Infection, Rabies, Tetanus, and Other Medical Complications
Sometimes more than frightening incidents, dog bites can lead to serious medical complications. When complications such as infection, rabies exposure, or tetanus arise, the value of a dog bite claim can increase significantly due to higher medical costs and lasting impacts.
Talk to an Atlanta dog bite lawyer after having a bite looked over by a medical professional. Understanding physical risks is important for both your health and your legal case.
Infection: A Common and Costly Complication
Dog mouths contain bacteria that can easily infect puncture wounds or torn skin. Even bites that appear minor can develop infections such as cellulitis, abscesses, or sepsis if not treated promptly.
Infections often require:
- Prescription antibiotics
- Wound debridement or surgical cleaning
- Hospitalization in severe cases
- Follow-up care to prevent scarring or nerve damage
From a legal perspective, infection can raise the value of a personal injury claim because it increases medical expenses, extends recovery time, and may cause permanent damage or disfigurement. Insurance companies often underestimate the seriousness of infected dog bite wounds, making legal advocacy essential.
Rabies Exposure: A High-Stakes Medical Emergency
Although rabies is rare in domesticated pets, any dog bite from an unvaccinated, stray, or unknown animal raises serious concerns. Rabies can be fatal once symptoms appear, so potential exposure requires immediate preventive treatment, often involving multiple post-exposure vaccinations.
Rabies-related claims may involve:
- Emergency medical visits
- Vaccination series and immunoglobulin injections
- Emotional distress related to fear of disease
- Extended monitoring and follow-up care
Because rabies exposure carries extreme medical and psychological consequences, it can significantly increase compensation, particularly when negligence, such as an owner’s failure to vaccinate or control their dog, is involved.
Tetanus: A Hidden but Serious Risk
Dog bites can introduce bacteria that lead to tetanus, a dangerous infection affecting the nervous system. Victims who are not up to date on tetanus vaccinations may require booster shots or additional medical treatment.
Complications from tetanus exposure may include:
- Muscle spasms and severe pain
- Hospital stays in serious cases
- Long recovery periods
These added medical concerns can elevate a claim’s value by demonstrating increased risk, treatment costs, and physical suffering.
In Georgia dog bite cases, compensation often depends on the severity of injuries, cost of treatment, and long-term impact on the victim’s life. Complications can support higher damages. In order to connect with these supports, there needs to be evidence of harm, including expanded medical expenses, longer recovery timelines, increased trauma, or scarring.
Proof of heightened negligence if the dog owner failed to vaccinate, restrain, or supervise their pet could be part of a strong claim, too. An experienced Atlanta dog bite lawyer can gather medical records, expert testimony, and evidence of liability to ensure these complications are fully reflected in settlement negotiations or litigation.
Are you healing after an animal attack? If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite, seek medical care immediately and document all treatments, symptoms, and expenses. The lawyers at Zagoria Neely Injury Attorneys can help you hold negligent dog owners accountable. Contact us today.
