Le Claire Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Dog bite injury lawyers are reliable allies for victims when a dog causes harm. Specializing in the legal intricacies of animal-related cases, they skillfully handle liability and compensation issues to achieve justice and support.

Can a Dog Bite Cause Nerve Damage?

Yes, a dog bite can cause nerve damage. A dog's powerful jaws can injure not only nerves but also tendons, muscles, and bones.

Ways a Dog Bite Can Cause Nerve Damage

1. Neuropraxia: The least serious type of nerve damage. It stretches nerves but doesn't sever them, often resulting from crushing injuries caused by the bite or when an attack leads to a dislocation or fracture. Recovery can range from a few hours to several months.
   
2. Axonotmesis: A more severe injury where the nerves, muscles, and motor functions are damaged. Recovery can take from a few months to years.
   
3. Neurotmesis: The most severe type of nerve injury, occurring when the nerve is severed. If it's a clean cut, sometimes the nerve can be repaired through procedures that regenerate the nerves. However, this is a slow process and often the damage can be irreparable, leading to abnormal sensations or movements.

Signs of Nerve Damage After a Dog Bite

- Motor Nerves: Control actions and movements by transmitting information from the spinal cord and brain to the muscles. Signs of motor nerve damage include:
  - Weakness
  - Paralysis
  - Fasciculation (twitching)
  - Muscle atrophy (muscle wasting)

- Sensory Nerves: Affect sensation (such as pain) by passing information from the muscles and skin to the brain and spinal cord. Signs of sensory nerve damage include:
  - Burning
  - Numbness
  - Pain
  - Prickling/tingling
  - Difficulties with positional awareness

How Nerve Damage May Impact a Dog Bite Claim

Nerve damage from a dog bite can occur in various parts of the body, potentially causing additional injuries such as fractures or infections from open wounds. In Iowa, holding a dog owner liable for damages is relatively straightforward, except if the victim acted unlawfully, such as breaking into the owner's home.

Recoverable damages from a dog bite claim may include:
- Medical Costs: For treating the injury, including surgery for nerve damage and possibly cosmetic surgery for severe injuries.
- Lost Earnings: Compensation for missed work during recovery and anticipated future earnings if the injury results in disability.
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress and reduced quality of life due to permanent scarring or disfigurement.

A Brief Overview of Iowa Laws for the Rabies Vaccine for Dogs

In the early 1900s, over 100 people a year died from rabies infections. By the 1990s, this number had shrunk to one or two per year, thanks to stringent rabies vaccination laws for pets.

Iowa Rabies Vaccination Law

Iowa Annotated Statute § 351.33 mandates that all dog owners vaccinate their dogs against rabies. It states: “It shall be unlawful for any person to own or have a dog in the person's possession, six months of age or over, which has not been vaccinated against rabies.” Dogs running at large without vaccination can be impounded, and owners have one week to present vaccination proof or have the dog vaccinated, failing which the dog will be euthanized.

Exemptions from the Rabies Vaccine for Dogs

Exemptions include:
- Dogs under six months of age.
- Dogs kept in kennels and not allowed to run at large.
- Dogs under the owner's control in transit for less than 30 days.
- Dogs exhibited in the state for less than 30 days.
- Dogs assigned to a research facility.

Administering the Rabies Vaccination

Only licensed veterinarians can administer rabies vaccinations, and the vaccine must be state-approved. After vaccination, the vet issues a certificate and a rabies tag that must be attached to the dog's collar at all times.

Seeking Compensation for Permanent Disfigurement from a Dog Bite

Disfigurement from a dog bite can lead to various recoverable damages, including medical bills and emotional damages. Individuals in Iowa can pursue a dog bite claim against the owner with the help of an Iowa personal injury attorney.

A Closer Look at Disfiguring Dog Bite Injuries

Some dog bites cause superficial wounds, while others puncture or tear the skin, leading to severe disfigurement. Significant skin damage might require skin grafting, where skin from another body part repairs the damaged area. Orthopedic surgery may be necessary to address disfigurement from broken bones, and reconstructive or cosmetic surgery might be needed for severe injuries. Infection is a common concern, and vaccinations or other treatments may be administered as a precaution.

Damages from a Permanently Disfiguring Injury

Victims of disfigurement from a dog bite may recover economic and noneconomic damages:
- Economic Damages: Include current and future medical expenses, lost income, and costs for psychological care due to emotional trauma.
- Noneconomic Damages: Compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life due to embarrassment and social difficulties from disfigurement.

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.