Iowa Falls 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.

Challenges to a Dog Bite Claim and How to Address Them

An injury from a dog attack can range from minor to severe, causing not only physical harm but also significant emotional and financial distress. If you're pursuing a dog bite claim in Iowa, you need to be prepared for various challenges from the dog owner. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the legal landscape, address potential defenses, and seek appropriate compensation for both physical and psychological injuries.

Understanding Liability in Iowa

The law in Iowa is explicit 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.” This means that unless the dog bite victim was doing something unlawful that contributed to the attack, the dog owner is liable for the injuries.

Common Defenses by Dog Owners

Trespassing: Dog owners often claim that the victim was trespassing at the time of the attack. However, unless the trespassing directly contributed to the bite, this defense may not hold. For example, if a person accidentally wandered onto the property but did not provoke the dog, the owner may still be liable.

Provocation: Owners may argue that the dog was provoked. This defense can be subjective as what constitutes provocation can vary. An attorney can help determine if the actions were reasonable under the circumstances.

Rabies: If a dog had rabies and the owner did not know or could not reasonably have known, liability might be limited. However, negligence on the owner's part, such as failing to secure the dog, can still make them liable.

Psychological Injuries from Dog Bites

Physical injuries from dog bites can be severe, including deep lacerations, tendon damage, nerve damage, and even the risk of rabies. But the harm isn’t always just physical. Psychological injuries can also occur, particularly if the attack leaves permanent scars or disfigurement.

Types of Psychological Treatment

Victims may suffer from fear, anxiety, and embarrassment due to scars or disfigurement. Psychological treatment might include:

- Counseling: To cope with emotional injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), victims may need therapy.
- Medication: For anxiety or depression resulting from the attack.

These treatments add to the overall costs of recovery, and victims can seek compensation for these expenses as part of their claim.

Navigating Iowa’s Dog Bite Laws

An understanding of Iowa’s dog bite laws is crucial for pursuing a claim. According to the state statute, the owner of the dog that causes injury will be liable for all damages related to the incident. This extends beyond the actual bite to any additional injuries sustained while escaping the attack, such as being struck by a car or falling from a bicycle.

Rabies Symptoms in Dogs

Rabies is a deadly virus that can be transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals. Symptoms include aggression, a dazed look, refusing water, and foaming at the mouth. If an animal shows signs of rabies, avoid it and contact local animal control.

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.