Holstein 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.

Dog Safety for Kids in Iowa

While dogs make for great companions and members of the family, they can be dangerous, even when unprovoked. For parents, teaching dog safety for kids – especially around unfamiliar dogs – is crucial to keeping them safe and protected. This article provides comprehensive tips on child safety around dogs, what to do if a dog bites, and why hiring a dog bite lawyer in Iowa is essential.

Tips for Child Safety Around Dogs

Be Calm Around Dogs

One of the first lessons in dog safety for kids is to remain calm around dogs. Much like humans, dogs don't always respond well to stress. Stressful environments include situations where children are yelling, jumping, yanking a dog’s tail, or being overly rowdy. Encourage children to approach dogs using an inside voice and to always be gentle.

Leave Sleeping and Eating Dogs Alone

Another critical safety tip is to teach children to leave dogs alone when they are sleeping or eating. No one – including dogs – enjoys being disturbed during a meal or nap. Interrupting a dog during these times increases the likelihood of aggression. Remind children to let dogs finish what they’re doing before approaching them.

Ask the Dog’s Owner Before Petting

Children often want to pet every dog they see, but approaching an unknown dog can be dangerous. A dog may feel threatened and react aggressively. Teach children to always ask the dog’s owner for permission before touching the dog. If the owner says “yes,” the child can proceed cautiously.

How to Pet Nicely

Children need to learn how to pet a dog appropriately. Actions like hugging, kissing, or yanking at a dog's fur or tail can be perceived as attacks, leading to aggressive responses. Teach children to pet dogs gently on the chest or the side of the neck and avoid the top of the head for unfamiliar dogs.

Avoid Eye Contact

Dogs often view direct eye contact as a threat. To reduce the risk of being attacked, instruct children never to make direct eye contact with a dog, especially one they don’t know well.

What to Do When Approached by an Unknown Dog

Teach children to remain still if an unknown dog approaches them. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, standing still like a tree can prevent a dog from becoming more aggressive. Children should never play with a dog without an adult nearby and should always let a dog sniff them before touching.

If knocked down by a dog, instruct children to roll into a ball and remain as still as possible. Some dogs are more tolerant of children than others. If you have a family dog that knows and loves your child, the chances of an attack are low. However, children should know that not all dogs are like their family pet.

Supervise Interactions

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends always supervising interactions between children and dogs. This applies to both family pets and other people's pets to ensure safety.

If Your Child Has Been Bitten by a Dog

If your child has been bitten by a dog, you may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury suit. In Iowa, the statute of limitations for pursuing a personal injury case is two years from the date of injury, according to Iowa Code section 614.1(2).

Why You Need to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Iowa

Understanding Iowa Dog Bite Law

Navigating Iowa's dog bite law can be complex, especially with severe injuries. A knowledgeable attorney can provide insight into how the law applies to your case and guide you through the legal process.

Maximizing Compensation

An experienced dog bite lawyer can thoroughly assess your claim, considering past cases, medical evidence, and Iowa dog bite law specifics. This evaluation ensures you receive compensation not only for current medical expenses but also for future costs related to your injury.

Recovering Lost Wages

If injuries result in time off work, an attorney can help pursue compensation for lost wages. They can gather evidence to support your claim, including proof of missed work time and fringe benefits, ensuring you receive full compensation.

Calculating Loss of Earning Capacity

For injuries leading to disfigurement or affecting future work ability, an attorney can help calculate loss of earning capacity. This involves assessing how injuries impact your ability to earn income over time.

Navigating Legal Challenges

Handling a dog bite case without legal guidance risks undervaluing your claim. An attorney’s negotiation skills can lead to a fair settlement, potentially avoiding lengthy court proceedings. They also handle interactions with insurance companies, gather evidence, and enlist expert opinions to strengthen your case.

Determining If You Need an Attorney

Severe injuries, such as permanent scarring or psychological trauma, warrant hiring an attorney. An attorney can prevent costly mistakes, increase case value, and manage insurance claims on your behalf.

If attacked by a dog belonging to a relative or friend, an attorney can help avoid confrontations while efficiently handling your claim.

Special Rules for Harboring a Dangerous Dog

Owning a dog is a significant responsibility. When a dog is declared dangerous, special rules and requirements must be followed.

When Is a Dog Considered Dangerous?

A dog is deemed dangerous when declared so by the city’s animal control authority. According to Code 8.16.030, probable causes for this designation include:

- Written complaint of a citizen
- Dog bite report(s)
- Actions witnessed by law enforcement or animal control officers
- Verified reports of previous dangerous behavior
- Other substantial evidence

Special License, Certificate & Requirements

Owners of dangerous dogs must obtain a unique license and certificate within 30 days of the declaration. Requirements include:

- Keeping the dog within the property
- Posting signs warning others of the dog's nature
- Obtaining a surety bond of at least $250,000

Liability for Dog Bites in Holstein

When a dangerous dog bites, the owner is liable under strict liability. Owners should carry a surety bond of not less than $250,000. Strict liability also applies to non-dangerous dogs when they attack, provided the victim wasn’t engaging in illegal activities at the time.

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.