If you get bitten by a dog and you’re thinking about seeking financial compensation from the dog’s owner, you want to make sure that it really covers all of the costs that you have. These may include the initial costs after the bite -- riding in an ambulance, going to the ER, getting stitches, etc -- but that doesn’t mean they’ll end there.

One of the worst complications for a dog bite is when the wound gets infected. You could get very sick, you may need extensive medical care as you recover, and the worst infections can leave you with scars, disfigurements or even disabilities. In extreme cases, they can be fatal.

What warning signs are there?

There are many potential warning signs to watch for so that you can seek medical attention as soon as an infection begins. They include the following:

• Redness spreading around the bite
• Swelling near the wound
• Extensive pain for more than 24 hours
• Pain that continues getting worse
• Stiffness and trouble moving
• A feeling of heat or warmth
• Drainage coming from the damaged tissue
• The onset of a fever
• Night sweats
• Uncontrollable shaking

The last three may even tell you that the infection has advanced to the point that it is spreading. That’s when you want to seek medical care from a trained professional as soon as you can.

Getting the compensation you deserve

If you get bitten by someone’s dog and then it gets infected, you could have long-term issues and high medical expenses. Be sure you know how to seek out the compensation that you deserve for your losses.