A dog’s mouth is extremely dirty, and even the healthiest of dogs carry up to 600 bacteria species. If a dog bites or attacks an individual, all this bacteria are transferred from the dog’s mouth into the victim’s blood stream. Even the most minor dog bites may still put a victim at risk of blood poisoning.
Dog bite victims suffer from various kinds of injuries, among which is blood poisoning. Also known as bacteremia, blood poisoning is a possibly life-threatening condition that stems from the presence of bacteria in one’s blood. Blood poisoning is a grave illness that can result in organ failure, and in severe cases, even death.
When left untreated, bacteremia may just lead to sepsis. Sepsis befalls when the immune system overreacts and the infection causes an inflammatory response. Miniscule clots can form in the blood due to the inflammation, which then prevent blood from traveling to organs such as the liver, lungs, kidneys, brain, or heart.
Sepsis often requires emergency medical assistance and hospitalization. If it progresses, a victim’s blood pressure may drop, thus causing septic shock. Septic shock not only leads to multiple organ failure, but in some cases, death.
Signs of Bacteremia and Sepsis
If a dog bites or attacks you, keep an eye out for possible signs of blood poisoning. Common signs of bacteremia include nausea or vomiting, chills, sudden fever, rapid heart rate, and abdominal pain.
Common signs of sepsis, on the other hand, include rapid heart rate, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, mottled skin, warm skin, skin rashes, body temperature below 95 degrees F, fever above 101.3 degrees F, weakness, and other signs of infection.
Hiring An Attorney
If a dog bites you in New Jersey, immediately contact a dog bite attorney from The Grossman Law Firm. A dog bite attorney should be able to help you determine whether you are eligible to file a claim, and will help you recover financial compensation for your injuries and pain and suffering.