Nora Springs Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

When dogs cause harm, dog bite injury lawyers are dependable allies. They specialize in the legal intricacies of animal attacks, ensuring victims receive proper management of liability and compensation for justice and support.

 Cost of Treatment for Dog Bites in a Personal Injury Claim in Iowa

A dog attack in Nora Springs can result in a wide range of injuries and damages, such as:

- Torn clothing
- Bloody clothing
- Scratches
- Bruises
- Deep cuts
- Puncture wounds
- Loss of tissue
- Loss of limbs
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Crushed bones
- Disfigurement

Emotional distress may also significantly affect your child and family's life after a dog bite attack. This distress may require medications and psychological therapy to alleviate the persistent fears following such an attack. It can be particularly challenging for your family to witness your child undergoing these treatments and suffering from the lasting effects of the dog bite, potentially leading to relationship problems and difficulties in concentration.

Dealing with Medical Costs After a Dog Bite

When medical bills start mounting, financial strain and frustration can quickly set in, especially if prolonged and expensive treatments are necessary for deep dog bites. Estimated dog bite treatment costs vary considerably but can reach tens of thousands of dollars. In 2011, the average cost of a dog bite claim was over $64,555.

Treatment costs can escalate due to numerous required treatments, including:

- Ambulance and hospital services
- Sutures and staples
- Reconstructive surgeries
- Prescription medications
- Mental health services and counseling
- Follow-up appointments

Your costs will depend on the injury and necessary treatment. You may file a claim for compensation to help cover these heavy costs, as well as lost wages and emotional damages. However, claims of this nature can be difficult to prove and may benefit from the assistance of a personal injury law firm.

Harboring a Dangerous Dog: Special Rules for Vicious Dogs

When is a Dog Considered to Be Dangerous?

A dog is deemed dangerous or vicious when declared so by the city’s animal control authority. Certain dogs bite more frequently than others. According to Code 8.16.030, probable cause for labeling a dog as dangerous includes:

- Written complaint of a citizen
- Dog bite report(s)
- Actions of the dog witnessed by law enforcement or animal control officer
- Verified report of previous dangerous behavior
- Other substantial evidence

If a dog is determined to be dangerous, its owner must obtain a unique license and certificate of registration.

Special License, Certificate & Requirements

The dog owner must obtain the exclusive license and certificate within 30 days of the dog being declared dangerous. The certificate will be issued if the owner meets criteria for harboring a dangerous dog, including:

- Keeping the dog maintained within the property
- Posting a sign warning others that the dog is dangerous
- Placing a warning symbol that can be understood by children or the illiterate
- Obtaining a surety bond by an insurer of not less than $250,000

Liability for Dog Bites in Nora Springs

When a dog declared dangerous bites or attacks another person or animal, the owner will be held liable under the theory of strict liability. Therefore, it is crucial that the dog owner carries a surety bond of at least $250,000.

Strict liability also applies to non-dangerous dogs if their owners' animals attack someone, provided the person attacked was not engaged in illegal activity at the time of the bite.

Filing a Dog Bite Lawsuit Against a Kennel or Veterinary Office

Any veterinary office or kennel may be liable in a dog bite lawsuit if a dog attacked a third party at their facility. Veterinarians and kennel owners often protect their businesses by purchasing liability insurance for such cases. However, a facility is not automatically liable for injuries or damages from a dog bite.

Liability for a Dog Bite in a Vet’s Office or Dog Kennel

The bite is not the victim’s responsibility unless the victim provoked the dog. Victims should explore Iowa dog bite laws and the bite's circumstances to determine liability for damages like medical bills or pain and suffering.

For example, if someone else's dog bit you at a vet office while in the care of a veterinarian, both the dog’s owner and the vet could be potentially liable. The owner should communicate the dog’s temperament if known to be aggressive. According to Iowa Code 351, an owner is strictly liable if their dog bites a person, unless the dog had rabies, and the owner was unaware and could not have reasonably prevented the bite.

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.