Chicago Accident Lawyer Blog
The dog bite lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. have litigated and settled many dog bite cases and from experience we have noticed that as surprisingly high percentage of dog bite wounds become infected. That is why it is it is important for dog bite victims must carefully monitor themselves after seeing the doctor for any signs of infection, redness around the bite site, pain to the touch, and fever. If signs of infection appear it is important that the dog bite victim go to his doctor or to the hospital as soon as possible and not wait for the next scheduled appointment.
Dog bites can result in severe injuries, with the “hole and tear” effect of canine teeth causing significant damage, especially in younger victims. The biting force of dogs varies significantly, with some breeds capable of exerting extreme force. Pit bull bites and bites from larger dogs can be especially gruesome. In fact according to the Center for Disease Control pit bulls were involved in more fatal dog attacks than any other breed in a survey done from 1979 to 1998.
Another of the critical concerns in dog bite cases is the risk of infection. Injuries are often sutured when they should be left open, and there’s a challenge in administering the correct antimicrobial prophylaxis. Dog bite-related infections can be severe and polymicrobial, involving pathogens like Pasteurella and Bacteroides spp. Some of these infections can even be life threatening and may require a hospital stay to fight the infection.
If you have been bitten by a dog and have been injured, you can call the dog bite lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. for a free consultation to ensure that your rights are protected.