Northwood 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.

Dog Safety for Kids in Iowa

Even the friendliest dogs can pose a risk, especially to children who may not know how to interact with them safely. Teaching dog safety to kids is essential to prevent accidents and ensure both children and dogs can coexist peacefully. Here are some crucial tips for keeping kids safe around dogs.

Be Calm around Dogs

Children should be taught to remain calm around dogs. Dogs can become stressed or agitated in chaotic environments where kids are yelling, jumping, or being overly rough. Encourage children to use their inside voices and gentle actions when approaching or playing with dogs. This helps create a calm environment and reduces the likelihood of a dog feeling threatened or becoming aggressive.

Leave Sleeping and Eating Dogs Alone

It's important for children to understand that dogs, like humans, do not like to be disturbed while sleeping or eating. Approaching a dog during these times can increase the chance of an aggressive reaction. Teach kids to let dogs finish their meals or naps before attempting to interact with them.

Ask the Dog’s Owner Before Petting

Many children are naturally drawn to pet dogs, especially those they don't know. However, approaching an unfamiliar dog can be dangerous. Always teach children to ask the dog's owner for permission before petting. This ensures that the dog is comfortable and safe to approach, and it gives the owner a chance to manage the dog's behavior.

How to Pet Nicely

Children should learn the proper way to pet dogs to avoid unintentional harm. Instead of hugging or kissing dogs, which can be perceived as threatening, children should gently scratch the dog's chest or side of the neck. Avoiding the top of the head is particularly important with unfamiliar dogs, as some dogs may not like being touched there.

Avoid Eye Contact

Dogs can perceive direct eye contact as a threat. Teach children to avoid making eye contact with dogs, especially those they do not know. This can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of an aggressive response from the dog.

What to Do When Approached by an Unknown Dog

If a child is approached by an unknown dog, they should remain completely still. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that children should "be a tree" when a strange dog approaches. This means standing still with their hands at their sides, avoiding eye contact, and letting the dog sniff them. If knocked down, children should roll into a ball and remain as still as possible to avoid further provoking the dog.

If Your Child Has Been Bitten by a Dog

Dog bites can cause significant injuries and emotional trauma, especially for children. If your child has been bitten, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Once the immediate health concerns are addressed, you may consider pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim. Iowa law allows two years from the date of the injury to file such a claim, according to Iowa Code section 614.1(2).

Treatment for Psychological Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries are not only physical but can also have lasting psychological effects. Victims, particularly children, may experience fear, anxiety, and embarrassment, especially if the bite leaves permanent scars. Psychological treatment may include counseling to help the victim cope with emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxieties. In some cases, medication for anxiety or depression may be necessary.

Immediate Steps After a Dog Bite

If a dog bite occurs, call 911 to ensure that police and medical personnel are dispatched to the scene. Identifying the dog and its owner is crucial, especially for verifying rabies vaccination status. If the dog is not found, rabies shots may be necessary. The police can help locate the owner and gather essential information for your case.

Medical Treatment and Care

Dog bites can lead to severe injuries requiring antibiotics, stitches, and sometimes rabies shots. Psychological counseling is also important if the victim experiences flashbacks, anxiety, or fear of dogs. Long-term care may include scar revision surgeries, which can involve lasers or chemical treatments to reduce the appearance of scars.

Legal Steps

Iowa has strict liability laws for dog bites, meaning that the dog owner is typically responsible for the injuries caused by their dog. Identifying the owner and their insurance coverage is essential. An attorney can help navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

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.