doesn’t seem to be getting better, this may be the first sign of an infection.

Infections set in quickly because bacteria in the dog’s mouth can be introduced deep into the tissue. Even if the wound appears minor, bacteria like Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus can thrive in the warm, moist environment of the puncture wound.

Some early signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth around the bite area, and discharge of pus. As the infection progresses, more severe symptoms such as fever, chills, and lymph node swelling may develop.

To help prevent infections, clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention. Contact your doctor immediately if any signs of infection appear. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics as a first-line treatment, but more intensive medical care may be required if the infection has spread.

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?

After a dog bite, your health should be your first priority. Your second priority can be gathering information to protect your legal rights.

Protect Your Health

Get to a safe area away from the dog to prevent further injury and call 911 if you need emergency care.

If the injury seems relatively minor, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water to minimize the risk of infection. Apply an antiseptic to further clean the area and reduce the chance of bacteria entering the wound.

It’s best to seek medical attention for any animal bites, even minor ones. Consult a healthcare provider to determine whether you need stitches, antibiotics, or a tetanus shot and to rule out conditions like rabies.

Report the Incident

Try to get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner, but don’t share details about how the bite happened without speaking to a lawyer. You should also notify local animal control or law enforcement to officially document the bite. This step is important for rabies monitoring and may help in any potential legal claim.

Document Your Injuries

Take photos of the wound, keep medical records, and save any communications with authorities or the dog’s owner. This evidence can be crucial if you later file a personal injury claim or take other legal action.

How Much Compensation Do You Get for a Dog Bite?

The amount of compensation you can receive for a dog bite depends on several factors, including your location, the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, your lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life.

For instance, the Insurance Information Institute reported that the average dog bite claim in the U.S. was approximately $58,545 in 2023. However, this figure represents an average and does not necessarily apply to your case. The outcomes of some claims are much lower, while very serious injuries can result in settlements of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

To determine what your claim might be worth, consult with an experienced dog bite attorney. They can assess your case, including the extent of your injuries and any long-term consequences, to help you understand the potential compensation you could be entitled to.

How Do You Calculate a Dog Bite Settlement?

To estimate a potential settlement, your dog bite lawyer will review your case and assess several factors that may affect the overall value of your claim. These factors include:

• Severity of your injuries.
• Extent and costs of any medical treatment you require, including plastic surgery and psychological treatment.
• Lost wages, including future lost wages, if your ability to earn a living is affected.
• Extent of the physical and emotional distress caused by the bite.

Legal professionals and insurance companies may use a combination of these factors, along with relevant state laws and precedents, to arrive at a fair settlement amount. A skilled dog bite attorney will leave no avenue unexplored when negotiating a settlement that fully compensates their client for their losses.

Your Recovery Matters: Contact a Dog Bite Attorney Today for the Compensation You Deserve

Dog bites can have serious consequences, both physically and emotionally. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a dog bite, we can help. Schedule a free consultation with our seasoned dog bite attorney today to discuss your case. Your health, well-being, and peace of mind are worth the effort.