When it comes to injuries that people sustain from animal bites, one of the first things that may come to your mind is a dog bite. It is true that dogs can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries. However, dogs are not the only pet that can endanger Illinois residents.
Cats are also a popular pet across the country. As you may know, cats can also inflict serious bites or scratches, which may become infected or require stitches. Exotic pets may also pose a danger to people through their bites, scratches or germs. In fact, warns the National Center for Biotechnology Information, there has recently been an increase in injuries and illnesses associated with bites and scratches from pets deemed exotic, such as rodents, reptiles and birds.
In one reported instance, a 17-year-old boy sustained a serious bite while playing with his friend’s pet parrot. He required emergency medical attention from the six-inch gash he received. Doctors also discovered the bite had fractured his finger.
Birds, rodents and reptiles can carry pathogens in their saliva and claws that may cause an infection or respiratory illness, even if the initial injury seems minor. If you receive such an injury, you should wash the site with antibacterial soap and water and keep an eye on it for signs of infection. You may also need X-rays for a more serious bite.
You may wish to seek compensation if a pet owner’s negligence led to your injuries. This information is not meant to replace the advice of a lawyer.
