Creston 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.

Rabies is a life-threatening virus that affects hundreds of people each year. If you've contracted rabies due to a dog bite, you'll need to receive swift medical attention. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transferred from animals to humans. It attacks the central nervous system and becomes fatal if left untreated. Beyond medical concerns, discussing the incident with a dog bite attorney may help you understand your legal rights and potential claims against the dog's owner.

The Four Stages of Rabies

Rabies progresses through four distinct stages:

1. Attachment: The bullet-shaped virus attaches itself to a nerve cell.
2. Penetration: The virus penetrates the cell.
3. Replication: The rabies virus then begins multiplying rapidly within the cell.
4. Budding: It then spreads to other neurons and travels throughout the rest of the body.

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, it is crucial to thoroughly clean the area and immediately seek medical attention. Untreated rabies can cause paralysis, coma, and eventually death. However, if proper treatment is administered promptly, it is almost always effective in eradicating the virus.

Addressing Dog Bite Incidents and Legal Recourse

Being attacked and bitten by a dog is dangerous and frightening. The prospect of contracting rabies adds to the trauma. If you've suffered a dog bite in Iowa, consulting an Iowa dog bite attorney can help determine if you can file a claim for your injuries. Compensation may cover physical injuries, psychological trauma, and loss of earnings.

When a Child Suffers PTSD After a Dog Bite Attack

A child's dog bite attack can entail long-term financial, physical, and emotional costs. An Iowa dog bite attorney can help you seek compensation for present and future expenses related to your child's injuries and damages.

Injuries and Damage After a Dog Bite Attack

A dog attack can result in:
- Torn clothing
- Bloody clothing
- Scratches
- Bruises
- Deep cuts
- Puncture wounds
- Loss of tissue
- Loss of limbs
- Broken bones
- Crushed bones
- Disfigurement

These physical injuries can be devastating and extremely painful. After ensuring your child receives medical treatment, you should contact an Iowa dog bite attorney to seek compensation for the ongoing expenses related to the attack.

Serious injuries from a dog bite may require surgeries, medications, and therapy, which can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, emotional distress may require psychological therapy and medication. Witnessing your child suffer can also lead to family stress and relationship problems.

Harboring a Dangerous Dog: Special Rules for Vicious Dogs

Owning a dog is a significant responsibility, including ensuring the dog is vaccinated and registered. When a pet is declared vicious, there are special 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 can be based on:
- Written complaints from citizens
- Dog bite reports
- Actions witnessed by law enforcement or animal control officers
- Verified reports of previous dangerous behavior
- Other substantial evidence

If a dog is determined to be dangerous, its owner must obtain a special license and certificate of registration within 30 days. This includes keeping the dog within the property, posting warning signs, and obtaining a surety bond of at least $250,000.

Liability for Dog Bites in Creston

In Creston, dog owners are held liable under strict liability laws if their dog bites or attacks another person or animal. This applies to both dangerous and non-dangerous dogs, provided the victim was not engaging in illegal activities at the time of the bite.

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.