Dog Bite Infections and Complications: Medical Risks and Legal Compensation in Illinois

A dog bite is not just a puncture wound. Dog mouths harbor hundreds of species of bacteria, and when those bacteria enter the body through broken skin, the risk of serious — sometimes life-threatening — infections is significant. According to medical research, approximately 15 to 20 percent of dog bite wounds become infected, and certain populations face even higher risks.

At Parker & Parker Attorneys at Law, we understand that the medical complications following a dog bite often far exceed the initial injury. Infections, surgeries, prolonged antibiotic courses, and permanent scarring can dramatically increase the cost and impact of a dog bite, and the dog’s owner is responsible for all of it under Illinois law.

Common Infections from Dog Bites

Pasteurella is the most common bacterial infection associated with dog bites, present in the mouths of most dogs. Pasteurella infections typically develop within 24 hours of the bite and cause redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness around the wound. If untreated, the infection can spread to deeper tissues, joints, and bones.

Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria can cause cellulitis — a spreading skin infection that produces redness, swelling, and pain extending well beyond the bite wound. In severe cases, these infections can lead to sepsis (blood poisoning), which is a medical emergency.

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a particularly dangerous bacterium found in dog saliva. While rare, Capnocytophaga infections can be devastating — especially for people with weakened immune systems, those without a spleen, heavy alcohol users, and the elderly. Complications include sepsis, meningitis, endocarditis, and in some cases, the need for amputation of affected limbs.

Rabies, while rare in domestic dogs in the United States, remains a concern — particularly with stray or unvaccinated animals. Rabies is nearly 100 percent fatal once symptoms appear, making immediate post-exposure prophylaxis critical after any bite from an animal with unknown vaccination status.

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) has been found in dog bite wounds and is resistant to many common antibiotics, making treatment more complex and prolonged.

Why Dog Bite Wounds Are Prone to Infection

Dog bites create a unique infection risk because of the nature of the injury. Dog teeth are designed to puncture and tear, creating deep wounds that may look small on the surface but extend into muscle, tendon, and even bone. These deep puncture wounds trap bacteria beneath the skin where oxygen is limited, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth.

Crushing injuries from a dog’s powerful jaws can also damage tissue so severely that blood flow to the area is compromised, further impairing the body’s ability to fight infection. Bites to the hands and fingers are particularly prone to infection because of the complex anatomy and limited blood supply in these areas.

Medical Complications Beyond Infection

Even without infection, dog bites can lead to serious medical complications. Nerve damage can cause numbness, tingling, or loss of function in the affected area. Tendon and ligament damage may require surgical repair and extensive physical therapy. Scarring and disfigurement — particularly from bites to the face, neck, and hands — can require multiple reconstructive surgeries and still leave permanent marks.

For a comprehensive overview of injury types and their impact on compensation, see our guide to dog bite injuries and compensation in Illinois.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

You should seek immediate emergency medical attention if the bite wound is deep or will not stop bleeding, you can see muscle, bone, or tendon, the bite is on your face, neck, or hand, you notice signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, red streaks, or fever), the dog was a stray or had unknown vaccination status, or you have a weakened immune system, diabetes, or liver disease.

Even for bites that seem minor, seeing a doctor within 24 hours is strongly recommended. Early medical attention is one of the most important steps to take after a dog bite — both for your health and for documenting your injuries for a potential legal claim.

How Infections and Complications Affect Your Legal Claim

Under Illinois strict liability law, the dog’s owner is responsible for all damages resulting from the attack — including complications that develop after the initial bite. If a simple puncture wound develops into a serious infection requiring hospitalization, IV antibiotics, and surgery, the full cost of that treatment is part of your claim.

Infections and complications also increase your pain and suffering damages, which reflect the physical and emotional toll of your injury. A bite that required a single emergency room visit has a very different value than one that led to weeks of antibiotic treatment, a hospital stay, and permanent nerve damage.

Documenting every medical visit, prescription, and complication creates a clear record of the full impact of the dog bite. If you are dealing with infection or other complications from a dog bite in the Peoria area, contact Parker & Parker Attorneys at Law for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after a dog bite do infections typically develop?

Most dog bite infections develop within 24 to 72 hours after the bite. Pasteurella infections tend to appear fastest, often within 12 to 24 hours. However, some infections — particularly those involving deeper tissues — may not become apparent for several days. Any worsening of symptoms after a dog bite should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.

Can I recover compensation for scarring from a dog bite?

Yes. Scarring and disfigurement are significant components of dog bite compensation in Illinois. Factors that affect the value include the location of the scar (facial scars are valued higher), the victim’s age, whether the scar can be improved with future surgery, and the psychological impact of the disfigurement.

What if my dog bite infection required hospitalization?

Hospitalization significantly increases the value of your claim. All hospital costs, including room charges, IV antibiotics, surgical procedures, specialist consultations, and follow-up care, are recoverable damages. Hospitalization also typically supports higher pain and suffering awards because it demonstrates the severity of the injury.