Spirit Lake Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Dog bite injury attorneys become dependable allies for victims when a dog causes harm. They navigate the intricate legal landscape of animal-related cases, focusing on achieving justice and fair compensation for the injured.

Does it Matter What Breed of Dog Attacked Me When Filing an Injury Claim?

If a dog has attacked you, the breed of the dog does not affect your ability to file an injury claim. In Iowa, the law holds dog owners responsible for the actions of their pets, regardless of the dog's breed. However, understanding the nuances of the law and how certain breeds might be perceived can play a role in the proceedings.

Impact of Iowa Dog Bite Laws in an Injury Claim

Iowa has strict liability laws regarding dog bites. This means that dog owners are typically responsible for any damages their dog causes, unless the victim was engaging in unlawful activities that contributed to the injury, such as trespassing. Another exception is if the dog has hydrophobia (rabies), and the owner was unaware or should have reasonably known about the illness.

Could the Dog's Breed Come Up in an Injury Claim?

Certain cities in Iowa classify specific breeds as dangerous or vicious. These breeds might include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Akitas, Dobermans, and Presa Canarios, among others. Owners of these breeds may need to take extra precautions, like maintaining insurance or ensuring proper confinement. While the breed itself doesn’t affect liability, non-compliance with local laws regarding dangerous breeds can be a factor in the claim.

Recovering Damages in a Dog Attack Injury Claim

Victims of dog attacks can seek compensation for a range of damages, including medical costs (e.g., surgery, reconstructive procedures), lost wages during recovery, and emotional distress. Serious injuries that result in permanent disfigurement or significant emotional trauma may warrant additional compensation.

Can a Dog Bite Cause Nerve Damage?

Dog bites can indeed cause nerve damage. The extent of this damage varies and can significantly impact a claim for injuries resulting from a dog attack.

Ways a Dog Bite Can Cause Nerve Damage

Neuropraxia: This is the least severe form of nerve damage, resulting from stretched nerves. It can occur from crushing injuries and may resolve within hours to several months.

Axonotmesis: A more serious injury that damages nerves and can affect muscle and motor function. Recovery can span from months to years.

Neurotmesis: The most severe type, involving a severed nerve. While some nerve regeneration is possible, many cases result in permanent damage.

Signs of Nerve Damage After a Dog Bite

Motor nerve damage affects actions and movements, leading to symptoms like weakness, paralysis, twitching, and muscle atrophy. Sensory nerve damage impacts sensation, causing burning, numbness, pain, prickling, and positional awareness issues.

How Nerve Damage May Impact a Dog Bite Claim

Nerve damage can affect the face, hands, or other parts of the body, often requiring extensive medical treatment, including surgeries. This can significantly increase the value of a dog bite claim. Iowa law makes it relatively straightforward to hold a dog owner liable, except in cases of unlawful actions by the victim.

Recoverable Damages

Victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Permanent scarring or disfigurement may also warrant additional compensation.

Broken Bones from Dog Bite in Iowa: Recovering Compensation for Medical Care

Dog attacks can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones. Victims can pursue compensation for medical care and other damages under Iowa law.

Types of Broken Bones from a Dog Attack

Dog attacks can cause fractures in various bones, including legs, arms, face, hips, ribs, and even skull fractures. Some injuries may require surgery and long-term rehabilitation, especially if the fracture is severe.

Iowa Dog Bite Law

Under Iowa State Statute Section 351.28, dog owners are almost always liable for injuries their dogs cause. Exceptions include when the victim is engaged in unlawful activities or if the dog has rabies, and the owner did not know.

Damages Available Under Iowa Dog Bite Law

Victims can recover damages for medical expenses, including initial care, imaging procedures, treatments, surgery, and medications. There is no cap on economic or non-economic damages, allowing for recovery for lost wages, future lost wages, and emotional suffering.

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.