Algona Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

When a dog bite results in injury, dog bite injury lawyers become crucial allies for the affected individuals. These legal professionals navigate the complexities of liability and compensation with skill, ensuring justice and support for the victims.

Why Do Dogs Attack and Bite, and What Are Some Steps I Could Take to Avoid Being the Victim of a Dog Bite Attack?

There are numerous reasons why a dog may attack and bite, with three of the most common being dominance, defense, and security. Understanding these reasons and knowing how to prevent such incidents can help you stay safe. If you or someone you know has suffered a severe dog bite attack, contacting an Iowa dog bite attorney can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

3 Common Reasons for Dog Bite Attacks

Dominance: Dogs often attack to assert dominance, especially over small children who they perceive as easy targets. This behavior is common in situations where a dog feels it needs to establish control or hierarchy.

Defense: Dogs are territorial animals and may bite to defend their territory, their owner, or their owner's property. This defensive behavior is triggered when a dog perceives a threat to its space or possessions.

Security: Related to defense, a dog may attack if it feels threatened or distrustful of a person. A dog’s sense of insecurity can lead to aggressive behavior to protect itself from perceived dangers.

Tips to Avoid a Dog Bite Attack

To reduce the risk of a dog bite attack, consider these practical tips:

- Distance Yourself from Unfamiliar Dogs: Avoid approaching dogs you do not know.
- Don't Run from an Aggressive Dog: Running can trigger a chase instinct in dogs.
- Remain Calm and Still: When interacting with an unfamiliar dog, stay calm and avoid sudden movements.
- Don't Disturb a Preoccupied Dog: Avoid disturbing dogs while they are eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
- Don't Approach from Behind: Approach dogs from the front where they can see you.

A dog bite attack can present serious physical, financial, and emotional challenges. Legal assistance from an Iowa dog bite attorney can help determine if you are eligible to file a personal injury claim to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Harboring a Dangerous Dog: Special Rules for Vicious Dogs

Owning a dog comes with significant responsibilities. Ensuring the dog is up-to-date on vaccines and properly registered are just a few of these duties. If your pet is declared a vicious dog, there are additional rules and requirements for harboring a dangerous dog.

When is a Dog Considered Dangerous?

A dog is deemed dangerous when declared so by the city’s animal control authority. This determination can be based on various forms of probable cause, including:

- Written complaints from citizens
- Dog bite reports
- Witnessed actions by law enforcement or animal control officers
- Verified reports of previous dangerous behavior
- Other substantial evidence

Special License, Certificate, and Requirements

Once a dog is declared dangerous, the owner must obtain a unique license and certificate of registration within 30 days. Requirements include:

- Keeping the dog within the property
- Posting warning signs about the dog’s nature, understandable by children and the illiterate
- Obtaining a surety bond by an insurer of at least $250,000

Liability for Dog Bites

Owners of dangerous dogs are held liable under strict liability if their dog bites or attacks another person or animal. This liability applies even to non-dangerous dogs unless the person attacked was engaging in illegal activity at the time of the bite.

Dog Bite at a Dog Park: How Negligence Determines Liability

Dog parks offer a great environment for dogs to run and socialize freely. However, a fun day can quickly turn into a trip to the emergency room if a dog bite occurs. Here’s how negligence plays a role in determining liability.

How Negligence May Apply in an Attack at a Dog Park

While leash laws often do not apply in dog parks, dog owners are still liable for injuries their dogs cause, with some exceptions. If an owner knowingly allows a dangerous dog to roam freely, negligence can affect liability.

Injuries Resulting from a Dog Bite at a Dog Park: Owner Liability

In Iowa, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause, even if they were responsible and the dog bit someone anyway. If a dog with rabies bites someone, the owner is not liable unless they knew about the rabies and could have prevented the attack.

Injuries Resulting from a Dog Bite at a Dog Park: Park Liability

Sometimes the park owner can also be liable if they knew about a dangerous dog and failed to act. This scenario is complex, and in most cases, the dog owner alone is liable.

Recovery of Damages from a Dog Bite at a Dog Park

Consulting an attorney can help determine if you have a valid case and identify liable parties. Compensation can cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement.

When to Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer

For the complete list of things you should do if bitten by a dog you can request our FREE book, "Iowa Consumer's Guide to Dog Bites- Secrets to Not Get Bitten by Your Case" which is available to you with no risk or obligation by clicking here or by calling 641-792-3595. 

Why offer a Free Dog Bite Book?  Since 1997, I have been representing injured Iowans, including many dog bite victims from central Iowa and throughout the state.  I have heard too many horror stories about people making costly mistakes, causing them to lose thousands of dollars.  Before you talk to the insurance company you should know your rights and perhaps more importantly your responsibilities.   

If you need immediate assistance, contact us online or call us at (641) 792-3595. If you are not local to us, we will come to you.