How to Know When a Dog Bite Injury Requires Medical Intervention

For many people, dogs are loving and loyal companions. However, like most animals, they may bite their owners or strangers for a variety of reasons. In the event of a dog bite, victims may suffer serious health complications if they don’t seek medical intervention.

Understanding when a dog bite requires medical attention can help victims address their injuries before they get out of control. Victims of dog bites can also benefit from knowing how to hold a dog owner accountable for personal injury.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Dog Bite

A dog bite victim should seek immediate medical assistance if the bite:

• Penetrates deep into the skin
• Damages muscles
• Causes excessive bleeding

In such instances, immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent infection and help ensure proper wound care.

Victims should also rush to the nearest hospital if their wound becomes red, swollen, warm or discharges pus. These signs may indicate that the wound may be infected. Other signs include fever, chills and swollen lymph nodes. Dog saliva carries bacteria like Pasteurella and Capnocytophaga, which can cause severe infections in a bite wound that’s left untreated.

Medical intervention is also required if direct pressure does not stop the bleeding within 10 to 15 minutes. Excessive blood loss can be dangerous and might indicate damage to an artery or vein.

If a victim experiences numbness, weakness or difficulty moving the affected area, the bite may have caused nerve or tissue damage. A doctor should evaluate the injury to determine the best course of treatment.

Holding the Dog Owner Accountable in Michigan

The Greate Lake State follows the Michigan Dog Bite Statute (MCL 287.351) for dog bites. According to this legislation, dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. The dog bite victims can pursue compensation if the bite occurred in a public place. However, the victim needs to demonstrate that they did not provoke the dog in any way.

Dog bites can lead to serious health complications for unsuspecting victims who get attacked. Seeking prompt medical attention can help ensure proper treatment and prevent complications. Victims bitten by a dog in Michigan generally have the right to hold the owner accountable for their injuries if they didn’t provoke the aggressive dog at issue.