Polk City Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Dog bite injury attorneys become essential allies for victims when a dog causes harm. They navigate the legal intricacies of animal attacks, focusing on securing justice and fair compensation for the injured parties.

Understanding Disfigurement from Dog Bite Injuries

Disfigurement resulting from a dog bite can have profound physical and emotional impacts. In Iowa, individuals who suffer such injuries may seek compensation through a personal injury claim against the dog owner. This process can be complex, involving various types of damages, including medical bills and emotional suffering. Speaking with an experienced Iowa personal injury attorney can help victims understand their legal options and navigate the claims process.

Types of Disfiguring Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can range from superficial wounds to severe injuries causing permanent disfigurement. Superficial bites might only require cleansing, while more severe injuries can puncture or tear the skin, leading to jagged, raised, or unnatural-looking scars. Disfiguring injuries often require extensive medical treatment:

- Suturing: For visible wounds on the face, neck, arms, and hands to minimize scarring.
- Skin Grafting: When significant damage occurs, skin from another body part may be grafted to the injured area.
- Orthopedic Surgery: To repair broken bones and address disfigurement from the bite.
- Reconstructive or Cosmetic Surgery: Depending on the injury's severity, these surgeries might be necessary to improve appearance and function.
- Infection Prevention: Vaccinations and other treatments to prevent infections, a common concern with dog bites.

Recoverable Damages from Disfiguring Injuries

Victims of disfiguring dog bites may seek both economic and noneconomic damages:

Economic Damages

- Medical Expenses: Costs of current and future medical treatments, including surgeries and psychological care.
- Lost Income: Compensation for income lost during recovery and future earnings lost due to continued treatment.
- Psychological Care: Costs of counseling or therapy to address emotional trauma.

Noneconomic Damages

- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Mental Anguish: Emotional suffering due to the injury.
- Diminished Quality of Life: Impact on social interactions and daily life due to disfigurement.

Legal Assistance for Dog Bite Victims

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 800,000 people suffer dog bite injuries annually in the United States, with the highest injury rates among children aged five to nine. Regardless of age, the repercussions of a dog bite can be life-altering, affecting social life and job performance.

Special Rules for Harboring Dangerous Dogs

Criteria for Declaring a Dog Dangerous

A dog may be deemed dangerous or vicious by the city's animal control authority based on:
- Written complaints from citizens.
- Dog bite reports.
- Actions observed by law enforcement or animal control officers.
- Verified reports of previous dangerous behavior.
- Other substantial evidence.

Requirements for Harboring a Dangerous Dog

Owners of dogs declared dangerous must adhere to specific rules, including obtaining a special license and certificate within 30 days. The requirements include:
- Keeping the dog confined within the property.
- Posting signs warning others of the dog's dangerous nature.
- Obtaining a surety bond of at least $250,000.

Addressing Challenges in Dog Bite Claims

Legal Framework and Owner Defenses

Iowa law (Iowa Code 351.28) holds dog owners liable for damages caused by their dogs unless the victim was engaging in unlawful activities that contributed to the attack. Common defenses by dog owners include:
- Trespassing: Owners may argue that the victim was trespassing, which contributed to the bite.
- Provocation: Owners might claim the dog was provoked, reducing their liability.
- Rabies: If the dog had rabies and the owner was unaware, they might not be liable unless negligence can be proven.

Importance of Legal Representation

For severe injuries requiring medical attention or leading to missed work, legal advice is crucial. An attorney can help navigate the complexities of a dog bite claim, ensuring the victim's rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation.

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.