Sigourney Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

In cases of dog-related injuries, dog bite attorneys provide vital support to victims. Specializing in animal law, they navigate the complexities of liability and compensation to achieve justice and support for the injured.

The 4 Stages of Rabies After a Dog Bite

Rabies is a life-threatening virus that affects hundreds of people each year. If you've contracted rabies due to a dog bite, you'll need to receive swift medical attention. You'll also want to discuss the incident with a dog bite attorney to see if you are within your legal rights to pursue a claim against the dog's owner.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transferred from animals to humans. It attacks the central nervous system and becomes fatal if left untreated. Rabies progresses through four stages:

1. Attachment: The bullet-shaped virus attaches itself to a nerve cell.
2. Penetration: The virus penetrates the cell.
3. Replication: The rabies virus then begins multiplying rapidly within the cell.
4. Budding: It then spreads to other neurons and travels throughout the rest of the body.

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, thoroughly clean the area and immediately seek medical attention. If left untreated, rabies will cause paralysis, coma, and eventually death. However, if proper treatment is administered, it's almost always effective in eradicating the rabies virus.

The Importance of Immediate Medical Attention

Being attacked and bitten by a dog is dangerous and quite scary. Add to that the prospect of contracting rabies, and it becomes a truly traumatic event. Immediate medical attention can prevent the progression of rabies and other complications.

Will My Settlement Cover Dog Bite Treatment Costs for Plastic Surgery?

It is possible that a settlement will cover dog bite treatment costs such as plastic surgery. It must be proven that the surgery is connected to the dog bite injuries and is necessary to repair damage.

Seeking Dog Bite Treatment Damages for Plastic Surgery

Puncture wounds, lacerations, and tears from a dog bite can cause significant scarring and other disfigurements. One way to reduce the appearance of these injuries is through plastic surgery. In some cases, it may require several procedures to achieve optimal results.

Plastic surgery is typically required, especially if injuries occur on the neck, face, and scalp, as these are very visible areas. Stitches may take care of some open wounds, but severe injuries may require reconstructive surgery, such as skin grafting. Even after plastic surgery, there may still be visible signs of scarring, which can lead to or worsen emotional trauma.

Compensation Available in a Dog Bite Settlement

Typically, all medical costs stemming from a dog bite are addressed in a claim. This may include the initial dog bite treatment, such as in an emergency room, surgery, hospitalization, and medication. If the victim is expected to require additional treatment later on, such as plastic surgery, it will be important to take that into consideration before settling the claim.

The time spent healing from plastic surgery or the dog bite itself could also impact the injured person’s ability to work. So it’s important to consider future lost wages. There may also be damages available that address pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, disability, and more.

Contact an Attorney After a Dog Bite

Iowa follows strict liability laws, meaning owners are liable when someone else is injured by their dog. It doesn’t matter if this was the first bite or there was no indication of it being a dangerous dog; the owner will be held responsible for damages.

There can still be challenges that arise in these types of cases. Whether it’s proving the damages suffered or showing that the dog was not provoked, it might be beneficial to contact an attorney.

When You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in Iowa

After a serious dog attack, you may face hospitalization, surgery, and extensive time off from work. While you focus on recovering, you can have a dog bite lawyer in Iowa fighting for your rights. A lawyer who's a good fit for your case should know the pros and cons of Iowa dog bite law and can take the time to explain your legal options.

Handling a dog attack case on your own may spur resentment, which may be exacerbated by unfamiliarity with what needs to be said to have your claim settled fairly and efficiently. With the guidance of a dog bite lawyer in Iowa, the victim can leave all accusations up to the attorney, making matters less stressful.

A shrewd attorney won't confront the dog's owners unnecessarily. If your lawyer needs to take a more aggressive approach, they will seek your permission first. This approach can preserve relationships, especially if the attacker's dog was owned by a neighbor or friend.

Future Medical Care and Financial Compensation

You may face additional medical care in the future, such as plastic surgery. An attorney won’t just address your current medical bills; they will also consider future ones. With severe injuries, you may have to undergo several surgeries, which could mean long-term physical therapy or rehabilitation. It's essential to ensure that all these potential future medical expenses are taken into account.

With injuries often come additional missed time from work, and you could be entitled to compensation for that as well. An attorney can help you calculate financial losses to be considered in your claim based on Iowa dog bite law.

Emotional Trauma and Compensation

The emotional trauma of a disfiguring injury can be devastating. If there is scarring to the face, hands, arms, or legs, their visibility can be a painful reminder that lasts a lifetime. Compensation could be available that addresses scarring. A good attorney will ensure this is part of your claim and will work hard to ensure the full value of your case is addressed.

Choosing the Right Attorney

In addition to an attorney who has handled these types of claims and has a good understanding of Iowa dog bite law, you should choose one that you can trust. References can be a great way to determine if you are selecting the right fit.

After Your Dog Bite Case Has Been Settled

Once your claim is paid, the dog's owners may be relieved that their insurance company did all the work, and any initial anger may dissipate. They may even agree that your reason for hiring an attorney was to get a fair settlement, not to hurt anyone.

Hiring a dog bite lawyer in Iowa isn't the same thing as filing a lawsuit. Sometimes you need an attorney to present your case to the insurance company so it can be resolved outside of a courtroom. By hiring an attorney, you have a much better chance of obtaining a fair and full 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.