Audubon Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Dog bite injury lawyers become crucial allies for those injured by dogs. Their expertise in animal-related legal matters allows them to effectively handle liability and compensation complexities, securing justice and proper aid.

Why You Need to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Iowa

If you've suffered a dog bite injury in Iowa, hiring a dog bite lawyer is crucial to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages. A dog bite attorney in Iowa can advocate for your rights and help you obtain compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Handling a dog bite case without the guidance of an attorney can minimize the value of your claim.

Understanding Iowa Dog Bite Law

Navigating Iowa's dog bite law can be complex, especially when dealing with severe injuries. A knowledgeable attorney can provide insight into how the law applies to your case and guide you through the legal process. Iowa operates under a strict liability law for dog bites, meaning dog owners are responsible for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of the dog's history or the owner's knowledge of aggression. This simplifies the process of proving liability, but legal expertise is still necessary to navigate the nuances of each case.

Maximizing Compensation

An experienced dog bite lawyer can thoroughly assess your claim, considering past cases, medical evidence, and the specifics of Iowa dog bite law. This evaluation helps ensure you receive compensation not only for current medical expenses but also for future costs related to your injury. They can help calculate and pursue compensation for various damages, including:

- Medical bills: Covering immediate treatment, ongoing care, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Compensating for income lost due to time off work.
- Loss of earning capacity: Assessing how injuries impact future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Addressing physical pain and emotional trauma.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Compensating for permanent physical changes and their impact on your life.

Recovering Lost Wages

If your injuries result in time off work, an attorney can assist in pursuing compensation for lost wages. They can help gather evidence to support your claim, including proof of missed work time and fringe benefits, ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Calculating Loss of Earning Capacity

In cases where injuries lead to disfigurement or affect your ability to work in the future, an attorney can help calculate loss of earning capacity. This involves assessing how your injuries will impact your ability to earn income over time, ensuring you receive appropriate compensation.

Navigating Legal Challenges

Handling a dog bite case without legal guidance can risk undervaluing your claim. An attorney's negotiation skills can lead to a fair settlement, potentially avoiding lengthy court proceedings. They can also handle interactions with insurance companies, gather evidence, and enlist expert opinions to strengthen your case.

Determining If You Need an Attorney

While minor injuries may not require legal representation, severe injuries such as permanent scarring or psychological trauma warrant consideration of hiring an attorney. An attorney can prevent costly mistakes, increase the value of your case, and manage insurance claims on your behalf, relieving you of the burden of dealing with legal complexities.

Common Types of Dog Bite Infections & Symptoms Iowa Victims Should Know

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in five dog bites require medical attention, and approximately 15 to 20 percent of wounds from dog bites become infected. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to know the risk factors and symptoms to watch for so that you can seek early intervention and treatment of dog bite infections.

Common Types of Dog Bite Infections

A dog bite infection is dependent upon several co-existing factors. Many infections have multiple microbial organisms from the dog’s saliva, the recipient’s skin, and the environment. One of the most common pathogens in dog bites is Capnocytophaga, found in up to 41 percent of dogs’ saliva. Rabies virus is another concern, as dogs are responsible for the transmission of rabies to humans 95 percent of the time worldwide, and the infection is often fatal. Other infections associated with dog bites include Pasteurella multocida, Pasteurella canis, and Staphylococcus and Streptococcus spp.

Risk Factors for Dog Bite Infections

Certain victims are more susceptible to infection than others. Those of advanced age, children, and those with suppressed immune systems are at greater risk. The severity of the wound also increases the chances of infection—the deeper and more open the wound, the greater the risk. Other risk factors include:

- Chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, or splenectomy (removal of the spleen)
- Unknown status of the dog’s immunization records
- Susceptibility to edema (swelling and retaining water easily)
- Alcohol consumption
- Poor wound care

Symptoms of Dog Bite Infections

The signs of infections from dog bites are similar to other types of infections. If you notice any of the following symptoms, call your physician straightaway to schedule an appointment or seek emergency care:

- Swelling or redness around the wound
- Warmth around the area
- Accumulation of yellow or white discharge
- Fever or chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Red streaks around the wound
- Achy muscles
- Headaches

Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Iowa

If you or your child suffered a dog bite attack in Iowa, you might be eligible to file a claim to recover damages, depending on the circumstances of the incident. If you can substantiate your case, you might be able to receive financial compensation for various needs, including:

- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Attack-related emotional disorders
- Mental anguish

Proving Liability and the Role of Dog Breeds in Injury Claims

Iowa law holds dog owners responsible for damages inflicted by their dogs, except in certain circumstances, such as if the injured person was engaging in an unlawful act that directly contributed to the injuries or if the dog suffers from hydrophobia (rabies). The breed of the dog typically does not impact the owner's liability, but local ordinances may influence the case if the owner failed to abide by specific breed-related regulations.

Impact of Iowa Dog Bite Laws in an Injury Claim

Iowa has strict laws regarding a dog owner’s liability for a dog bite. In most circumstances, any dog that attempts to bite, does bite, or attacks a person and causes injury allows the victim to recover compensation for their damages. Compensation can include medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress, especially in cases of severe physical harm or permanent 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.