Denver Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

When dogs cause harm, dog bite injury lawyers are reliable allies. They specialize in the legal intricacies of animal attacks, ensuring victims receive proper management of liability and compensation for justice and support.

Using Harmful Force as Protection from a Dog Attack

As protection from a dog attack, the use of harmful force against a dog that is posing an immediate threat to oneself or a nearby person is allowable to prevent injuries. However, one is only permitted to do so when acting in self-defense or in the defense of others, not for revenge for a dog bite/attack or unprovoked harm.

When Use of Harmful Force is Appropriate

Individuals may use force as protection from a dog attack if they do so in defense of themselves or another person. For a dog to be believed a threat to others, it must show actions that lead the person to know or reasonably believe that the dog would attack.

The amount of force used should be appropriate to the degree of threat the dog presented. If the dog was attacking the victim, lethal force could be considered appropriate. Also, the person who uses force against the dog should be able to prove that the actions they took were the only available to prevent themselves or others from coming to harm or further harm.

When Use of Harmful Force is Inappropriate

Attacking a dog just because it is barking or growling is typically inappropriate, especially if the dog is restrained or confined. For example, if the dog is growling and snapping at a person but is still restrained or confined to where it is not likely to be able to inflict harm, the use of a gun against the dog may be considered inappropriate.

Likewise, if the dog has already attacked a victim and is fleeing the area and no longer threatening the victim, an argument may be made that harmful force would not be appropriate as the dog is no longer threatening the person’s safety.

Another case of where harmful force against a dog would be disallowed is when a person does so for revenge. If previously bitten by a neighbor’s dog, one is not permitted to go back and harm the dog for its actions. Instead, one should report the incident to police or animal control to have them assess the situation and take the appropriate action.

Legal Perspective on Dog Attacks

According to Iowa law statute 351.28, “The owner of a dog shall be liable to an injured party for all damages done by the dog, when the dog is caught in the action of worrying, maiming, or killing a domestic animal, or the dog is attacking or attempting to bite a person, except when the party damaged is doing an unlawful act, directly contributing to the injury.”

Seeking Help after a Dog Bite

Cases of dog bite injuries can become more complicated if harmful force was used by the victim to prevent or end the attack. In these situations, the dog owner may press criminal charges against the individual who harmed the dog, creating both a civil and a criminal case.

Cost of Treatment for Dog Bites in a Personal Injury Claim in Iowa

Dog bite treatment can rack up huge medical costs, something our personal injury law firm in Denver, Iowa, has seen on numerous occasions. And it goes without saying that cost is the last thing you want to worry about after a dog attack.

When either you or your child has experienced the trauma of a dog attack, finances won’t be the first thing on your mind. Securing your safety and getting medical attention will be the top priorities. Only after the medical crisis has been stabilized do financial worries start to creep in.

Injuries and Damage After a Dog Bite Attack

A dog attack in Denver can result in:

- Torn clothing
- Bloody clothing
- Scratches
- Bruises
- Deep cuts
- Puncture wounds
- Loss of tissue
- Loss of limbs
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Crushed bones
- Disfigurement

Emotional distress may also play a role in your child's and family's life after a dog bite attack. Emotional distress may require medications and psychological therapy to calm your child from his or her persisting fears from a dog bite attack, which could cause relationship problems and the ability to concentrate.

Dealing with Medical Costs After a Dog Bite

When the medical bills start mounting, financial strain and frustration can start to quickly take root. This may especially be the case when prolonged, lengthy (and expensive) treatments for deep dog bites are required.

The estimated dog bite treatment costs vary considerably, but costs could range in the tens of thousands of dollars. In 2011, the average cost of a dog bite claim was more than $64,555.

Treatment costs begin escalating as numerous treatments are required, which may include:

- Ambulance and hospital services
- Sutures and staples
- Reconstructive surgeries
- Prescription medications
- Mental health services and counseling
- Follow-up appointments

Your costs will depend on the injury and necessary treatment. You may be able to file a claim for compensation to help cover the heavy costs of your dog bite treatment, as well as for lost wages and emotional damages.

Long-term Effects and Treatment for Dog Bites in Iowa

Dog attacks can have lasting effects on victims, both physically and mentally. If you've been the victim of a dog bite in Iowa, it's crucial to understand the potential long-term effects and seek appropriate treatment.

Physical Disfigurement

Some dog bites result in permanent physical disfigurement, including:

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

Plastic or reconstructive surgery may be necessary to address these injuries, but certain conditions like paralysis may be irreversible, requiring victims to cope with lifelong disabilities.

Mental and Emotional Trauma

Dog attacks can cause significant mental and emotional trauma, particularly in children. Symptoms may include:

- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Acting out traumatic incidents
- Fear, stress, and anger
- Loneliness and aggression
- Self-harm or substance abuse

Children attacked by dogs may develop attachment disorders, while adults commonly experience PTSD symptoms. Counseling and therapy are essential for addressing these psychological injuries.

Infections and Disease

While rare, dog bites can transmit infections and diseases, such as rabies, which can be deadly if left untreated. Other complications may include:

- Sepsis
- Loss of function
- Death

Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent and treat these complications effectively.

Treatment for Dog Bite Injuries

Treatment for deep dog bites often involves stitches or staples to close wounds. However, the appropriate treatment plan depends on the severity and location of the injury. Complications may include infection, scarring, and damage to underlying structures.

Aftercare instructions are essential for preventing complications, including keeping the wound clean, using prescribed medications, and receiving a tetanus shot if necessary.

Steps to Take After a Dog Attack

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, take these steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately.
2. Report the attack to local authorities.
3. Collect information from the dog owner, including rabies vaccination status.
4. Contact a personal injury attorney in Iowa for legal advice and representation.

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.