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- Missouri Valley Dog Bite Injury Attorneys
- Phone: 641-792-3595
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Most dog bites in Missouri Valley amount to little more than broken skin that can be treated with some antiseptic and a bandage. But in more serious cases, a dog attack can leave a Missouri Valley victim with deep lacerations, tendon damage, nerve damage, a serious infection, or worse. These injuries can lead to enormous medical bills, missed time from work, and significant pain and suffering. If you have been hurt in a dog attack in Missouri Valley, understanding both the medical risks and the legal challenges ahead can help you protect your claim and your health.
What Iowa Law Says About Dog Owner Liability
Iowa law is clear when it comes to the liability of dog owners. Under Iowa Code 351.28, the owner of a dog is liable to an injured party for all damages caused by the dog when the dog is caught in the act of worrying, maiming, or killing a domestic animal, or is attacking or attempting to bite a person, unless the injured party was doing something unlawful that directly contributed to the injury. In other words, unless a Missouri Valley dog bite victim was doing something unlawful at the time of the attack, the dog owner is responsible for the resulting injuries. This straightforward rule still leads many dog owners and their insurance companies to look for ways to avoid paying what an injured Missouri Valley victim is rightfully owed.
Common Challenges to a Missouri Valley Dog Bite Claim
Because Iowa's dog bite law favors the injured party, dog owners in Missouri Valley often raise a handful of common defenses in an attempt to shift the blame. Understanding these challenges in advance can help you and your attorney prepare a stronger claim.
Were you trespassing on the dog owner's property? Many dog owners believe that if a victim was trespassing, they are automatically off the hook, but that is not necessarily true. The law only excuses a dog owner from liability if the victim's unlawful conduct directly contributed to the bite. For example, if a Missouri Valley resident hopped a fence and startled the dog, that could give the owner grounds to challenge liability. But if the trespassing itself had nothing to do with causing the attack, the dog owner may still be fully liable for the damages.
Was the dog provoked? This defense comes up often, and in some cases a dog genuinely was provoked before it bit someone. A child pulling a dog's tail or chasing it into a corner are common examples. However, people frequently disagree about what actually counts as provocation. A child may provoke a dog without meaning any harm, or an adult may simply have been playing too roughly. Because these situations are rarely black and white, it is worth discussing the specific details of your Missouri Valley case with an attorney before assuming the provocation defense applies.
Did the dog have rabies? Generally, a dog owner is not held liable for a bite if the dog had rabies and the owner neither knew, nor reasonably could have known, about the infection. That said, if a Missouri Valley victim can show the owner was negligent in some other way, such as leaving a gate open or letting a child access a yard where the dog was kept, the owner may still be liable regardless of the rabies question.
Health Risks and Diseases From a Missouri Valley Dog Bite
Beyond the immediate wound, people bitten by a dog in Missouri Valley may also be at risk of contracting a disease from the attack, and some of these illnesses can be life threatening. Rabies is the most well known, but several types of infections can also become serious if they are not treated quickly.
Staph Infection
A bite can puncture the skin deeply enough to let common bacteria into the body. Pain, fever, and severe headache are common warning signs.
Pasteurella Infection
This bacterium is frequently associated with animal bites and can cause pain, swelling, and infection in nearby joints.
Tetanus
This nervous system infection can cause muscle spasms and contractions, including lockjaw, especially without a recent booster.
Why Missouri Valley Victims Should See a Doctor Right Away
If you have been bitten by a dog in Missouri Valley, see a doctor as soon as possible, even if the wound does not look severe at first. Some infections take time to show symptoms, and early treatment can make a significant difference in your recovery. When someone has been seriously injured after a dog bite, compensation may be available to help cover the resulting damages, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in Missouri Valley
After a serious dog attack, a Missouri Valley victim may face hospitalization, surgery, and significant time away from work. While you focus on healing, a dog bite lawyer can fight for your rights on your behalf. The right lawyer for your case should understand the strengths and weaknesses of Iowa dog bite law and take the time to walk you through your legal options.
When a Missouri Valley victim tries to handle a dog attack claim without legal help, it can spur unnecessary resentment between neighbors or acquaintances, especially when the victim is not familiar with what needs to be said, and what should be left unsaid, to have the claim resolved fairly and efficiently. It is not uncommon for a victim to make accusations that go beyond what Iowa dog bite law actually requires. With the guidance of an experienced attorney, however, a Missouri Valley victim can leave those difficult conversations to the lawyer instead.
A thoughtful attorney will not confront the dog's owners, attempt to make them feel guilty, or threaten to have the animal euthanized, unless doing so is genuinely necessary, and even then, your lawyer should seek your permission first. If you would rather your case be handled gently, that preference can be respected. This matters a great deal in situations where, for example, it was a neighbor's dog that caused the attack, and the Missouri Valley victim does not want litigation to damage that relationship.
Future Medical Needs and Emotional Trauma
Another important reason to hire a Missouri Valley dog bite attorney is the possibility of needing additional medical care down the road, including treatment for scarring or disfigurement. An attorney will not just focus on your current medical bills. They will also account for future costs, such as plastic surgery, that may not be apparent right after the attack.
If your injuries were severe, you may need multiple surgeries, long term physical therapy, or extended rehabilitation. It is essential that all of these potential future medical expenses be factored into any settlement discussion. Missed work is another major concern, and a Missouri Valley victim could be entitled to compensation for those lost wages as well. An experienced attorney can help calculate the full extent of your financial losses under Iowa dog bite law.
The emotional toll of a disfiguring injury should never be underestimated. Visible scarring on the face, hands, arms, or legs can serve as a painful, lasting reminder of the attack for a Missouri Valley victim. Compensation may be available to address this scarring, and a good attorney will make sure this is included as part of your overall claim, working to ensure the full value of your case is properly addressed.
In addition to finding an attorney who has handled these types of claims and understands Iowa dog bite law thoroughly, it is important to choose someone you trust. Client references can be a helpful way to determine whether a particular attorney is the right fit for your Missouri Valley case.
After Your Missouri Valley Dog Bite Case Is Settled
Once a claim is resolved, the dog's owners are often relieved that their insurance company handled the process, and whatever initial frustration existed on their end tends to fade. Many even come to understand that hiring an attorney was never about causing harm, but about securing a fair settlement for a legitimate injury.
It is also worth remembering that hiring a dog bite lawyer in Missouri Valley is not the same as filing a lawsuit. In many cases, an attorney simply needs to present your claim to the insurance company so it can be resolved without ever stepping into a courtroom. By working with an attorney, a Missouri Valley victim gives themselves a much better chance at securing a full and fair settlement.
| Without an Attorney | With a Missouri Valley Dog Bite Attorney |
|---|---|
| Victim handles all communication with the dog owner and insurer | Attorney manages all communication and negotiation |
| Only current medical bills may be considered | Future medical needs, such as surgery, are factored in |
| Emotional trauma and scarring may be overlooked | Full value of pain, suffering, and scarring is pursued |
| Risk of accepting an unfair settlement | Better chance at a full and fair resolution |
When to Contact Missouri Valley Dog Bite Lawyers
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.