Eagle Grove Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

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

Understanding the Impact of a Dog Attack

When a child is the victim of a dog attack in Iowa, the immediate concern is often the physical injuries sustained. However, emotional injuries can be just as significant, if not more so. These emotional effects can manifest as fear, withdrawal, depression, and anger, and they may appear immediately or sometime later. It's crucial for parents and guardians to be vigilant for these signs and take appropriate actions to support their child's mental health.

Age-Specific Reactions to Dog Attacks

Children's reactions to trauma can vary significantly based on their age. Understanding these age-specific responses can help in identifying and addressing emotional injuries more effectively.

Children 5 Years Old and Younger
- Common Reactions: Fear of being away from their parent, crying, screaming, aimless motion, trembling, excessive clinging, bedwetting, thumb sucking, and fear of darkness.

Children 6 to 11 Years Old
- Common Reactions: Extreme withdrawal, inattentiveness, disruptive behavior, nightmares, irrational fears, outbursts of anger, fighting, refusal to attend school, depression, feelings of guilt, emotional numbing, and physical symptoms without a medical basis.

Adolescents 12 to 17 Years Old
- Common Reactions: Nightmares, flashbacks, emotional numbing, substance abuse, depression, problems with peers, avoiding reminders of the event, isolation, suicidal thoughts, physical complaints, sleep disturbances, confusion, and guilt for not preventing the attack.

Potential for PTSD

If symptoms persist for more than a month, children might develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Signs of PTSD include:

- Re-experiencing the Attack: Through nightmares, flashbacks, or events that resemble the attack.
- Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of the attack or generally showing a lack of responsiveness.
- Other Symptoms: Sleep disturbances, concentration problems, or regressive behaviors such as bedwetting and thumb sucking.

Dog Bite Laws in Iowa

Iowa's dog bite laws impose liability on the dog's owner for injuries caused by their pet. Understanding these laws and how they apply to your case is crucial for pursuing a claim. Statute 351.28 specifies that the owner of a dog causing injury will be liable for all related damages, which can extend beyond the immediate injuries from the attack.

Examples of Extended Liability

- Secondary Injuries: If a person attempts to escape a dog attack and incurs additional injuries, such as being struck by a car, these injuries are also covered under Iowa's dog bite laws.
- Bicycle Accidents: If a dog chases a person on a bicycle, causing them to fall and sustain injuries, these injuries can also be claimed under the dog bite laws.

Rabies and Animal Control

Rabies is a deadly virus that can be transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals. Symptoms of rabies include aggression, biting, dazed behavior, refusal to drink water, and foaming at the mouth. If you suspect an animal has rabies, contact local animal control immediately.

The Importance of Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer

Hiring a dog bite lawyer ensures that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. An experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of Iowa's dog bite laws, maximize your compensation, and manage interactions with insurance companies.

Maximizing Compensation

A knowledgeable lawyer will thoroughly assess your claim, considering past cases, medical evidence, and the specifics of Iowa's dog bite law. This helps ensure compensation for both current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity due to disfigurement or other lasting impacts of the attack.

Legal Challenges and Negotiation

An attorney can handle the legal challenges of your case, avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring a fair settlement. They can also manage negotiations with insurance companies and gather necessary evidence to strengthen your case.

Determining the Need for an Attorney

While minor injuries may not require legal representation, severe injuries such as permanent scarring or psychological trauma warrant hiring an attorney. An attorney can help avoid costly mistakes, increase the value of your case, and handle insurance claims efficiently.

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.