Avoca Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

When a dog bite results in harm, dog bite attorneys provide reliable assistance. They specialize in the legal landscape of animal attacks, expertly managing liability and compensation to ensure justice and support for victims.

Special Rules for Vicious Dogs

Determining if a Dog is Dangerous

Owning a dog comes with significant responsibilities, particularly if the dog is declared dangerous or vicious by the city’s animal control authority. According to Code 8.16.030, a dog can be labeled as dangerous based on several forms of probable cause:

- Written complaint of a citizen
- Dog bite report(s)
- Actions witnessed by law enforcement or animal control officers
- Verified reports of previous dangerous behavior
- Other substantial evidence

Once a dog is deemed dangerous, the owner must obtain a unique license and certificate of registration within 30 days, meeting specific criteria to harbor the dog legally.

Special License, Certificate, and Requirements

Owners of dangerous dogs must adhere to the following requirements:

- Keep the dog confined within the property
- Post a warning sign indicating the dog’s dangerous nature
- Place a warning symbol that can be understood by children or illiterate individuals
- Obtain a surety bond of at least $250,000 from an insurer

Liability for Dog Bites in Avoca

Owners of dogs labeled as dangerous or vicious are held strictly liable for any bites or attacks. This means that if their dog bites or attacks another person or animal, they are responsible for the damages. Strict liability also applies to owners of non-dangerous dogs, provided the person attacked was not engaging in illegal activity at the time of the bite.

Why You Need to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Iowa

Understanding Iowa Dog Bite Law

Navigating Iowa’s dog bite laws can be complex, especially with severe injuries involved. A knowledgeable dog bite attorney can help you understand how the law applies to your case and guide you through the legal process.

Maximizing Compensation

An experienced lawyer can assess your claim comprehensively, considering past cases, medical evidence, and Iowa law specifics. This evaluation ensures compensation for current and future medical expenses related to your injury.

Recovering Lost Wages

If injuries cause you to miss work, an attorney can help you pursue compensation for lost wages. This includes providing evidence of missed work time and fringe benefits, ensuring full compensation.

Calculating Loss of Earning Capacity

In cases where injuries impact your future earning ability, an attorney can help calculate loss of earning capacity. This involves assessing how your injuries affect your long-term ability to earn income.

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 and manage interactions with insurance companies, gather evidence, and enlist expert opinions to strengthen your case.

Long-Term Effects of Dog Attacks

Physical Disfigurement

Dog bites can result in long-term physical disfigurement, including:

- Permanent scars
- Paralysis or partial paralysis
- Mobility problems
- Amputation

Plastic or reconstructive surgery may remedy some disfigurements, but others, such as paralysis, may be permanent, requiring lifelong coping strategies.

Mental and Emotional Trauma

The mental and emotional effects of dog attacks can be devastating. Victims, especially children, may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms in children include:

- Acting out the incident during play
- Fear, worry, stress, and anger
- Feelings of loneliness
- Aggression
- Inappropriate or unusual sexual behavior
- Self-harm
- Substance abuse
- Impulsive behavior

Adults may experience similar symptoms, including nightmares, flashbacks, and depression.

Infections and Disease

Though rare, dog bites can lead to dangerous infections or diseases, such as rabies, which can be deadly if untreated. Infections from untreated wounds can spread, causing severe health repercussions, including:

- Disfigurement
- Sepsis
- Amputation
- Loss of function
- Death

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.