Sumner Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

A dog attack can happen in an instant, leaving a Sumner victim with physical wounds, emotional trauma, and a long list of questions about what to do next. Should You Report a Dog Attack in Sumner?

Yes, a dog attack should generally be reported, especially if it results in a serious injury, if the dog is not contained, or if the animal appears sick and remains a continued danger. Victims can also consult a personal injury attorney for help collecting evidence and presenting a claim for damages against the dog's owner.

What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite

Following a dog bite or attack, the first priority is securing your safety and the safety of others. Separate yourself from the animal and move to a safe location if necessary.

Beyond reporting the incident to the proper authorities, it is important to collect information about the dog, its owner, the circumstances of the attack, and any eyewitnesses. This information may become essential later if you decide to pursue a dog bite injury claim with a personal injury attorney. Under Iowa Code 351.28, a dog's owner is generally liable to an injured person for the damages the dog causes.

A personal injury attorney at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can evaluate the circumstances surrounding a Sumner dog attack, establish owner liability, and collect the evidence necessary to support a claim. The official report of the attack can also help establish the facts of the incident.

How Trespassing Affects Liability in a Sumner Dog Attack

Generally, unless a dog attack victim was engaged in unlawful conduct, the dog's owner is responsible for controlling the animal and is liable for any injuries it causes. Iowa law states that the owner of a dog is liable to an injured party for damages done by the dog when the dog is attacking or attempting to bite a person, except when the injured party was doing an unlawful act that directly contributed to the injury. If someone was trespassing on a property when a dog attack occurred, the property owner may not be liable for the resulting injuries.

What Counts as Trespassing?

Trespassing is considered an unlawful act, so a bite victim who was trespassing generally cannot pursue the dog owner for damages. What actually counts as trespassing, however, is not always straightforward and involves several gray areas. Under Iowa law, trespassing occurs either when someone enters a property without justification after being told not to enter, or when someone enters without the owner's permission. Unless a property is behind a locked gate or posted with a sign discouraging visitors, there may be an implied invitation for members of the public to enter for common errands, such as selling door-to-door or asking for directions. Iowa law also gives the general public the right to retrieve personal property that ends up on someone else's land, as long as they do not linger and take a direct route to retrieve it. For example, a child has a legal right to enter a yard to retrieve a ball that rolled onto the property.

When Are Dog Owners Liable, and When Are They Not?

Because Iowa follows a strict liability system, dog owners may be responsible for a bite under many circumstances. Still, an owner may argue that the victim was trespassing, in which case the injured party may need to show that was not the case. For example, a bite victim might explain that they approached a house with no fence and no signs discouraging visitors, knocked on the door to ask for directions, and were attacked when the homeowner opened the door.

On the other hand, if a bite victim assaults, beats, or otherwise harms a dog owner, they generally cannot hold the owner liable for resulting injuries. This can include yelling or other threatening behavior. Situations such as an attempted robbery or other conduct that provokes a dog into biting may also fall outside the owner's liability. Every case is different, so it is worth discussing the specific details with an attorney.

Long-Term Effects and Treatment for Dog Bites in Sumner

Dog attacks can have lasting effects on victims, both physically and mentally. If you have been the victim of a dog bite in Sumner, it is important to understand the potential long-term effects and to seek appropriate treatment.

Physical Disfigurement

Some dog bites result in permanent physical disfigurement, including permanent scars, paralysis or partial paralysis, mobility problems, and amputation. Plastic or reconstructive surgery may be necessary to address these injuries, though conditions like paralysis can be irreversible, leaving victims to cope with a lifelong disability.

Mental and Emotional Trauma

Dog attacks can cause significant mental and emotional trauma, particularly in children.

Children who are attacked by dogs may develop attachment disorders, while adults more commonly experience PTSD symptoms. Counseling and therapy are often essential for addressing these psychological injuries.

Infections and Disease

While rare, dog bites can transmit infections and diseases, including rabies, which can be deadly if left untreated. Other possible complications include sepsis, loss of function, and in the most severe cases, death. Prompt medical attention is essential to prevent and treat these complications effectively.

Treatment for Dog Bite Injuries

Treatment for deep dog bites often involves stitches or staples to close the wound, though the appropriate treatment plan depends on the severity and location of the injury. Possible complications include infection, scarring, and damage to underlying structures. Aftercare instructions are essential for preventing complications, including keeping the wound clean, using prescribed medications, and receiving a tetanus shot when necessary.

Steps to Take After a Dog Attack in Sumner

Legal Options and Compensation

Victims of dog attacks may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. An experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate the legal process and pursue damages on your behalf.