Fairfax Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Victims of dog bites can rely on dog bite injury lawyers for essential support. These attorneys specialize in the complex legalities of animal incidents, ensuring proper management of liability and compensation to achieve justice.

It's possible that a settlement will cover dog bite treatment costs such as plastic surgery. However, it must be proven that the surgery is connected to the dog bite injuries and is necessary to repair damage. Future medical costs should also be considered in addition to those already rendered. Seek legal counsel to ensure that all forms of compensation available in a claim are addressed in the dog bite settlement.

Seeking Dog Bite Treatment Damages for Plastic Surgery

Puncture wounds, lacerations, and tears from a dog bite can cause significant scarring and other disfigurements. One of the ways to reduce the appearance of these injuries is through plastic surgery. In some cases, several procedures may be required to achieve optimal results.

Plastic surgery is typically required, especially if injuries occur on the neck, face, and scalp, as these are very visible areas. While stitches may take care of some open wounds, severe injuries might require reconstructive surgery, such as skin grafting.

Plastic surgery can be especially complicated when the damage is significant, like reconstructing a nose. Damages may be available in a dog bite settlement to address plastic surgery costs. The emotional impact experienced as a result of such a serious dog bite may also be considered.

Unfortunately, even after undergoing plastic surgery, there may still be visible signs of scarring. Although additional surgeries can sometimes help, many circumstances might prevent further aesthetic improvement. This type of permanent disfigurement can lead to or worsen emotional trauma.

Compensation Available in a Dog Bite Settlement

Typically, all medical costs stemming from a dog bite are addressed in a claim. This includes the initial dog bite treatment, such as in an emergency room, surgery, hospitalization, and medication. If the victim requires additional treatment later on, such as plastic surgery, it is essential to consider that before settling the claim.

The time spent healing from plastic surgery or the dog bite itself could also impact the injured person's ability to work, making it important to consider future lost wages. Because of the psychological impact, there may be damages available that address pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, disability, and more.

Contact an Attorney After a Dog Bite

Iowa follows strict liability laws. This means that owners are liable when someone else is injured by their dog. It doesn’t matter if this was the first bite or there was no indication of it being a dangerous dog; the owner will be held responsible for damages.

Challenges can still arise in these cases. Whether it’s proving the damages suffered or showing that the dog was not provoked, it might be beneficial to contact an attorney.

Walker, Billingsley & Bair understands the long-term implications of a dog bite that causes scarring and disfigurement. A lawyer will ensure that the compensation an injured person is entitled to receive is adequately addressed in a claim. Don’t delay seeking legal advice. Call now: (641) 792-3595.

Usually, an injury from a dog attack is nothing more serious than some broken skin that is easily taken care of with a bit of antiseptic and a bandage. However, in extreme cases, a dog bite or attack in Iowa can cause severe injuries. Deep lacerations, tendon damage, nerve damage, rabies, and even death can all result from a vicious dog attack. These injuries can result in enormous medical bills, time off from work, and intense pain and suffering. If you're pursuing a dog bite claim after an attack, prepare yourself for challenges from the dog owner.

What Does the Law Say About Liability?

The law in Iowa is clear about the liability of dog owners. According to Iowa Code 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.” Thus, unless the dog bite victim is doing something unlawful, the dog owner is liable for the injuries. This leads some defendants to argue that the plaintiff was, in fact, doing something unlawful at the time, and it contributed to the attack.

Were You Trespassing on the Dog Owner's Property?

Many dog owners believe if you were “trespassing,” they are not responsible for the dog’s actions, but this may not be the case. The law states that an owner may not be liable if the victim was doing something unlawful and that it contributed to the bite. So if someone trespassed by hopping a fence and scared the dog, this might be grounds for the dog owner to challenge his or her liability.

However, if your trespassing did not contribute to the injury, the dog owner still may be liable for damages.

Was the Dog Provoked?

This is the defense of many dog owners, and in some cases, the dog may have been provoked. For example, a teenager may pull a dog's tail or start chasing the dog into a corner. In this case, the dog owner may challenge his or her liability successfully in the dog bite claim.

However, the parties may have different ideas of what constitutes provoking the dog. A child inadvertently may provoke a dog, or an adult may have been playing too rough, for example. 

Does the Dog Have Rabies?

Owners are generally not liable for bites if the dog had rabies and the owner did not know or reasonably could not be expected to know, the dog had rabies. In these cases, though, if you can prove the dog owner was negligent – for example, leaving a gate open, allowing a child access to the backyard while the dog is outside – then the dog owner may be liable.

When You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in Iowa

After a serious dog attack, you may face hospitalization, surgery, and extensive time off from work. While you focus on recovering, you can have a dog bite lawyer in Iowa fighting for your rights. A lawyer who's a good fit for your case should know the pros and cons of Iowa dog bite law and can take the time to explain your legal options.

When you attempt to handle a dog attack case on your own, you may spur resentment, which may be exacerbated by the fact that you aren't familiar with what needs to be said to have your claim settled fairly and efficiently.

It's not uncommon for a victim to make accusations that aren't necessary under Iowa dog bite law. With the guidance of a dog bite lawyer in Iowa, however, the victim can leave all accusations up to the attorney. This can make matters less stressful.

By all means, a shrewd attorney won't confront the dog's owners, try to make them feel guilty, or threaten to have the animal euthanized - unless any of this is absolutely necessary, in which your lawyer would first seek your permission. If you prefer your lawyer take a gentle approach, then that's how your case will be handled. Perhaps it was your neighbor's dog that attacked you, and you don't want litigation to ruin your friendship.

Another benefit of hiring an Iowa dog bite attorney is that you may face additional medical care in the future or treatment for scarring or disfigurement, for which you may be compensated. An attorney won’t just address your current medical bills; he or she will also consider future ones, such as plastic surgery.

If your injuries were severe, you may have to undergo several surgeries. This could also mean long-term physical therapy or rehabilitation. You should make sure that all of these potential future medical expenses are taken into account.

With injuries often comes additional missed time from work. You could be entitled to compensation for that as well. An attorney can help you calculate financial losses to be considered in your claim based on Iowa dog bite law.

The emotional trauma of a disfiguring injury can be devastating. If there is scarring to the face, hands, arms, or legs, their visibility can be a painful reminder that lasts a lifetime. Compensation could be available that addresses scarring. A good attorney will ensure this is part of your claim and will work hard to ensure the full value of your case is addressed.

In addition to an attorney who has handled these types of claims and has a good understanding of Iowa dog bite law, you should choose one that you can trust. References can be a great way to determine if you are selecting the right fit.

After Your Dog Bite Case Has Been Settled

Once your claim is paid, the dog's owners may be relieved that their insurance company did all the work, and any initial anger may dissipate. They may even agree that your reason for hiring an attorney was to get a fair settlement, not to hurt anyone.

Keep in mind that hiring a dog bite lawyer in Iowa isn't the same thing as filing a lawsuit. Sometimes you need an attorney to present your case to the insurance company so it can be resolved outside of a courtroom. By hiring an attorney, you have a much better chance of obtaining a fair and full settlement.

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.