Story City Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

When a dog bite results in injury, dog bite attorneys offer invaluable assistance. They navigate the intricate legal landscape of animal attacks, expertly managing liability and compensation to ensure justice and support for victims.

Why You Need to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Iowa

If you've suffered a dog bite injury in Iowa, hiring a dog bite lawyer can ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages. A dog bite attorney can advocate for your rights and help you obtain compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Handling a dog bite case without the guidance of an attorney risks minimizing the value of your claim.

Understanding Iowa Dog Bite Law

Navigating Iowa's dog bite law can be complex, especially when dealing with severe injuries. A knowledgeable attorney can provide insight into how the law applies to your case and guide you through the legal process. According to Section 351.28 of the Iowa Code, dog owners are generally liable for damages caused by their dogs biting someone, regardless of the owner's negligence. However, exceptions exist, such as if the victim provoked the dog in a cruel manner or if the dog has rabies.

Maximizing Compensation

An experienced dog bite lawyer can thoroughly assess your claim, considering past cases, medical evidence, and the specifics of Iowa dog bite law. This evaluation helps ensure you receive compensation not only for current medical expenses but also for future costs related to your injury.

Types of Dog Bite Compensation

In Iowa, victims of dog bites may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

- Medical Expenses: Covering all reasonable and necessary medical expenses incurred and those reasonably certain to be incurred in the future due to the injury. This includes hospital, medical, therapy, diagnostic testing, surgery, physical rehabilitation, and pain management costs.
- Lost Wages (Loss of Earnings): Recovering wages, commissions, bonuses, and all other earnings and fringe benefits lost due to the injury.
- Future Loss of Earnings: If injuries permanently limit your ability to earn, you can recover the value of the reduction in earning capacity with a reasonable probability that will occur in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and mental anguish suffered and expected to endure in the future due to the injury.
- Loss of Full Mind and Body: Reimbursement for any loss of function or use of your body or mind.
- Disfigurement: Compensation for scarring or other unsightly marks and the associated humiliation or embarrassment.
- Damage to the Child or Marital Relationship: Compensation for the loss of society, affection, and assistance of a child or spouse due to serious injuries.
- Death: Damages for “wrongful death” are available to the beneficiaries of the deceased person, which may include economic loss, loss of consortium, and lost accumulation of value to the estate.

Recovering Lost Wages and Calculating Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injuries result in time off work, an attorney can assist in pursuing compensation for lost wages. They can help gather evidence to support your claim, including proof of missed work time and fringe benefits, ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.

In cases where injuries lead to disfigurement or affect your ability to work in the future, an attorney can help calculate loss of earning capacity. This involves assessing how your injuries will impact your ability to earn income over time, ensuring you receive appropriate compensation.

Navigating Legal Challenges

Handling a dog bite case without legal guidance can risk undervaluing your claim. An attorney's negotiation skills can lead to a fair settlement, potentially avoiding lengthy court proceedings. They can also handle interactions with insurance companies, gather evidence, and enlist expert opinions to strengthen your case.

Determining If You Need an Attorney

While minor injuries may not require legal representation, severe injuries such as permanent scarring or psychological trauma warrant consideration of hiring an attorney. An attorney can prevent costly mistakes, increase the value of your case, and manage insurance claims on your behalf, relieving you of the burden of dealing with legal complexities.

If you were attacked by a dog that belongs to a relative or friend, you may be apprehensive about filing a claim. Having an attorney can be efficient and help you to avoid any nasty confrontations.

Long-term Effects of Dog Attacks

Dog bites can result in severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens for victims. Understanding the long-term effects of dog attacks is crucial for ensuring adequate compensation.

Physical Disfigurement

While not all dog bites result in permanent injury, some dog attacks can result in:

- Permanent scars
- Paralysis or partial paralysis
- Mobility problems
- Amputation

In some cases, plastic or reconstructive surgery can remedy the disfigurement. However, certain types of physical disfigurement, such as paralysis, cannot always be corrected.

Mental and Emotional Trauma

Mental and emotional dog attack effects can be devastating. Some victims, including children, develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Effects of trauma on children and adolescents may include:

- Acting out the incident while playing
- Fear, worry, stress, and anger
- Feelings of loneliness
- Aggression
- Inappropriate or unusual sexual behavior
- Self-harm
- Abuse of alcohol or drugs
- Impulsive behavior

In adults, symptoms may include nightmares, flashbacks, depression, and social withdrawal.

Infections and Disease

While rare, dog bites can lead to infections or diseases such as rabies. Untreated wound infections can cause severe health issues, including:

- Disfigurement
- Sepsis
- Amputation
- Loss of function
- Death

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.