Dogs are great companions to many Massachusetts residents and enrich their owners’ lives through love and companionship. However, it is not uncommon for dogs and humans to have aggressive and sometimes even dangerous interactions. When dogs bite ,the consequences can be medically and emotionally significant.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 4.5 million dog bites happen every year in the United States. Of those 4.5 million, around 900,000 bites will result in infections in the victims’ bodies. Infections are not the only threats that dog bite victims face, however, as emotional trauma, scarring, disfigurement and other diseases are all also possible threats.
There are several transmittable diseases that humans can contract from dogs when they suffer bites. While disease transmission is not common, some of the disorders that dogs can carry can be life-threatening to their human victims. One of those diseases is rabies, an illness that affects a victim’s brain and can result in death if left untreated.
Pastuerella is a bacteria that can cause a serious infection in humans, particularly those with weakened immune systems. In addition to redness and pain at the bite site this bacterial infection can cause a victim’s lymph nodes to swell and difficulties for the victim to move.
Other diseases that can be transmitted from dog bites include but are not limited to MRSA and tetanus. Serious complications can develop from these and the other diseases and disorders that dogs can pass to humans when they attack. Readers of this post who have suffered dog bites are strongly encouraged to seek medical help to ensure that their health is protected and are also reminded that this blog provides neither medical nor legal advice. Once they have addressed their health concerns that may then wish to discuss their legal rights with personal injury lawyers in their communities.
