Dog Bite Infections and Rabies in Michigan

Our dog bite lawyers at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. handle cases involving infections and rabies from dog bite injuries and attacks in Michigan.  Rabies is a virus that can affect any warm-blooded animal.  It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS).  Whenever an individual is bitten by an animal, the chance of rabies exists.  Although the incidence of rabies in humans is low, more than 30,000 people undergo treatment for possible exposure to rabies in the United States every year.  A dog bite injury victim who suffers from an infection such as rabies due to a dog attack does have legal rights under Michigan law.

The most common problem following an animal bite is simple infection.  The saliva of dogs, is known to contain a wide variety of bacteria. According to one recent study, bacteria or other pathogens show up in about 85% of bites.  Many factors contribute to the infection rates, including the type of wound inflicted, the location of the wound, pre-existing health conditions in the bitten person, the extent of delay before treatment, patient compliance and the presence of a foreign body in the wound.

The most common sign of infection from an animal bite is inflammation. Complications can arise if the infection is not treated and spreads into deeper structures or into the bloodstream. If the bite is deep or occurs on the hand or at a joint, complications are likely. If rabies treatment is not initiated before the onset of symptoms, death is imminent.

All dogs should be vaccinated against rabies according to local rules and regulations. If a person is bitten by a dog that is healthy and properly vaccinated, the animal must be quarantined for 10 days under Michigan law.

Please contact us if you experienced infections and rabies after a dog bite in Michigan.