Tetanus

Tetanus, also known to some as lockjaw, is a rare but extremely dangerous disease. Individuals most often develop this infection through an outdoor puncture wound of some sort. The bacterium that causes tetanus, known as Clostridium tetani, has the resilience to remain dormant in outdoor environments such as soil and animal feces. When it is placed inside the human body, it begins to produce a toxin that seriously affects one’s muscles. If not treated in a timely manner, tetanus may result in the death of the victim.

Symptoms of Tetanus

Those who have been infected with tetanus will typically begin to experience symptoms of the disease, on average, about eight days after suffering the initial wound. These physical signs of infection include the following:

• Headache
• Fever
• Sweating
• Muscle spasms
• Jaw and abdominal muscle stiffness
• Inability to swallow

If the condition is left untreated, the muscle spasms could worsen to the point of causing dislocations or bone fractures. Eventually, the victim’s diaphragm will spasm and stiffen, and this inability to breathe can cause death.

Tetanus and Premises Liability

Property owners or managers are responsible for the safe and proper upkeep of their premises. When visitors enter their buildings or land, known hazards are required to be removed, or else warnings should be administered to the unknowing parties. If a property possessor fails to take these safety precautions, then he or she may be held liable for any injuries – such as tetanus – that the visitor sustains.

Contact Us

If you would like to learn more about tetanus, its causes and the risk factors associated with this illness, contact the Las Vegas personal injury lawyers of Palmer & Associates, P.C. today at 702-888-2222 with your questions or concerns.