Host of Bacteria in Dogs Mouths
As a dog bite lawyer I have written several articles in these pages about the dangers of dog bites. I’ve talked about bacteria in dogs mouths that can get into a person’s system when bitten and if not treated can lead to infection. In one extraordinary case, (see the embedded YouTube video) a man lost his arms and legs after merely being licked by a dog. Such is the virulence of some strains of bacteria.
Several different types of bacteria can be found in animals’ mouths including Staphylococcus, Pasteurella canis, Neisseria and Corynebacterium, among others. For a more thorough examination of animal bites and bacteria the National Institutes of Health has a detailed article you can read at your leisure. For most of us, however, it suffices to say that there can be a lot of dangerous stuff in a dog’s mouth.
Studies have been done on the various bacteria harbored in the mouths of animals, including dogs and cats. One of these, capnocytophaga, is routinely found along the gum line of cats and dogs. Those animals are used to this particular bacterium and it does them no harm. Humans, however, can be negatively affected by it. Some of us even have a type of capnocytophaga in our own mouths and depending on some preexisting conditions (e.g., those with weakened immune systems) problems can occur. When the bacteria enter a person’s bloodstream, the most serious effects can be felt. These can include septicemia (which is an infection in the blood), endocarditis (and inflammation of the heart lining), inflammation of the face, lymph nodes, brain (membrane) or eyes.
Suffice it to say that any one of these can be devastating, especially when left untreated. As I alluded to, above, bacteria can get into your system even without a bite. While that case may be rare it should still serve as a cautionary tale about dogs and bacteria. What if you are one of those rare individuals that is extremely susceptible to bacterial infection and you happen to be bitten by a dog? No one really wants to contemplate that. In the above case, the victim was not attacked but extreme injuries such as he suffered would be made all the more agonizing if it were the result of a dog attack or bite and if that dog should have been restrained but wasn’t. If it were the fault of a dog owner not to adequately protect others from the potential of being bitten, injuries as serious as those requiring amputation would be a source of untold anguish.
Worst Dog Bite Case Scenarios
Imagine the loss of limbs and what that would entail. Imagine the amount of care necessary to attempt to resume normal activities. Cooking. Writing. Dressing oneself. Any one of those would be a gargantuan change in lifestyle and quality of life. Fortunately, our personal injury laws in California are written to protect those who suffer such injuries at the hands of another, another’s pet (in this case, dog) and/or the negligence of that pet owner.
Those injuries and the damages and changes they bring about must be compensated. It’s for exactly that reason that a dog bite attorney, one versed in the laws concerning dog bite injuries, can play a vital role in seeing that the dog bite victim is remunerated for his or her injuries and that the cost of such life changes is taken care of. Without a personal injury attorney on the side of the victim the results could be much different.
Dog bites: bacterial playground
Even in cases of extreme suffering and life-altering events, insurance companies will try to limit the amount of compensation they pay out to a victim. It may be in their financial interest but it does nothing to relieve the suffering of someone whose life has been upturned by the bite of a dog. Hiring a dog bite attorney such as myself means you have an advocate who can negotiate form a position of strength either with the insurance company or in a courtroom due to his or her training and experience. When justice needs to be done, it’s an attorney like me that will see the case through to the best possible outcome for the dog bite client.
If we can take away one thing from all of this it is that we all need to be careful when dealing with animals (and dogs especially). Family pets are one thing but any stranger’s dog is an unknown quantity. Because they carry so much and so many different types of bacteria, it’s best to steer clear of strange dogs. If, through no fault of your own, you are bitten, it’s extremely important that you seen treatment immediately. We have discussed the possible results. After treatment, however, seek out the most experienced dog bite lawyer in your area. In Tustin and Orange County, that’s me. I and my staff have extensive experience with dog bite cases and know the ins and outs of the Orange County court system. We’ll fight to make sure your rights are protected and that you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve and to which you are entitled. Bitten? Call my office today! 714-544-1460.