When A Dog Bite Leads To Dangerous Complications in New Jersey
Each year, about 4.7 million Americans get bitten by dogs, and the majority of them report no injuries to the medical community. But while dog bites seem common and simple, there are numerous cases where these pet attacks lead to costly and life-threatening complications. As soon as a dog bite breaks the victim’s skin, it is best to see a doctor to ensure that the risk of complications is managed.
Rabies
One of the most notorious dog bite complications is rabies infection. Though most people have heard of rabies, many associate it only with feral or “rabid” animals. In truth, even pets can have rabies, and there is no immediate way to know if an animal carries this virus – the animal will have to be observed for ten days for symptoms of viral infection.
Meanwhile, the bite victim should not wait to talk to a doctor about a possible rabies infection. Humans need pre-immunization to be protected from the rabies virus. If the victim has not been immunized before they bite, they will need a series of injections to prevent the virus from setting in. Without these rabies shots, the virus could incubate, take hold of the central nervous system, and likely kill the patient.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a nervous system disease that causes muscle tightening, stiffening, and spasms, hence its historical name “lockjaw.” It is caused by bacteria in the soil that could enter the human bloodstream via a break in the skin. A dog bite by itself is not considered tetanus-prone, but it could transmit the tetanus bacteria if there is some soil contamination.
Tetanus immunization is fairly common in the US, but most people don’t really remember when they last got a booster shot. Thus, it is wise to get a tetanus shot right after a dog bite.
Bacterial Infections
Other types of bacteria can be transmitted to humans through animal bites. Common bacterial infections from dog bites include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Pasteurella.
Even tiny punctures from a canine’s teeth (such as from playful biting) can introduce these bacteria to the human body. At first, the bite may seem harmless, but if you notice symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain that last for 24 hours or more, see your physician. Worsened cases may involve joint swelling, fever, chills, breathing difficulties, muscle weakness, and loss of sensation. If left untreated for a long time, bacterial infections can be fatal.
Muscle Or Nerve Damage
A deep dog bite can injure important tissues under the skin, such as muscles and nerves. In mild cases, the victim may feel numbness, stinging, or a burning sensation, though these will typically heal on their own without invasive treatment.
But some forms of nerve damage, such as axonotmesis and neurotmesis, can result in motor function impairments, loss of sensation, and paralysis. If a nerve has been severed by the bite, surgery will be needed to reverse as much of the damage as possible, though some symptoms could remain after the operation.
Seriously Injured By an NJ Dog Bite?
If you or someone in your family has been seriously injured from a dog bite complication, you’re likely dealing with a mountain of medical bills. Monetary compensation may be available to you after a dog attack since NJ law holds owners strictly liable. In most civil cases, there is a need to determine negligence to assess liability. With NJ dog bite cases, the owner is automatically deemed liable. In New Jersey, we at The Grossman Law Firm can help you find avenues to get compensated. Talk to us today by calling (732) 625-9494.
Rabies From Dog Bites in New Jersey – What You Need To Know
If someone in your family has been bitten by a dog in New Jersey, you will be worried about rabies. Being a highly dangerous complication from dog bites, the possibility of rabies must be investigated. Be aware of the prevention, symptoms, and treatment of this infection.
Could Your Dog Be Carrying Rabies?
Many people associate rabies only with feral or “rabid” animals, so pet owners may feel confident that their domesticated pet isn’t carrying the rabies virus. The truth is that any warm-blooded animal – even house dogs – can carry rabies. The only way to prevent your pet from contracting this virus is to keep its anti-rabies vaccine up-to-date. Talk to your veterinarian about this aspect of your pet’s health.
If the dog bite came from an unfamiliar animal whose immunization history you don’t know, seek a doctor immediately for an anti-rabies response for the human victim.
How Can Rabies Be Prevented In Humans?
Apart from avoiding contact with an animal’s mouth, the only means of preventing rabies contraction in humans is pre-exposure immunization. This means you should get up-to-date anti-rabies shots before you get bitten. If you get a dog bite without proper immunization, you must see a doctor right away as you will need a series of injections to prevent any infection from setting in.
How Likely Is It To Get Infected With Rabies From A Dog Bite?
Several factors affect a person’s chances of contracting rabies. One is of course the person’s immunization. Another is the severity of the bite – the bigger or deeper the wound, the higher the chances of virus transmission.
The site of the bite also matters greatly. The virus may incubate faster if the wound is on the head, neck, or on any “highly innervated” areas of the body such as the fingers.
What Are The Symptoms Of Rabies Infection In Humans?
If you notice ANY of these symptoms after a dog bite, don’t delay going to a doctor:
- Irritability or aggressiveness;
- Excessive movements or agitation;
- Confusion;
- Hallucinations; or
- Extreme sensitivity to bright lights, sounds, or touch.
How Is Rabies Treated In Humans?
Currently, there is no effective cure for a rabies infection that has set in. This is why it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a dog bite. Your doctor will try to prevent the virus infection by giving you anti-rabies shots such as:
Rabies immune globulin – Fast-acting protection usually injected near the bite site
Rabies vaccine – Given as a series of four doses, on days 0, 3, 7, and 14. Note that the vaccine doesn’t kill the virus directly but only lets your body’s immune system recognize the virus to fight it.
What Happens If Rabies Is Untreated In Humans?
Rabies targets the central nervous system including the brain itself. If a human dog bite victim does not get treatment after the attack, the injury will likely be fatal within a few days. Once the virus spreads in the human body, particularly to the brain, it is too late for any medical treatment to help.
How Much Does Rabies Treatment Cost in New Jersey?
In the US, the price of post-exposure rabies shots varies widely per hospital, usually ranging between $3,000 and $10,000. However, there have been many cases when patients were billed tens of thousands of dollars, including a Glen Ridge, NJ case just this February with a $24,000 hospital bill. Further, not all health insurance policies may cover the expense of post-exposure treatment.
Seriously Injured As a Result of an NJ Dog Bite? Contact Us
One option to recover your medical expenses is by pursuing compensation from the negligent pet owner or handler who allowed your dog bite. Owners are strictly liable for dog bites, leaving little legal room to escape responsibility. To determine whether you have a claim, talk to us at The Grossman Law Firm by calling (732) 625-9494. We have helped numerous NJ residents obtain the compensation they deserved after getting injured due to someone else’s fault.
About Grossman Law
For over 25 years, Personal Injury Attorney Scott Grossman has been fighting for the rights of the injured throughout New Jersey. He has helped thousands obtain their fair and just monetary compensation to pay for medical treatment, pain and suffering, and more. Mr. Grossman and his legal team truly care about their clients and provide each with devoted and individual personal attention. Whether you have been the victim of an NJ motor vehicle accident, trucking accident, dog bite, brain injury, construction accident, pharmacy error, wrongful death, workplace injury or any other type of injury, we are here to help you recover the fair and just compensation you truly deserve.
Our 5 Locations In New Jersey: Freehold, NJ, Clifton, NJ, Old Bridge, NJ, Matawan, NJ, and Sayreville, NJ
