Aside from the obvious repercussions of a dog bite, there is one that many people overlook: contracting rabies. If a dog is nasty enough to attack without cause, it is entirely possible that they have rabies. Your doctor will almost certainly test you for rabies after you have been bitten, but what if the test comes back positive? Continue reading to learn more, and then call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to discuss your legal options.
In order to understand rabies, it is necessary to first define what it is
The majority of people have heard of rabies, but few understand what it is. Simply put, it is a virus that may be transmitted to a person via a dog’s saliva during a dog bite. The virus is one of the oldest on the planet, and there is no cure or therapy once symptoms appear. This is why immunization is necessary to avoid it.
There are two types of rabies: paralytic and frenzied. Frantic is more prevalent in both people and dogs, and it is responsible for nearly all human rabies illnesses worldwide. This is why most states mandate that dogs be rabies-vaccinated and receive booster vaccinations.
The rabies treatment
If a rabies test results in a positive result for the dog that bit you, your doctor would most likely vaccinate you to prevent symptoms. Remember that rabies is a very unpleasant illness, therefore being vaccinated is well worth it to avoid becoming infected. However, the therapy is costly and lengthy.
You will get one dose of immunoglobulin and four doses of the vaccine over a two-week period if you are treated for rabies before being exposed. Previously, this medication was injected into the stomach, but it is now possible to inject it into the arm.
If you are treated for rabies after being exposed to rabies, you will have a more difficult time recovering. This immunization is not available in most hospitals. Instead, patients must obtain it through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or locate a local hospital that is a licensed carrier. As a result, the immunization will almost certainly need to be transferred, and the total cost of the post-exposure therapies will likely be over $3,000.
This is only for the immunization; it does not include lost wages, doctor’s fees, hospitalization charges, or other expenses that may arise as a result of the accident.
A personal injury lawyer may be able to assist you in paying for the therapy
If you cannot afford the therapy mentioned above, or if you have already had it and are facing growing medical expenses, you should speak with a personal injury lawyer. Give us a call at 909-982-0707 to learn more about the possibility of pursuing a dog bite case.
We will provide you with a free initial consultation during which we will go through your alternatives and give you an estimate of your possibilities. If your case is accepted, it will be handled on a contingency basis, which means there will be no risk to you. Call now to learn how you may receive the reimbursement you deserve.
