Sioux City Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

When a dog inflicts injury, Sioux City dog bite injury lawyers step forward as dependable allies for the victims. Specializing in the nuanced legal aspects of animal-related incidents, these legal advocates expertly manage the intricacies of liability and compensation. Their mission is to secure justice and provide steadfast support to those who have been harmed.

What to Do After a Dog Bite: Treatment and Legal Steps

Immediate Actions After a Dog Bite

Being attacked by a dog can be a frightening and dangerous experience, especially for children, who are most often the victims of serious dog bites. If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, the first step is to call 911 to ensure that police and medical personnel are dispatched to the scene. Dogs involved in attacks often flee, so it is crucial for the police to identify and locate the dog and its owner to verify the dog's rabies vaccination status. If the dog’s owner cannot be identified, you may need to undergo rabies shots as a precaution.

Importance of Police Involvement

The police play a key role in tracking down the dog owner and verifying the rabies vaccination status of the dog through the owner or the veterinarian. If the dog's vaccination status is unknown, the dog may be quarantined to monitor for rabies symptoms, which can help determine whether you need rabies shots.

Medical Treatment and Care

Dog bite injuries can be severe and require comprehensive medical treatment.

This includes:

- Antibiotics to prevent infection
- Stitches for deep wounds
- Rabies shots if the rabies status is unknown
- Mental health counseling for emotional trauma
- Scar revision surgeries for aesthetic and functional recovery

Addressing Immediate Medical Concerns

After addressing the immediate concern of rabies, the focus should shift to treating physical and emotional injuries. It’s essential to consult a mental health counselor if you or your loved one experiences anxiety, fear of dogs, difficulty sleeping, or flashbacks to the attack. Early mental health intervention can prevent long-term psychological issues.

Long-Term Medical Care

After stitches are removed, doctors may advise avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen to help scars heal properly. If scars remain visible and bothersome after 6 to 12 months, consulting a plastic surgeon for scar revision procedures such as laser treatments or chemical peels can be beneficial.

Legal Steps After a Dog Bite

Iowa has strict liability laws for dog bite injuries, meaning the owner is liable for damages caused by their dog, with few exceptions. To recover damages, you must prove that a dog attacked or bit you. Identifying the dog owner promptly is crucial, as it affects your ability to claim compensation.

Understanding Insurance Coverage

If the dog owner has insurance, such as homeowner's or renter's insurance, your claim should be submitted to their insurance company. The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case who may request details and photos of your injuries. For serious injuries, it is advisable to speak with an attorney before providing a recorded statement to the adjuster.

Evidence for Dog Bite Claims

To pursue a claim under Iowa's strict liability law, you need to prove:

- The dog in question bit you
- You suffered injuries as a result
- You were not performing an illegal act at the time

For greater compensation under common law, you must also prove the owner's negligence, such as knowing the dog was dangerous but failing to control it.

Importance of Expert Legal Guidance

An experienced attorney can maximize your compensation by:

- Assessing your claim thoroughly
- Considering past cases and medical evidence
- Calculating lost wages and loss of earning capacity

Attorneys can also navigate legal challenges, negotiate settlements, and handle insurance company interactions, ensuring you 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.