Iowa City Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

When a dog causes injury, Iowa City dog bite injury lawyers become reliable allies for the victims. Specializing in the intricate legal aspects of animal-related incidents, these advocates adeptly manage the complexities of liability and compensation. Their goal is to ensure that those who have suffered harm receive the justice and support they deserve.

Dog attacks and bites are distressingly common, with various reasons prompting such aggressive behavior in canines. Understanding why dogs bite and how to prevent these incidents can help minimize the risk of being bitten. If you or someone you know has suffered a severe dog bite attack, contacting an Iowa dog bite attorney can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Common Reasons for Dog Bite Attacks

Dogs typically bite for three primary reasons:

Dominance
Dogs may attack small children to assert dominance. Children are often targeted because they are seen as easy prey.

Defense
Dogs are territorial animals and will bite to defend their territory. They may also bite to protect themselves, their owners, or their owner's property.

Security
In situations where a dog feels threatened or insecure, it may attack to ensure its safety.

Tips to Avoid a Dog Bite Attack

To reduce the likelihood of a dog bite attack, consider the following tips:

- Distance Yourself from Unfamiliar Dogs: Avoid approaching unknown dogs.
- Don't Run from an Aggressive Dog: Running can trigger a dog's chase instinct.
- Remain Calm and Still: When interacting with an unfamiliar dog, stay calm and avoid sudden movements.
- Don't Disturb a Preoccupied Dog: Avoid disturbing a dog that is eating, sleeping, or otherwise engaged.
- Don't Approach from Behind: Always approach dogs from the front where they can see you.

Despite taking precautions, dog bite attacks can still occur. These attacks can lead to serious physical, financial, and emotional challenges. Seeking legal help from an Iowa dog bite attorney can aid in pursuing compensation for your injuries.

Emotional Injuries in Children After a Dog Attack

Children are particularly vulnerable to emotional trauma following a dog attack. Symptoms of emotional injuries can include fear, withdrawal, depression, and anger, which may appear immediately or develop later.

Reactions Based on Age

- 5 Years Old and Younger:
  - Fear of being away from parents
  - Crying, screaming, and aimless motion
  - Trembling, excessive clinging, bed wetting, thumb sucking
  - Fear of darkness

- 6 to 11 Years Old:
  - Extreme withdrawal and inattentiveness
  - Disruptive behavior, nightmares, irrational fears
  - Anger outbursts, fighting, refusal to attend school
  - Depression, feelings of guilt, emotional numbing, physical symptoms without medical basis

- 12 to 17 Years Old:
  - Nightmares, flashbacks, emotional numbing
  - Substance abuse, depression, problems with peers
  - Avoiding reminders of the event, isolation, suicidal thoughts
  - Physical complaints, sleep disturbances, confusion, guilt

Children might develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if symptoms persist for over a month, with signs including:

- Re-experiencing the attack through nightmares or flashbacks
- Avoiding reminders of the attack
- Sleep disturbances, concentration problems, regressive behavior

An Iowa City dog bite lawyer can help you secure compensation for your child’s physical and emotional recovery, covering current and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and time missed from work to care for your child.

Seeking Compensation for Permanent Disfigurement from a Dog Bite

Dog bites can cause severe disfigurement, leading to both physical and emotional trauma. Individuals in Iowa wishing to pursue a dog bite claim against an owner may consult an Iowa personal injury attorney to explore their legal options.

Disfiguring Dog Bite Injuries

While some dog bites cause superficial wounds, others can puncture or tear the skin, leading to significant disfigurement. Severe wounds may require suturing, skin grafting, or orthopedic and reconstructive surgeries.

Damages from a Permanently Disfiguring Injury

Victims of disfiguring dog bites may recover two types of damages:

- Economic Damages: These cover medical care, treatment costs, and other financial losses, including future expenses for additional surgeries or therapy, and lost income during recovery.
- Noneconomic Damages: These address pain and suffering, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life due to emotional trauma and social difficulties caused by disfigurement.

Contacting an Iowa Dog Bite Attorney

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that dog bites affect approximately 800,000 people annually in the United States, with children aged five to nine being the most affected. Dog bite injuries can have far-reaching consequences, impacting victims socially and professionally.

How an Attorney Can Help

Given the complexity of dog bite claims and the evidence required, consulting an experienced attorney can be beneficial. An attorney can assist with gathering evidence, documenting injuries, and navigating the legal process to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. 

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.