Estherville Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

In the event of a dog-related injury, dog bite injury attorneys offer essential support to the victims. Their expertise in animal law allows them to adeptly handle the complexities of liability and compensation, aiming for justice and assistance for those harmed.

Seeking Compensation for Permanent Disfigurement from a Dog Bite

Disfigurement resulting from a dog bite can lead to various damages, including extensive medical bills and emotional trauma. Individuals in Iowa wishing to pursue a dog bite claim against an owner may consult with an Iowa personal injury attorney to explore their legal options.

A Closer Look at Disfiguring Dog Bite Injuries

While some dog bites leave minor wounds, others result in significant disfigurement. Scarring from a dog bite can lead to skin that appears raised, jagged, or otherwise unnatural. Injuries to visible areas such as the face, neck, arms, and hands often require sutures to minimize scarring. Severe damage might necessitate skin grafting, where skin from another part of the body is used to repair the affected area.

Orthopedic surgery may be required to fix broken bones, and reconstructive or cosmetic surgery might be necessary depending on the severity of the injuries. Infection is a common concern for dog bite victims, making vaccinations and other treatments essential.

Damages from a Permanently Disfiguring Injury

Victims of disfigurement from a dog bite can recover two types of damages: economic and noneconomic.

Economic Damages:
- Medical Care: Includes current and future medical expenses, such as surgeries and treatments.
- Lost Income: Covers income lost during recovery and any future time off needed for additional treatments.
- Psychological Care: Costs for counseling or psychological care due to emotional trauma from the disfigurement.

Noneconomic Damages:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain endured.
- Emotional Distress: Addresses the psychological impact and diminished quality of life resulting from the disfigurement.

Talking to an Iowa Personal Injury Attorney

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that dog bite injuries affect approximately 800,000 people annually in the U.S., with the highest rates among children aged five to nine. Regardless of age, the impact of dog bite injuries can be profound, affecting social interactions and job performance.

Circumstances Making a Dog More Likely to Attack

Certain situations increase the likelihood of a dog bite or attack:

Fear: Dogs may display fear aggression when scared, attacking as a defense mechanism if they cannot escape. Always face a potentially fearful dog to reduce the risk of being attacked from behind.

Territorial Behavior: Dogs may bite to protect their perceived territory, possessions, or owners. Both male and female dogs can exhibit territorial aggression.

Protection of Owners: Dogs may become aggressive to protect their owners if they sense danger.

Taunting or Teasing: Dogs may react aggressively if taunted, teased, or attacked, displaying defensive aggression.

Treatment for Psychological Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries can lead to significant psychological harm, especially when disfiguring injuries are involved. Psychological treatment may include:

Counseling: Helps victims cope with the social implications of disfiguring injuries and addresses emotional issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Medication: Prescribed to manage anxiety or depression resulting from the trauma.

Victims can seek compensation to cover both physical and psychological treatment expenses. An attorney at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can assist in pursuing damages for emotional distress, pain, and suffering associated with permanent disfiguring injuries.

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.