Handling animal bites in Indiana

On behalf of Steven Crell of Steve Crell Law posted in Animal Bites on Wednesday, December 9, 2015.

An animal bite can be both painful and dangerous regardless of the type of animal responsible for the bite. Although an individual is more likely to be bitten by a dog, it is more likely for a cat bite to become infected. It is estimated that 1 percent of dog bites become infected while up to 10 percent of cat bites become infected.

Infection occurs when bacteria enters the body through any bite that breaks the skin. The risk for infection is increased for those who are bitten in the fingers or hands as the body has a harder time getting rid of bacteria located there. Signs of infection include swelling and pain near the bite site, and cat wounds may be especially dangerous as the skin can heal quickly and trap bacteria below.

It is important to clean any animal bite as soon as possible. Those who notice signs or symptoms of infection should seek medical attention even if symptoms are mild. In the event that a bite does not break the skin, the odds of an infection are much lower. However, cuts or lacerations are prime locations for infections, which means medical attention may still be warranted. Those who are bitten by any wild animal may wish to be tested for rabies.

Those who have been bitten by an animal could experience broken bones, cuts or bacterial infections. These injuries could require hospitalization or time off from work for treatment by a medical professional. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to talk to an attorney about taking legal action against the animal’s owner or other relevant entities after a bite. Compensation may be available to pay for hospital and other medical bills as well as to help an individual recoup lost wages or lost future earnings.