JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

If you or your child is bitten by a dog in Pennsylvania, it is important to seek medical attention. You should see a doctor even if the bite seems minor—because any bite that breaks the skin has the potential to become infected.

When you visit the doctor, she will clean the bite and determine if you need any antibiotics or vaccines.  Two types of vaccines may be needed after a Pennsylvania dog bite:

• Rabies Vaccine:  Many people are worried about rabies after a dog attack. In fact, contracting rabies is very rare. Local laws require that most dogs in the United States be vaccinated against rabies. However, there are always exceptions, so you must take certain precautions.

You should let your doctor know if you cannot contact the dog’s owner or are not sure that the dog has had the rabies vaccine. If the dog has not been vaccinated, or if the owner cannot be identified, you are at risk. You will need to receive a dose of Rabies Immune Globulin and a rabies vaccine within 48 hours of the bite.

The dog will be quarantined and tested for rabies. If the dog tests positive, additional doses of the vaccine will be needed.

• Tetanus Vaccine:  It isn’t just the dog’s vaccination record that matters after a Pennsylvania dog attack. Your doctor will also want to know the date of your last tetanus vaccination.

Tetanus is a serious infection that affects the brain and causes stiffness and spasms in the muscles. It can cause breathing difficulties and is often fatal.

Tetanus is caused by the bacteria, Clostridium tetani. C. tetani is naturally found in soil. Since dogs get soil in their mouths, they can transmit tetanus when they bite. If you have not had a tetanus shot within the past five years, your doctor will recommend that you have a tetanus booster. Children who have not had at least four doses of the DTaP vaccine will also need a booster after a dog bite.

The Philadelphia dog bite lawyers at Mednick, Mezyk, and Kredo work hard to help Pennsylvania dog bite victims get accountability for their injuries. To discuss your dog bite claim, call us at 888-807-WORK.