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If you have ever cut yourself on a rusty nail, then you may have been advised to get a tetanus shot. Tetanus is a relatively uncommon yet very dangerous illness that arises when tetanus bacteria enters the body – typically through a cut or puncture wound. Those who contract tetanus can experience the painful, involuntary tightening of their bodies’ muscles. If this condition remains untreated, it can be fatal.
Though a rusty nail is not the only way that people can catch tetanus, it is among the most common ones. Because of this, property owners should ensure that their land is free of such potentially dangerous objects.
Tetanus symptoms typically do not arise until anywhere from several days to several weeks after one’s initial contact with the contaminated surface. Typically, victims will experience the following:
- Sore and cramping muscles
- Fever
- Irritability
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle spasms (typically arise in the face first)
- Arching of the back
As these symptoms progress, they can become quite severe. Muscle spasms can become strong and erratic enough to dislocate or even break some bones.
If you are a property owner, it is your responsibility to protect your guests from the dangers of tetanus. This includes ridding your land and building of known dangers, especially those that are likely habitats for the tetanus bacteria (this includes sharp, rusted metal). If one of your guests suffers a slip and fall injury on your property and contracts tetanus as a result, then the injured party may be able to make a personal injury claim against you.
If you have developed tetanus from an injury sustained on someone else’s property, then you may have the right to claim damages. The St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers of Beltz & Ruth, P.A. can help you with your case. Contact us today by calling 1-800-931-4369.