Eldridge Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

In cases of dog-inflicted injuries, dog bite injury lawyers serve as crucial advocates for the victims. With expertise in animal law, they manage liability and compensation complexities to ensure justice and proper support.

Dog bites can result in serious physical and psychological injuries. Understanding the circumstances that may increase the likelihood of a dog bite, the psychological impacts of such an event, and the legal responsibilities of dog owners, especially those harboring dangerous dogs, is crucial for victims seeking justice and compensation. This comprehensive guide delves into these aspects, providing a detailed overview of the factors contributing to dog bites, treatment for psychological injuries, and the legal framework governing dangerous dogs in Iowa.

Circumstances That May Increase the Likelihood of a Dog Bite

Fear Aggression

When a dog feels scared, it may exhibit what the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) calls fear aggression. Typically, animals try to escape from whatever scares them. If escape is not possible, they may resort to aggression as a defense mechanism. A frightened dog often attacks from behind, so facing a potentially scared dog is advisable to prevent an attack.

Territorial Aggression

Dogs can be very territorial, defending their home, possessions, and even people they consider part of their pack. If you enter a property that a dog views as its own, it may react aggressively. Dogs can also become territorial over food, toys, or bones, leading to aggressive behavior.

Protective Aggression

Dogs are social animals that protect their pack in the wild. If a dog perceives that its owner or puppies are in danger, it may react aggressively to defend them. This protective instinct can lead to bites or attacks if the dog believes its pack is threatened.

Defensive Aggression

Dogs may also respond aggressively if they are taunted, teased, or attacked. This defensive aggression is a reaction to feeling endangered. Because dogs can be unpredictable, it's essential to avoid taunting or teasing them, as it can provoke a dangerous response.

Treatment for Psychological Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can leave lasting psychological scars in addition to physical injuries. Victims may experience fear, anxiety, and embarrassment, especially if they have permanent scars or disfigurement. Psychological treatment is often necessary to help victims cope with these emotional injuries.

Types of Psychological Treatment

- Therapy and Counseling: Seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist can help victims address the social implications of disfigurement and manage emotional injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage anxiety or depression resulting from the dog bite incident.

Seeking Compensation for Psychological Injuries

Victims can seek compensation for both physical and psychological treatments. This includes expenses related to therapy, counseling, and medication for anxiety or depression. Compensation may also cover emotional distress, pain and suffering, and the long-term effects of permanent disfigurement.

Harboring a Dangerous Dog: Special Rules for Vicious Dogs

A dog is deemed dangerous or vicious when it is declared so by the city’s animal control authority. Several forms of probable cause can be used to label a dog as dangerous, including written complaints from citizens, dog bite reports, actions witnessed by law enforcement or animal control officers, verified reports of previous dangerous behavior, and other substantial evidence.

Special License, Certificate & Requirements

If a dog is determined to be dangerous, its owner must obtain a unique license and certificate of registration within 30 days. The certificate is issued by the city if the owner meets specific criteria for harboring a dangerous dog, including:

- Keeping the dog maintained within the property
- Posting a sign that warns others that the dog is dangerous
- Placing a sign with a warning symbol understandable by children or the illiterate
- Obtaining a surety bond from an insurer of not less than $250,000

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.