Pocahontas Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Dog bite injury lawyers become crucial allies for those injured by dogs. Their expertise in animal-related legal matters allows them to effectively handle liability and compensation complexities, securing justice and proper aid.

Understanding the Impact of Dog Bites: Causes, Effects, and Legal Options

Dog bites can have severe and lasting impacts on victims, affecting both their physical and emotional well-being. Understanding the potential consequences of a dog bite and knowing your legal rights is crucial for anyone who has been attacked by a dog. This article delves into the ways a dog bite can cause nerve damage, the circumstances that may increase the likelihood of a dog bite, and the long-term effects and treatment options for victims.

Can a Dog Bite Cause Nerve Damage?

Dog bites can indeed cause nerve damage due to the powerful jaws that can injure not only nerves but also tendons, muscles, and bones. Nerve damage from a dog bite can vary in severity:

1. Neuropraxia: The least serious type, it involves stretched nerves but not severed ones, often resulting from crushing injuries or dislocations. Recovery can take from a few hours to several months.
2. Axonotmesis: A more severe injury affecting nerves and muscle function, with recovery taking months to years.
3. Neurotmesis: The most severe form, where the nerve is severed. While some nerve repairs are possible, recovery is slow and often incomplete, sometimes resulting in permanent damage.

Signs of nerve damage can vary depending on whether motor or sensory nerves are affected. Motor nerve damage may present as weakness, paralysis, muscle twitching, or muscle atrophy. Sensory nerve damage can cause burning, numbness, pain, tingling, and difficulties with positional awareness.

Circumstances That May Make a Dog More Likely to Attack/Bite

Certain situations and conditions can make dogs more prone to biting:

1. Fear: Dogs may bite out of fear, displaying what is known as fear aggression. Scared dogs might attack from behind if they cannot escape the source of their fear.
2. Territoriality: Dogs may show territorial aggression over their space, possessions, or people they consider theirs.
3. Protectiveness: Dogs may act aggressively to protect their owner, puppies, or another dog.
4. Taunting or Teasing: Dogs can respond aggressively if they feel threatened, taunted, or teased. This defensive aggression is a natural response to perceived danger.

Long-term Effects and Treatment for Dog Bites in Iowa

Dog bites can lead to lasting physical and emotional trauma. The long-term effects include:

1. Physical Disfigurement: Permanent scars, paralysis, mobility issues, and in severe cases, amputation. Treatment may involve plastic or reconstructive surgery, but some conditions, like paralysis, may be irreversible.
2. Mental and Emotional Trauma: Victims, especially children, can suffer from PTSD, fear, stress, anger, loneliness, and in severe cases, self-harm or substance abuse. Therapy and counseling are essential for recovery.
3. Infections and Diseases: Dog bites can transmit serious infections like rabies and complications such as sepsis, loss of function, or death. Immediate medical attention is critical.

Treatment for dog bite injuries typically includes wound cleaning, stitches, and preventive measures against infection. Aftercare is crucial to avoid complications, and victims may require tetanus shots and antibiotics.

Legal Options and Compensation

In Iowa, dog owners can be held liable for bite-related injuries under state laws, except in cases where the victim was acting unlawfully, such as breaking into a home. Compensation claims can cover:

- Medical Costs: For treatment of injuries, including surgeries and ongoing care.
- Lost Earnings: For missed work during recovery and potential future lost earnings if the victim is left disabled.
- Non-Economic Damages: Including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Permanent scarring can also lead to compensation for disfigurement.

To pursue a claim, it is vital to understand the legal process and gather sufficient evidence. Consulting an experienced dog bite attorney can help victims navigate their case and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.

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.