If a dog bites you on another person’s property, the circumstances surrounding the attack may raise questions about responsibility. In Nevada, a dog owner or property owner may potentially be held liable when negligence contributed to the incident and your resulting injuries.
Nevada premises liability may therefore become relevant to your dog bite claim. You should also pay close attention to the wound after the attack because bacteria can enter through broken skin. Recognizing signs of infection can help you seek medical care before the condition becomes more serious.
Redness and swelling get worse
Some redness and swelling can develop shortly after a dog bite. However, you should watch for symptoms that become progressively worse instead of improving as the wound heals. Redness that spreads beyond the bite area or swelling that continues to increase may indicate infection. Monitoring the wound regularly can help you identify these changes.
Pain and warmth increase
Your bite wound may remain painful during the early stages of recovery. Increasing pain, however, can be a warning sign, particularly when the skin around the wound also feels unusually warm. Even a small puncture wound can allow bacteria to enter beneath your skin. You should consider medical evaluation when pain or warmth continues to worsen.
The wound begins draining
Pus or unusual fluid coming from the bite can indicate infection. You may also notice that the wound remains tender or appears to be healing poorly. Medical treatment may include thoroughly cleaning the wound and assessing whether medication is necessary. Prompt care may reduce the risk of the infection becoming more severe.
You develop widespread symptoms
An infection can sometimes spread beyond the original wound. You may develop fever, chills, shaking, night sweats, or increasing weakness. Difficulty moving the affected area can also be concerning. You should seek prompt medical attention for serious symptoms, deep wounds, or bleeding that does not stop.
Protecting yourself after a dog bite
An infected dog bite injury can increase your medical needs and lengthen your recovery. Keep records of your treatment, symptoms, and other information related to the incident.
After addressing your immediate medical needs, consider seeking legal guidance to understand your rights and possible next steps.
