We Care About Your Recovery After A Dog Bite Injury

If you've been bitten by a dog in San Diego, you should be concerned about the risk of infection. One potentially serious complication is a staph infection, which can develop when bacteria from the dog's mouth enter your body through the bite wound.

At The Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC, our experienced San Diego dog bite lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve from the dog owner if you suffer a staph infection or other infection after a dog bite. Here, we explain what you need to know about the connection between dog bites and staph infections and how to protect your rights.

What Is a Staph Infection?

Staph infections are caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, which are commonly found on the skin of humans and animals. In fact, many healthy dogs carry staph bacteria in their mouths. The skin normally acts as a barrier to prevent staph bacteria from entering the body. But a dog bite can push the bacteria deep into the tissue, leading to infection.

While some staph infections are minor, many can become very dangerous or life-threatening if untreated. A type of staph called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRSA) is particularly concerning because it's resistant to many antibiotics. Children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe staph complications.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Staph Infection After a Dog Bite?

Staph infections can develop days after a dog bite, so don't assume you're out of the woods just because the wound looks okay initially. Here are the warning signs to watch for:

• Worsening redness, swelling, or pain around the bite
• Warm, tender skin surrounding the wound
• Pus or fluid drainage from the bite
• Skin sores or rash near the bite
• Fever, chills, or body aches

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical care promptly. When in doubt, head to urgent care or the ER for any bite, even if it seems minor.

When Should You Get Medical Treatment for a Dog Bite If You Suspect You Have a Staph Infection?

Never try to treat a dog bite yourself at home. Whenever a dog bite breaks the skin, it's smart to have a doctor evaluate the wound as soon as possible. Proper cleaning, antibiotic ointment, and oral antibiotics can help prevent staph bacteria from multiplying and causing an infection.

Only medical professionals can thoroughly clean the wound, assess your infection risk, and prescribe the appropriate preventive treatment. If caught early, oral or topical antibiotics can often treat staph. But if the infection spreads, you may need IV antibiotics or surgery in severe cases.

What Are Your Legal Rights After Getting a Staph Infection From a Dog Bite in San Diego?

Under California Civil Code § 3342, California's strict liability dog bite law, dog owners are typically responsible for damages whenever their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place, regardless of the dog's history. That means you can seek compensation for all your infection-related expenses, including:

• Emergency room and hospital bills
• Surgical costs if the infection spreads
• Medication and follow-up treatment expenses
• Lost income from time off work or lost earning capacity damages if you can’t work anymore
• Pain, suffering, and disfigurement

Protect Your Rights by Taking These Critical Steps

The insurance company could try to downplay your injuries or shift blame to you to deny your claim or reduce the amount they must pay you in a settlement. You must fight back by building a strong dog bite infection case. Our San Diego dog bite lawyer recommends you take these vital steps to protect your rights:  

• Report the dog bite. Contact the San Diego Humane Society Humane County Humane Enforcement Department right away. This will create an official record of the incident and allow the agency to investigate the dog's history.
• Take photos. Use your cellphone camera to take pictures of the dog, the scene of the attack, and your wounds immediately after the bite and throughout the healing process. Visual evidence of the severity and progression of your injuries will be crucial to your claim.
• Take care of your health. Have a doctor examine your dog bite wound immediately. This will protect your health and avoid disputes with the insurance company about the cause and severity of your staph infection.
• Save records. Keep all medical bills and records related to your staph infection treatment and wage losses. This paper trail will help demonstrate the financial impact of the bite.
• Keep a journal. Start detailing your pain levels, physical limitations, and emotional trauma during your recovery in a journal. Your journal entries can help us obtain the maximum amount of pain and suffering damages in your settlement. 
• Retain an attorney. Contact our skilled San Diego dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. We can protect your rights and guide you through the legal process while you focus on healing.

How The Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC, Can Help

After a dog bite in San Diego, having skilled legal representation on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Here is how attorney Mark Blane will help you build a winning case:

• Investigate the dog bite. Mark will thoroughly investigate the attack, interview witnesses, gather crucial evidence, and hire expert witnesses if necessary to support your claim. The more proof we have, the stronger your case will be.
• Consult with your doctor. Our legal team will work with your medical providers to collect records documenting the full extent of your staph infection and its impact on your life. This will help us establish the true value of your damages.
• Negotiate your settlement. Mark will handle all communication and negotiation with the dog owner's insurance company, fighting tirelessly to secure a fair settlement on your behalf. He won't let them take advantage of you during this vulnerable time.
• Litigate your claim. If necessary, we’ll take your case to trial to achieve the compensation you deserve. Mark is a fierce litigator who won't hesitate to argue your case in court.

If you're coping with a staph infection after a dog bite in the San Diego area, don't try to settle your claim on your own. Our dedicated dog bite lawyer will stand by your side every step of the way as we pursue justice together.