State Center Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Dog bite attorneys become reliable advocates for victims when a dog inflicts harm. Their deep understanding of animal-related legal matters enables them to adeptly handle liability and compensation issues to secure justice and aid for those harmed.

Seeking Compensation for Permanent Disfigurement from a Dog Bite

Disfigurement from a dog bite may be associated with various damages that may be recoverable in a claim. This may include medical bills needed to treat injuries related to the disfigurement, as well as any emotional damages the victim may experience. Individuals in Iowa wishing to pursue a dog bite claim against an owner may speak with an Iowa personal injury attorney about their legal options.

A Closer Look at Disfiguring Dog Bite Injuries

Although some dog bites leave superficial wounds that require nothing more than a good cleansing, other injuries puncture or tear the skin or cause severe disfigurement. The scarring from a dog bite can cause the skin to be raised, jagged, or otherwise look unnatural. Visible wounds, such as on the face, neck, arms, and hands, are generally sutured to diminish scarring. Other less visible or less severe wounds on the body may be left to heal on their own.

When the damage to the skin is significant, it could require skin grafting. Skin is taken from another part of the body to repair the damaged area. Orthopedic surgery to repair broken bones may be necessary in some cases to address disfigurement caused by a dog bite or attack. It may also be necessary to have reconstructive surgery or cosmetic/plastic surgery performed depending on the nature and severity of the injuries.

In addition to concerns regarding the outward appearance of these injuries, infection is a common concern with dog bite victims. Vaccinations or other forms of treatment may be administered as a precaution.

Damages from a Permanently Disfiguring Injury

In cases of disfigurement from a dog bite, a victim may be able to recover two types of damages: economic and noneconomic. Economic damages are related to the medical care and treatment received, as well as other financial expenses and losses. It’s important to take into consideration not only current bills but any future expenses if additional surgeries (such as cosmetic) will be necessary. Economic damages can also include the income a victim loses while recovering. Like the medical bills, any future time off from work to undergo treatment (resulting in a loss of income), should be addressed in a claim.

Many dog bite victims find the emotional trauma to be significant enough that it becomes necessary to seek counseling or other types of psychological care. These costs may also be included in economic damages.

Noneconomic damages address the consequences and losses experienced as a result of a disfiguring dog bite injury. Compensation may be available in cases of severe or permanent disfigurement that causes emotional harm. Noneconomic damages in a dog bite claim may also include pain and suffering, mental anguish, or diminished quality of life. This can be a result of embarrassment over the severe scarring and difficulty with social situations as a result of the disfigurement.

Talking to an Iowa Personal Injury Attorney after Disfigurement from a Dog Bite

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that dog bite injuries affect approximately 800,000 people every year in the United States. Injury rates are the highest for children between the ages of five and nine. But no matter what a victim’s age, the effects of dog bite injuries can be devastating. It can impact an individual’s life in many ways, including socially and even on-the-job if working with the public.

To learn more about the legal options that may be available to victims, an Iowa personal injury attorney at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can help injury victims pursuing a dog bite claim. Our law firm can evaluate the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine if someone else is liable, and provide an estimate on the amount of compensation that may be sought in relation to disfigurement from a dog bite or attack.

What is the Law for Dogs that Have Previously Bitten Somebody?

There's no "one-bite rule” in Iowa, which requires a dog to have previously bitten a person or acted in a manner so that the owner would be aware of the dog’s propensity to bite to hold the dog owner liable for damages. So whether the dog has bitten somebody previously or not has no effect on the victim’s ability to recover compensation for damages from the dog owner.

In fact, dog owners in Iowa are strictly liable for damages caused by their dog if it bites or attacks a person. Victims do not have to prove the owner was negligent in order to recover damages. To win their cases, claimants or plaintiffs need only prove that the dog bit them, they suffered damages, and the defendant owns the dog. They should demonstrate that they weren't engaged in illegal activity (like trespassing) at the time of the bite.

Why Do Some Dogs Bite People?

Dogs show aggression for different reasons. They might be territorial, possessive, protective, or even afraid. Biting also can be a learned behavior, and a dog's training and environment may make it more or less likely to bite. If the dog is in an abusive home, for example, it might become more aggressive and likely to bite.

Owners whose dogs previously bit a person should take steps to avoid a repeat attack. In fact, State Center’ city ordinances declare a vicious dog is any that has attacked a person or that has a disposition to attack, cause injury, bite, or snap at a person. Certain breeds are declared vicious, including the Staffordshire terrier breed, American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, or even any dog that has the appearance of these breeds.

Dogs declared vicious must be confined in a house, pen, or kennel or must be on a leash of no more than six feet. The dog may not be leashed to an inanimate object like a tree. Ordinances vary by city, so be sure to check any applicable laws if your dog has bitten somebody or has a propensity to bite, or if you were bitten by a dog. Make sure you report the dog bite if you’re bitten.

What Legal Options Do Bite Victims Have?

People who are victims of dog bites can file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against dog owners. Bite victims may recover both economic and non-economic damages in a dog bite case. Economic damages include things like medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses associated with the injury, while non-economic damages include things like pain and suffering and disfigurement.

If you were bitten, contact a qualified attorney familiar with these cases. While the standard for liability is low in a dog bite case, an attorney can help victims receive fair compensation for the damages they’ve suffered. 

Practical Tips for Preventing a Dog Bite

Whether you’re visiting a friend or neighbor, going for a walk in your neighborhood, or training a dog at home, it’s important to know practical tips for preventing dog bite injuries.

Pay Attention to a Dog’s Body Language

Learning general dogs’ body language can help you to identify how a specific dog is feeling if you encounter one you think may be dangerous. The Humane Society has named the signs of general dog discomfort, and these are listed below:

- Tensed body
- Stiff, high tail
- Flattened ears
- Bared teeth
- Backing away
- Intensely staring
- Furrowed brow

If you notice any of this type of dog body language, it’s likely that the pup you’re encountering isn’t happy.

Never Invite Aggression by Staring

If a dog stares at you, it’s a sign that the dog is feeling threatened. If you make and keep eye contact, the dog may interpret that as a challenge. Rather than staring directly at a dog, always divert your eyes, which is a sign of submission. If a dog thinks that you’re submitting, it is likely to feel less threatened, and, therefore, be less likely to attack.

Teach Your Kids About How to Approach Dogs

Preventing a dog bite extends beyond just knowing how to approach dogs yourself; you should also practice dog safety for kids. For example, teach your kids that most dogs—even family dogs that you trust—don’t like the following behavior:

- Having their ears pulled
- Hugs and kisses
- Teasing
- Being disturbed while eating, playing with a toy, or sleeping

Instead, this is what dogs like:

- To smell you first and foremost
- Allowed to approach at their pace
- Having their necks and chests scratched

Avoid Teasing or Aggressive Games

Even non-aggressive dogs can sometimes bite—causing harm accidentally—when they’re teased or engaged in aggressive games. Dangling a toy or treat above a dog’s face, engaging in physical games like wrestling, or playing tug-o-war intensively may lead to a dog bite.

You can reduce your risk of dog bites by remembering that dogs should be respected and that teasing, threatening, or aggressive playing may encourage violent behavior in the dog.

Give a Dog Its Space

Most dogs will feel threatened or territorial if you wander into their space. If there’s a dog that you’re not comfortable with or is on its turf (i.e., in its yard, bed, house, porch, etc.), keep your distance. Even friendly dogs are known to act aggressively when defending their territory and may growl, bark, or even nip at you to keep you away.

Keep Your Dogs Leashed

To keep your dogs from biting someone else, remember that you should keep them leashed unless your dog wears an off-leash dog tag issued by the municipality or county in which you live. And if you’re heading to the dog park with Fido, make sure to read our dog bite blog.

Get Your Dogs Spayed and Neutered

If you have a dog or dogs, make sure that you get

 them spayed or neutered. A spay/neuter helps to reduce aggression in pets, decreasing the risk of a dog bite or dog attack. Your vet can provide you with more information about at what age you should spay or neuter your pets.

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.