If a dog has bitten you, rabies could be the primary risk to your health. If you have contracted it, you might be able to hold the owner of the animal liable for the cost of your medical care. At Salamati Law, we understand how to hold negligent dog owners accountable. Contact us to talk about your dog bite rabies claim.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that can impact all mammals, including canines and humans. If left untreated, it can be fatal. Rabies is common throughout the United States and much of the world, although certain areas, including Australia and Japan, are free from any signs of the rabies virus.
It is transmitted through saliva. In addition to dogs, this disease is also common among foxes, skunks, bats, and raccoons. One of the unusual aspects of it– is the long gestation time. The symptoms of this disease do not manifest immediately. The gestation period for rabies can be as short as 10 days or as long as a year.
Different factors impact the gestation time of the rabies virus. Deeper, more severe bites are likely to result in a shorter period. The same is true of where the bite occurs. Bites closer to the spine and brain will cause the virus to spread through the nervous system faster.
Identifying rabies among dogs
With most dog bites, it is difficult to know right away if the animal had rabies. With that in mind, there are a few strategies that healthcare professionals can take to determine if you are at risk. The process usually begins with quarantining and observing the animals for at least 10 days. If there are no symptoms, the chances the animal had rabies are low. The symptoms that dogs exhibit include:
- Restlessness
- Aggression
- Unusual excitement
- Unusual levels of affection
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing
- Overstimulation
- Staggering
- Seizures
- Paralysis
If the animal cannot be caught or identified, it is essential to speak with your doctor as soon as possible. In most cases, it is safest to assume the animal had rabies and proceed with medical treatment as necessary.
Rabies symptoms in humans
There are numerous symptoms that a person with rabies might exhibit. Some individuals could show multiple symptoms at once, while others might only have one at a time. For many people, the early symptoms of rabies are similar to the flu. As the virus progresses, additional symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Fever
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Excessive salivation
- Hyperactivity
- Hallucinations
- Vomiting
- Nausea
The cost of treating rabies
Treating rabies can be expensive. Given the virus’s long gestation period, ongoing medical care could be necessary for weeks or even months into the future. The rabies vaccine can also be costly for those individuals without health insurance.
In addition to medical care, a person who suffers rabies from a dog bite may find themselves unable to work. Missing out on these wages could make it particularly difficult for them to cover their medical bills and other expenses. The good news is that the law allows a person suffering a dog bite to pursue legal action against the animal’s owner.
Contact Us at Salamati Law for a Free Consultation
If you live with the consequences of a rabies diagnosis, the dog owner should face financial responsibility. The team at Salamati Law has a long track record of success with pursuing legal action against negligent dog owners. To learn more about how we can help, call right away for a free consultation.