Davis Law Group was recently hired to represent the estate of a man who died from an infection following a dog bite. Most people might be surprised at hearing a person die from a dog bite infection, but it’s true. It can happen.
The man was actually bitten on the finger. He went home where his wife cleaned the wound with disinfectant and sterile bandages. But the wound continued to hurt and then started to ooze puss. The man visited the hospital two days later, where he went into a septic shock. A blood clot formed in his leg, and then suddenly released where the bacterium went through his body and into his heart. The man was pronounced dead 10 days after the bite occurred.
The medical examiner determined that the cause of death was capnocytophaga canimorsus. This refers to a common bacteria found in the saliva of dogs and cats.
Dog bites affect 2 million people every year. Although death from a dog bite infection is rare, it can happen as the above case amply illustrates.
Inflammation at the site of the dog bite is the most common sign of infection. Redness and swelling generally develop within 8 hours, but it can take up to 24 hours. You may notice increased warmth around the wound. This is also a sign of infection, as is pus or a white discharge. If lymph glands become enlarged or sensitive, this can also be a sign of infection. Another sign is reddish streaks on the arms or legs radiating from the dog bite wound.
If you are bitten, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you think the wound is not serious, an infection can quickly spread and cause serious problems, including death.
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Thank you for your inquiry. Often times a healthcare plan will want to be reimbursed from the at-fault party’s insurance company if a claim will be pursued. This is typically called a “subrogation” or “reimbursement” right that is spelled out your health plan contract. However, the plan can only ask for reimbursement if you receive money from the at-fault carrier. If you don’t pursue a claim against the responsible dog owner, then no right of subrogation or reimbursement exists.
My 11 year old son was bitten by a German Shepherd in a totally unprovoked attack (we were just walking past, the dog was in the yard and not chained up when he ran up, growled and bit him). Luckily it was just one bite on his hip/thigh. We went immediately to the ER where they cleaned the waund and prescribed anti biotics. We have medical insurance, but my question is, will our medical insurance company want to be reimbursed by the owner of the dog? ( fyi The police and Health District are involved – the dog in now in quarantine, is 6 years old and has apparently never bitten before)