It is always a good idea to see a doctor after a Wisconsin dog bite attack. Most people underestimate the severity of a dog bite injury. While your wound may look small at the surface, a dog’s teeth are long and pointy and can do significant damage under the skin.
It is especially important to see a doctor if you are bitten on your face, head, hands, or feet. Bites on the face or head can leave scars. Immediate treatment can help minimize the scarring. Bites to the hands or feet have a high risk of injuring nerves, tendons, or ligaments that are close to the skin. Damage to these structures can affect function and cause permanent disability.
Dog bites also pose a high risk of infection. Dogs can carry more than 100 disease-causing bacteria in their saliva. Common dog bite infections include pasteurellosis, cellulitis, and tetanus. Washing is a good first step, but it can be difficult to clean a wound well enough to prevent infection. A doctor can look at the wound and prescribe an antibiotic if there is a risk of infection.
You should also see a doctor if:
- You don't know or are not sure if animal that bit you has had all its shots.
- You have a medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, lung disease, or HIV that affects your immune system.
- It has been more than five years since your last tetanus shot.
- The bite is red or swollen or you develop a fever.
There is another reason to see your doctor after a Wisconsin dog attack. The medical records from your doctor’s visit will help create a paper trail that documents your injury. This is important if you develop complications and decide to seek insurance compensation.
Wisconsin dog bite victims may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and disability. If you have trouble getting the insurance compensation you deserve for your dog bite injury, contact the Wausau dog bite attorneys at Hupy and Abraham Call 800-800-5678 to schedule a free consultation.
