Nashua Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Dog bite attorneys become vital advocates for victims when a dog inflicts harm. Their deep understanding of animal-related legal matters enables them to adeptly handle liability and compensation issues to secure justice and aid for those harmed.

Rabies is a life-threatening virus that can follow a dog bite, posing a significant health risk. If you’ve contracted rabies from a dog bite, you need immediate medical attention and should consult a dog bite attorney to understand your legal rights. Here’s what you need to know about rabies, the legal implications of dog bites, and how to protect yourself.

Understanding Rabies

Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transferred from animals to humans. It attacks the central nervous system and becomes fatal if untreated. The virus progresses through four stages:

1. Attachment: The bullet-shaped virus attaches itself to a nerve cell.
2. Penetration: The virus penetrates the cell.
3. Replication: The virus multiplies rapidly within the cell.
4. Budding: It spreads to other neurons and travels throughout the body.

If you or your child is bitten by a dog, clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention immediately. If left untreated, rabies can cause paralysis, coma, and death. Prompt treatment is almost always effective in eradicating the virus.

Legal Steps After a Dog Bite

Being attacked by a dog can be traumatic, especially with the risk of rabies. In Iowa, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, psychological trauma, and loss of earnings. Consult with a dog bite attorney to understand your legal rights.

Challenges to a Dog Bite Claim

Dog bite claims can be complex, often involving severe injuries such as deep lacerations, tendon damage, nerve damage, and even death. If you’re pursuing a claim, be prepared for challenges from the dog owner. Consider these factors:

Liability Laws in Iowa

Iowa Code 351.28 states that dog owners are liable for all damages caused by their dogs unless the victim was doing something unlawful that contributed to the injury. Some defendants may argue that the plaintiff's unlawful actions, such as trespassing, contributed to the attack.

Common Defenses by Dog Owners

- Trespassing: If the victim was unlawfully on the dog owner's property and this contributed to the attack, the owner might not be liable.
- Provocation: Dog owners may claim the dog was provoked. Provocation can be subjective, so it's important to discuss specifics with an attorney.
- Rabies: Owners are generally not liable if the dog had rabies and they did not know or could not reasonably have known.

Use of Harmful Force as Protection

In Iowa, you may use harmful force against a dog if it poses an immediate threat. However, the force must be proportional to the threat, and you must act in self-defense or defense of others. Here are guidelines on when it is appropriate to use harmful force:

Appropriate Use of Force

- Immediate Threat: Use force if the dog is attacking and posing an immediate threat.
- Proportional Response: The force should match the level of threat. Lethal force may be justified if the dog is causing severe harm.

Inappropriate Use of Force

- Non-Threatening Situations: Do not use harmful force if the dog is barking or growling but confined or restrained.
- Revenge Attacks: Using force for revenge, such as harming a dog after a previous bite, is not permitted.

Seeking Help After a Dog Bite

If you've been injured in a dog attack, particularly if you had to use force to defend yourself, the legal situation can become complex. The dog owner might press criminal charges, leading to both civil and criminal cases. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney.

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.