Each year, thousands of Californians—many of them children—suffer injuries from dog bites. While some of these attacks result in minor scratches or bruises, others can lead to permanent scarring, disability, or life-threatening infections. Unfortunately, the trauma doesn’t always stop with the bite itself. Beneath the surface lies a less visible but equally dangerous threat: infection.
While the severity of a dog bite can vary based on the size and breed of the dog, the location of the bite, and the age or vulnerability of the victim, most bites fall into a few common injury categories:
Dog teeth are sharp and conical, designed to grip and tear. As a result, most dog bites cause deep puncture wounds, which can penetrate skin, fat, and muscle. These wounds may not bleed much at first, but they can trap bacteria deep beneath the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
Dogs often shake their heads when biting, especially in an aggressive attack. This can cause lacerations (deep cuts) and tearing of soft tissue, particularly in areas like the face, arms, or legs. These injuries often require stitches or reconstructive surgery and can leave permanent scars.
Larger breeds have powerful jaws capable of causing crush injuries, damaging nerves, muscles, and even breaking bones-especially in children or older adults with more fragile bone structures.
If a bite occurs near a joint or nerve pathway (such as the hands, feet, or face), victims may suffer nerve damage. This can lead to long-term numbness, tingling, or even loss of function.
One of the most dangerous consequences of a dog bite is the risk of infection, which we’ll explore in more detail below.
Unlike clean cuts or surgical incisions, dog bite wounds are typically jagged, deep, and contaminated. The dog’s mouth contains a rich mix of bacteria, some harmless, others potentially deadly. When the teeth break the skin, those bacteria are injected into the wound along with saliva. Common bacteria found in dog bites include the following.
Pasteurella is the most common bacterium in dog bites, found in over 50% of cases. It can cause swelling, redness, and pus, and may lead to more serious infections like cellulitis or abscesses.
A normal part of the skin flora, Staph is dangerous when introduced into deeper tissues.
Rare but deadly, this bacterium can cause sepsis in immunocompromised individuals or people with spleen disorders.
MRSA is a drug-resistant bacterium that can complicate treatment.
While rare, tetanus bacteria can enter the body through deep puncture wounds and cause serious complications.
Risk factors for infection include:
Within 24-48 hours of a bite, signs of infection may begin to appear:
Without treatment, the infection can spread to the bloodstream (sepsis), joints, or even bone (osteomyelitis).
If you or your child is bitten by a dog, don’t wait to seek treatment-even if the injury looks minor. A medical professional will:
Prompt care can prevent a minor bite from becoming a major medical crisis.
California is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. That means a dog owner is legally responsible for injuries their dog causes-regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression before. Under California Civil Code §3342, a victim does not have to prove the owner was negligent. What this means:
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in California, don’t try to handle the situation alone. A qualified personal injury attorney can:
A: Clean the wound with soap and water, apply pressure if bleeding, and seek medical attention as soon as possible. If safe, get the contact info of the dog’s owner and note whether the dog is up to date on vaccinations.
A: Yes. California does not follow the “one bite rule.” Owners are liable the first time their dog bites someone, regardless of past behavior.
A: As long as you were lawfully on the property (not trespassing), you can still file a claim.
A: You may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, future medical treatment (like plastic surgery), pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
A: The statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. It’s best to act quickly while evidence and witnesses are still available.
Dog bite injuries are not just skin-deep-they can carry profound physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Understanding the types of injuries and the science behind wound infections can help victims seek proper medical care and assert their legal rights. If you’ve been injured in a dog attack in California, don’t wait. Contact us to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the law—and how to help you heal.
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