Slater 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.

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

Being attacked by a dog can be a scary and dangerous situation, particularly for children who are often the most vulnerable. If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, there are critical steps to take to ensure safety, proper medical treatment, and legal protection.

Immediate Steps After a Dog Bite

Call 911

The first thing you should do after a dog bite is call 911 so the police and medical personnel can be dispatched to the scene. The police can help track down the dog and its owner, which is crucial if the dog does not have a collar and runs away. Identifying the dog and confirming its rabies vaccination status is essential to avoid unnecessary rabies shots.

Medical Treatment and Care

Dog bite injuries can cause serious damage requiring antibiotics, stitches, and sometimes rabies shots. After addressing the immediate rabies concern, focus on healing physical and emotional scars. If you or a loved one is experiencing flashbacks, anxiety, or fear of dogs, seek mental health counseling promptly. 

From a medical standpoint, avoid sun exposure to healing scars and use sunscreen. If scars remain visible and bothersome after 6 to 12 months, consider a consultation with a plastic surgeon for possible scar revision procedures.

Legal Steps

Identifying the Dog Owner

Identifying the dog owner is crucial for pursuing compensation. If the dog owner has homeowners or renters insurance, your claim should be submitted to their insurance company. If the dog owner is uninsured, consider their assets and whether it is worth pursuing a claim.

Iowa’s Strict Liability for Dog Bites

Iowa has strict liability laws for dog bite injuries, meaning you only need to prove that a dog attacked and/or bit you, with few exceptions. This emphasizes the importance of promptly identifying the dog owner.

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters

If the dog owner has insurance, an adjuster will likely contact you for a recorded statement. It's generally not advisable to provide a recorded statement without consulting an attorney, especially if the injuries are serious. Insurance adjusters aim to minimize payouts, so having an attorney can help protect your rights and ensure fair compensation.

Hiring a Dog Bite Attorney

A qualified Iowa dog bite attorney can guide you through the legal process, handle negotiations with the insurance adjuster, and ensure you receive appropriate compensation. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Psychological and Long-Term Effects of Dog Bites on Children

Children are particularly susceptible to both the physical and emotional impacts of dog bites. Common physical injuries include torn ears, ripped scalps, and eye injuries. Even when these injuries heal, they may leave behind long-term damage such as scarring or facial disfigurement.

Emotional and Psychological Consequences

The emotional trauma of a dog bite can lead to long-term psychological issues such as separation anxiety, nightmares, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These effects can disrupt a child’s daily life and emotional development, requiring psychological counseling and long-term care.

Filing a Claim Against a Veterinary Office or Kennel

If bitten by a dog at a veterinary office or kennel, the facility may be liable depending on the circumstances. Both the dog’s owner and the facility could be held responsible if negligence can be proven. Iowa Code 351 holds owners strictly liable for dog bites unless the dog has rabies and the owner was unaware.

Proving Fault

Proving fault involves demonstrating that the kennel or veterinary office did not take adequate precautions if they were aware of the dog's aggressive behavior. Documentation such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements will be crucial.

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.