Although dogs can be friendly, loyal pets, they can also cause serious harm when they attack. Dog bites may result in scarring, muscle damage, nerve damage and infections. These conditions, including cellulitis, can result in lifelong damage and may even be life-threatening.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, seek medical treatment immediately. Even if the damage is superficial, you may still develop an infection. Read on to learn more about cellulitis and how it can affect your life.
What is cellulitis?
Dogs’ mouths are full of bacteria, and when they puncture the skin, there is a significant risk of infection. Cellulitis is an infection caused by the staphylococcus bacteria, which affects the deeper layers of skin.
Symptoms of cellulitis include redness and swelling at the wound site, sometimes with a red, streaked appearance. The infection may leak yellow fluid or pus, and the patient may have a fever and chills as their body fights off the infection.
Typically, doctors can diagnose cellulitis during a physical examination. They will likely prescribe a course of oral antibiotics. For persistent cases, intravenous antibiotics or further interventions may be necessary.
Left untreated, cellulitis can cause serious health problems. You may experience chronic swelling, blood infections and damage to your lymph nodes. Severe, deep tissue infections can cause necrotizing fasciitis, which is life-threatening.
What to do if you’re bitten by a dog
When you suffer a dog attack, first, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Cellulitis is only one of many possible dog bite complications, and severe bites may require stitches or other medical intervention.
If you’re physically able to get photos of your immediate injuries, or eyewitness contact information, collect those items before you leave the scene. If the dog owner leaves without giving you their contact information, you and your attorney may be able to track them down through eyewitness statements.
Once your medical condition is stable, call the Law Offices of Tim Misny. Ohio is a strict liability dog bite state: owners are liable whenever their dog bites someone, even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before. We’ll evaluate your claim and explain your legal options, whether that’s filing an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit against a negligent dog owner. The more severe your bite, the more important it is to pursue compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering and other damages.
Call a Columbus personal injury lawyer today
If you suffered a serious dog bite, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Get in touch with me at (877) 614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case as soon as possible.
