Risks of animal bites

While it may not be the kind of injury that one usually associates with a personal injury, animal bites are one of the most common kinds of personal injury suits throughout the country. Animal bites can range in seriousness from relatively inconsequential to fatal, and may leave a victim permanently disabled and disfigured in some terrible cases.

By far, the most common type of animal bite is a dog bite, since they are the kind of animal most commonly domesticated and living among humans. Cats also bite, although they are significantly less common and usually inflict less initial damage due to their relatively small size. However, cat bites are more likely to become infected, due to how sharp their teeth are and how deeply they can puncture into flesh. Both should be treated by a medical professional as soon as possible, even if it doesn’t seem necessary at first. Other animals that commonly inflict bite wounds include marine animals like eels, certain kind of fish or reptiles such as snakes and alligators.

While a bite resulting in an infection is the primary concern for those who have suffered such an injury, there is also the slight possibility of rabies contraction. Even though rabies is extremely rare, it is almost always a fatal disease if contracted. In the United States, almost all rabies is spread by wild animals rather than domesticated pets.

If you have suffered any kind of bite, please take proper steps to have it treated as soon as possible by a medical professional. In the event that there are any substantial injuries, those who have been injured deserve to be compensated for their losses and the cost of professional medical treatment, as well as costs associated with recovery. The guidance of a qualified personal injury attorney can ensure that your rights remain protected as you pursue a fair outcome.

Source: The Law Offices of Tony Farmar and John Dreiser, “Animal Bites,” accessed Oct. 12, 2016