Mark Casto | January 2, 2026 | Dog Bite Lawyer Near Columbus, Georgia
A dog can cause significant harm if it bites you. The power of their jaws, along with the amount of bacteria in their mouths, can put you at risk of developing infections. If you experienced a dog bite, it’s vital to understand the possible consequences you face and what your next steps should be.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a fast-spreading bacterial skin infection that can develop between 24 and 72 hours after a dog bite. It is more likely to occur as a result of deep puncture wounds.
Some of the most common symptoms of cellulitis include:
- Severe swelling in the area
- Redness around the bite
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Fever
- Red streaks or blisters
Cellulitis requires rapid medical care. If this type of injury is not addressed quickly, you can develop abscesses, infections of the joints, and sepsis.
Tetanus
Puncture wounds that are dirty or deep are the ones most likely to lead to tetanus. It’s vital to receive a booster tetanus shot right after a bite if your last vaccination was over five years ago.
Tetanus causes symptoms such as painful muscle spasms, difficulty swallowing, rigid abdominal muscles, muscle tension around the lips, and rigidity of your jaw muscles. If you don’t receive treatment, you can develop low blood pressure, fevers, and numerous other symptoms. It could result in breathing difficulties, which can put your life at risk.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
MRSA is a type of infection caused by bacteria that are resistant to the majority of antibiotic medications. This bacterium can be present in a dog’s mouth, which introduces it to your tissues if you are bitten. The first few symptoms include redness, warmth, and swelling near the wound. There may also be pus or clear fluid leaking out.
Without treatment, the disease can spread to the lungs, bloodstream, and bones. It’s a life-threatening condition that could result in a wrongful death.
Meningitis
Although less common than the above diseases, you can develop meningitis from a dog bite if the animal has certain types of bacteria in their mouth. If you develop meningitis, you can experience symptoms such as high fevers, confusion, headaches, and even hearing loss.
Untreated meningitis can cause seizures, permanent brain damage, and organ failure. Death can then rapidly occur.
Beginning A Personal Injury Claim After A Dog Bite
If you have been bitten by a dog in Georgia, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim to recover your losses. In many cases, you may need to show the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
Your legal status on the property can affect the claim, and you generally must show that you exercised ordinary care and did not provoke the dog. To have a good chance of obtaining fair compensation for your losses, it’s essential to hire an attorney to assist you.
Your lawyer will know how to present the case clearly and how to aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to help you obtain the damages you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm Today For A Free Consultation With A Columbus Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite in Columbus, GA, you do not have to handle the aftermath alone. Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your losses. Call today to schedule a free consultation with a Columbus dog bite lawyer and learn how we can help protect your rights.
If you were injured in an accident in Columbus, GA, and need legal help, contact our Columbus dog bite lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm
233 12th St #808
Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 940-4030