Orange City Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

When a dog inflicts injury, dog bite injury lawyers are dependable advocates for the victims. Their expertise in animal law allows them to manage the complexities of liability and compensation, ensuring justice and proper support.

When a person is bitten or attacked by a dog, the harm isn't always just physical. Often, it results in psychological injuries that require medical care and treatment. This is particularly true if the dog bite wounds leave permanent scars or disfiguring injuries.

Types of Psychological Treatment Prescribed after a Dog Bite

Victims of dog bites may experience significant fear and anxiety following the incident. The emotional trauma can be compounded by embarrassment over the scars and marks left by the attack. To address these issues, various forms of psychological treatment may be prescribed:

- Psychological or Psychiatric Counseling: Victims may benefit from talking to a psychologist or psychiatrist. This can help them cope with the social implications of a disfiguring injury and manage conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Medication: In some cases, medication to combat anxiety or depression may be necessary.

These psychological treatment costs are additional to the expenses required for physical recovery. Victims may seek compensation to cover not only the physical and psychological treatment expenses but also damages addressing the effects of a permanent disfiguring injury, such as emotional distress or pain and suffering. An Iowa attorney at Walker, Billingsley & Bair may be able to assist in this process.

Does It Matter What Breed of Dog Attacked Me When Filing an Injury Claim?

When filing an injury claim after a dog attack, the breed of the dog doesn't matter. Iowa law holds dog owners responsible for damages inflicted by their dogs, with certain exceptions.

Impact of Iowa Dog Bite Laws in an Injury Claim

Iowa has stringent laws regarding dog owner liability. Typically, a dog that bites or attacks a person, causing injury, enables the victim to recover compensation. Exceptions include:

- If the injured person was engaging in an unlawful act that directly contributed to the injuries, such as trespassing.
- If the dog suffers from hydrophobia (a side effect of rabies), though the owner could still be liable if they knew or should have known about the dog’s condition.

Could the Dog’s Breed Come Up in an Injury Claim?

While the breed is generally irrelevant to liability, some cities in Iowa have declared certain breeds as dangerous or vicious, often due to a history of biting or attacking or being trained to fight. Breeds that may be restricted or banned include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Akitas, Dobermans, and Presa Canarios.

Owners of these breeds may be required to take special precautions, such as owning insurance and ensuring proper confinement of the dog. Failure to comply with local laws regarding these breeds could be relevant if it contributed to the injuries.

Recovering Damages in a Dog Attack Injury Claim

Victims of dog attacks may pursue compensation for various damages:

- Medical Costs: Including antibiotics, medical care, surgery, and reconstructive surgery.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to recovery and treatment.
- Emotional Distress: For severe physical harm or permanent disfigurement.
- Witnessed Attacks: Iowa law allows recovery of emotional distress damages for those who witness especially severe attacks.

When You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in Iowa

After a severe dog attack, victims often face hospitalization, surgery, and extensive time off work. During recovery, a dog bite lawyer in Iowa can fight for their rights. A lawyer familiar with Iowa dog bite law can explain legal options and handle the complexities of the case.

Benefits of Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer

Handling a dog attack case alone can lead to unnecessary accusations and complications. A skilled attorney can:

- Manage Communications: Leaving accusations and negotiations to the lawyer can reduce stress.
- Avoid Confrontation: A good attorney will handle the case professionally, considering the victim's preferences regarding the approach.
- Future Medical Expenses: An attorney will consider potential future medical costs, such as plastic surgery or long-term physical therapy.
- Calculate Financial Losses: Compensation for lost wages and other financial losses will be thoroughly calculated.
- Emotional Trauma: Compensation for emotional trauma, including disfigurement and scarring, will be included in the claim.

After Your Dog Bite Case Has Been Settled

Once a claim is resolved, the dog's owners may be relieved that their insurance handled the case, reducing initial anger. Hiring an attorney doesn't necessarily mean filing a lawsuit; often, it's about ensuring a fair settlement.

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.