Lake Mills Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Victims of dog bites can trust 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.

What Should You Not Do When Talking With an Insurance Adjuster in a Dog Bite or Attack Case?

Dealing with an insurance adjuster following a dog bite or attack can be daunting. Your statements and actions during this period are crucial and can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Here’s some essential advice on what to avoid and how to handle interactions with insurance adjusters to protect your interests.

Tell the Truth and Keep Records

When dealing with an insurance adjuster, honesty is paramount. Any falsehood, no matter how small, can severely damage your credibility and your case. Always tell the truth to avoid future complications. Additionally, document everything meticulously. Keep records of all communications, and maintain a diary detailing your interactions and experiences. This documentation can prove invaluable when establishing the extent of your damages and injuries.

Medical Records and Doctor Visits

If you’ve sustained injuries, it’s crucial to keep comprehensive records. Track all missed work and retain doctors' excuses for these absences. Review any medical bills or explanation of benefits forms from your health insurance company. The medical records from your visits to healthcare providers are critical, as they contain details about your injuries, treatments, and the doctor’s findings. 

Be thorough when describing your injuries to your doctors. Failing to report all your symptoms can result in inadequate treatment and a lower settlement offer. If you begin to complain about issues weeks or months later, the insurance company might argue that these problems are unrelated to the attack, thus lowering their settlement offer. Regular visits to your doctor are essential to demonstrate that you haven’t fully recovered, which is important for your claim.

Dealing With the Insurance Adjuster

Insurance adjusters are trained professionals who aim to settle your case for as little as possible. When interacting with them, be cautious and deliberate in what you say. Insurance companies employ professionals to protect their interests, so it’s wise to consider having a personal injury lawyer to protect yours.

After a dog bite injury, an adjuster might quickly offer a small settlement hoping you will accept it without further negotiation. Once you accept the settlement and sign the release forms, reversing this decision is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Personal injury cases, especially dog bite claims, often require legal expertise to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Dog Safety for Kids in Iowa

With numerous dogs in cities like Lake Mills, it's vital to teach children about dog safety. Dogs can be unpredictable, and knowing how to behave around them can prevent accidents.

Be Calm Around Dogs

Teach children to stay calm around dogs. Stressful environments, with yelling or jumping, can agitate dogs. Encourage kids to use a gentle voice and approach dogs calmly.

Leave Sleeping and Eating Dogs Alone

Children should avoid disturbing dogs that are eating or sleeping, as this can provoke aggression.

Ask the Dog’s Owner Before Petting

Kids should always ask a dog’s owner for permission before approaching or petting the dog. This ensures that the dog is comfortable with the interaction.

How to Pet Nicely

Show children how to pet dogs properly, avoiding actions like hugging or pulling on fur, which can be seen as threatening by the dog. The best areas to pet a dog are the chest or the side of the neck.

Avoid Eye Contact

Direct eye contact can be perceived as a threat by dogs. Teach children to avoid staring directly into a dog’s eyes.

What to Do When Approached by an Unknown Dog

If a strange dog approaches, children should stand still and avoid sudden movements. If knocked down, they should roll into a ball and remain as still as possible. Supervision is crucial when children interact with dogs, whether the dogs are familiar or strangers.

If Your Child Has Been Bitten by a Dog

If your child is bitten, you may be entitled to compensation. The statute of limitations in Iowa for personal injury cases is two years. The attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair understand the trauma of such events and will work diligently to secure the compensation your family deserves. Call them at (888) 435-9886 to begin the claims process.

Why Do Dogs Attack and Bite?

Understanding why dogs bite can help prevent attacks. Dogs usually bite due to:

1. Dominance: Dogs may attack to assert dominance, especially over smaller children.
2. Defense: Dogs are territorial and may bite to defend their space or owners.
3. Security: If a dog feels threatened, it may bite to protect itself.

Tips to Avoid a Dog Bite Attack

To reduce the risk of a dog bite:

- Keep your distance from unfamiliar dogs.
- Don’t run from aggressive dogs.
- Stay calm and still around unfamiliar dogs.
- Avoid disturbing dogs that are preoccupied.
- Never approach a dog from behind.

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.