Dog Bite Infections

The Hidden Danger of Dog Bites: Serious Infections

Dog bite infections are one of the most serious risks after a dog attack. Beyond the pain of dog bites, even a small wound can lead to a nasty infection if left untreated. In Illinois, dog bites occur every day, and infected dog bites can cause rabies infection, tetanus, or dangerous bacterial illnesses.

At Dog Bite Injury Lawyer, we help victims get the urgent medical care they need and hold negligent dog owners accountable. Wash the wound with warm water, use a clean cloth and sterile bandage, and seek help from a healthcare professional right away to prevent infection and protect your legal rights.

Our Dog Bite Settlements

Our experienced attorneys have secured substantial settlements for Illinois victims suffering from dog bite infections, severe wounds, and other lasting injuries. Our results reflect our commitment to holding negligent dog owners accountable and ensuring our clients receive the medical care and financial compensation they need to heal and rebuild their lives.

We work closely with medical professionals to document the full extent of injuries, including the risk of infection and long-term effects of dog bites, so that every case is supported by solid evidence.

Here are a few examples of our results:

$885,000 Settlement: A teenage boy was attacked by a large dog at a cookout and knocked into a bonfire, causing serious burns as well as dog bitea. This settlement covered his medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional trauma.
$177,555 Settlement: A delivery driver was mauled by a Giant Schnauzer while delivering packages, suffering nerve damage from dog bites to his dominant hand and missing months of work. Our legal team secured damages for lost wages and ongoing care.
$165,454 Recovery: A postal worker was bitten by a Boxer while delivering mail, resulting in lasting injuries and medical treatment. This recovery included compensation for his medical bills, pain, and suffering.

What Makes Us the Best Attorneys for Dog Bite Infection Victims

At Dog Bite Injury Lawyer, we focus on helping Illinois victims recover physically and financially after dog bite infections. Our team brings a proven record of results and recognition that sets us apart in representing victims of infected dog injuries and other severe injuries.

Nationally Recognized Results: Our lead attorney is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction reserved for trial lawyers who have secured significant verdicts and settlements.
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association: As active members of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, we stay on top of state law developments that impact dog bite claims and evolving case law.
Extensive Experience in Infection Cases: We work closely with healthcare professionals to document the risk of infection and ensure clients receive the treatment they need. This includes gathering medical records, vaccination history, and expert testimony to show the full impact of a wound infection on a victim’s life.
No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency-fee basis, so clients don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for their injuries.

Our combination of courtroom skill, medical knowledge, and dedication to client service makes us the clear choice for Illinois residents dealing with infected wounds caused by dog bites.

Common Signs Your Dog Bite Wounds Are Infected

If dog bites are not promptly treated, they can develop a severe infection. Seek immediate medical attention from a doctor if you notice any of these warning signs:

Increasing redness or swelling around the wounds
Warmth or heat radiating from the area of the injury
Severe pain or tenderness that worsens over time
Pus or cloudy drainage coming from the wound
Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms indicating systemic infection
Swollen lymph nodes near the site of the bite
Difficulty moving the affected area or numbness/tingling
Persistent or worsening odor from the wound
Delayed healing or skin discoloration around the injury

These signs of infection can point to dangerous conditions such as rabies, MRSA, or sepsis. Always wash the affected area gently, cover it with a clean bandage, and seek advice from a doctor immediately to prevent infection.

Serious Infections That Can Result From Bite Wounds

A dog’s mouth carries dozens of species of bacteria and viruses. When a dog bite breaks the skin, these microorganisms can enter the bloodstream, creating a high risk of infection.

Even a seemingly small dog bite can lead to a potentially deadly infection if left untreated, which is why it’s critical to see a doctor right away.

Below are some of the most dangerous infections linked to dog bites:

Rabies: A deadly viral disease spread through saliva. Rabies infection attacks the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making urgent medical attention and vaccination essential after a suspected exposure.
Tetanus (Lockjaw): A toxin-producing bacterium that can enter through deep wounds and cause severe muscle stiffness, spasms, and potentially life-threatening complications.
Staph and Strep Infections (Including MRSA): Common bacteria on dogs’ skin and in their mouths. When transferred to humans, they can cause skin abscesses, cellulitis, or systemic infections requiring strong antibiotics.
Pasteurella: A type of bacteria frequently found in animal bites, causing pain, swelling, and potentially serious joint or bone infections if untreated.
Capnocytophaga: Bacteria present in the mouths of dogs that can cause bloodstream infections, sepsis, and meningitis, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

These pathogens make it clear why cleaning the wound and promptly consulting a doctor are so important to prevent infection and protect your health.

How to Protect Your Health and Legal Rights After a Bite

Taking quick action after a dog attack can protect both your health and your right to compensation. Follow these essential steps to reduce the risk of infection and strengthen your potential legal claim:

Seek Medical Attention

Wash the wound area gently with warm water and a clean cloth, apply a sterile bandage, and visit a doctor immediately. Prompt care helps prevent infection, ensures proper wound cleaning, and provides needed antibiotics or vaccines such as rabies or tetanus.

Document Your Injuries

Take clear photos of the wounds, any signs of infection, and your medical records. This evidence can be crucial if you pursue a legal claim for dog bites.

Preserve Evidence

Save torn clothing, keep receipts for medical care, and gather contact information from people who witnessed the dog harming you.

Consult an Experienced Attorney

When to Call Animal Control

You should report the incident to your local Illinois animal control agency as soon as possible. Filing an official report:

Creates a record of the dog and its owner, which supports your legal claim.
Ensures public safety by checking the dog for rabies or prior attacks.
Helps prevent future attacks by prompting authorities to investigate and take action if necessary.

Holding Owners Accountable for Infected Bite Injuries in Illinois

When a dog bite leads to an infection, victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and painful recovery.

Under Illinois law, a dog’s owner is strictly liable for all damages their animal causes, meaning you do not have to prove negligence to recover compensation. This includes the high cost of treating a complicated infection from a dog bite, as well as the long-term impact of the injuries.

Compensation under Illinois law can cover:

Medical expenses for hospitalization, antibiotics, vaccinations, and follow-up care to treat infected wounds
Lost wages during recovery or time away from work due to infection-related complications
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the dog attack and prolonged healing process
Permanent scarring or disability, especially if the wounds or infection leave lasting damage

By seeing a doctor and contacting an experienced attorney, you can protect both your health and your legal rights. Our firm fights to hold negligent owners accountable and secure full compensation for the harm caused by their animals.

Contact Our Illinois Attorneys for Your Infected Dog Bite

If you’ve suffered an infection from a dog bite, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the medical bills, lost income, and pain caused by someone else’s negligence. We have the experience and dedication to pursue the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.

We offer free, confidential consultations to Illinois residents dealing with infections from dog bites. Our team will review your case, explain your legal rights under Illinois law, and guide you through every step of the recovery process.

Don’t wait—seek medical attention right away to protect your health, and then contact a dog bite lawyer in Chicago to protect your rights. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you recover for your medical expenses, lost wages, and the long-term effects of your injuries.

Client Reviews

All I can say is that I wish I would have contacted these attorneys earlier. After getting low-balled by an insurance company they were able to secure a settlement shortly after I hired them. They were knowledgeable about the law and took the time to understand my situation. I can’t say how pleased...

Sheila C.

I had a work-related dog attack that caused me to fall down a flight of stairs while making a delivery. A friend suggested I talk with these attorneys to help with the workers’ compensation and claim against the homeowner. They took care of both cases for me and handled all of the paperwork to make...

Mike W.

If you are looking for a top dog bite lawyer, call Mr. Rosenfeld and his associates. They are very pleasant to work with and promptly return calls and text messages. I and certain that they can get your case promptly resolved for the fair value.

Jamie S.

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