Sumner Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

When dogs cause injury, dog bite lawyers become essential allies. They specialize in the legal intricacies of animal attacks, ensuring victims receive proper management of liability and compensation for justice and support.

What Should You Not Do When Talking With an Insurance Adjuster in a Dog Bite or Attack Case?

Like most Iowans, you have likely dealt with an insurance company for a property damage claim such as a car accident or hail damage. You may have received a call or visit from an insurance adjuster to discuss your claim. If you have to deal with an insurance company in the future, especially after a dog bite or attack, here are some critical pieces of advice for handling the adjuster.

Tell the Truth and Keep Records

First and foremost, always tell the truth when dealing with an insurance adjuster. Anything you say can and will be used against you by the insurance company and their lawyers. Even a small lie can ruin your credibility and negatively impact your claim. It's essential to maintain honesty to ensure consistency and reliability in your statements.

Additionally, document your damages meticulously. Keep track of documents and other information, which may not seem important initially but could become crucial later. Maintaining a diary or journal of the people you speak with and the dates and times of your conversations will help prove the extent of your damages, potentially leading to a higher evaluation of your claim. This record-keeping will also help you recall details accurately when needed.

Medical Records and Doctor Visits

If you sustained injuries from the dog bite, several key points should be kept in mind. Keep track of the time you miss from work, including doctors' excuses for missed work and the time you miss for appointments. Review any medical bills or explanation of benefits forms from your health insurance company. The medical records from your visits to doctors, physical therapists, or other medical providers are critical. These records will include your descriptions of how you were injured, your physical complaints, the doctor's examination findings, and the treatment you received.

Ensure you communicate all your injuries and discomfort to your doctors. If you fail to tell your doctors everything that hurts, you might not receive proper treatment, and the insurance company might downplay your injuries. If you start complaining about a medical problem weeks or even months after the incident, the insurance company may argue that the issue is unrelated to the accident, reducing their settlement offer.

If your injuries persist or worsen, continue visiting your doctors. Failing to see a physician regularly may be considered evidence that you have fully recovered by the insurance company, and potentially by a judge or jury. While daily doctor visits aren't necessary, regular check-ups are vital if you are still experiencing problems. Follow your doctor's advice on follow-up visits, even if it's a "follow-up as needed" directive.

Dealing With the Insurance Adjuster

Insurance adjusters are trained professionals who use specific techniques and language to settle claims, often for less than their actual worth. Remember, the adjuster does this for a living, all day, every day. When dealing with an insurance adjuster, you must be smart and cautious about what you say, as it could be used against you later. Insurance companies have lawyers and other professionals working for them, so having a professional on your side is advisable—preferably an injury lawyer experienced in handling dog bite and attack injuries.

After a dog bite injury, an adjuster might offer a quick settlement for a few thousand dollars, hoping you'll accept it and resolve the claim swiftly. If you accept the settlement and sign the release forms, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to change your mind later. While you might handle a property damage claim independently, a personal injury dog bite claim often requires the expertise of an Iowa personal injury attorney.

The 4 Stages of Rabies After a Dog Bite

Rabies is a life-threatening virus that requires swift medical attention if contracted due to a dog bite. Rabies progresses through four stages: Attachment, Penetration, Replication, and Budding. The virus attaches to a nerve cell, penetrates it, multiplies rapidly, and spreads throughout the body. If untreated, rabies can cause paralysis, coma, and eventually death. However, timely treatment is almost always effective in eradicating the virus.

Being bitten by a dog is frightening and traumatic, especially with the added concern of rabies. Consulting an Iowa dog bite attorney can help you determine if you can file a claim for your injuries, potentially securing compensation for both physical and psychological damages.

Iowa Rabies Vaccination Law

Iowa law mandates that dog owners vaccinate their pets against rabies. According to Iowa Annotated Statute § 351.33, it is unlawful to own a dog over six months old that has not been vaccinated. Non-compliance can result in impoundment of the dog by local authorities, with the owner having one week to provide proof of vaccination or vaccinate the dog, or face euthanasia of the pet.

Exceptions to this law include dogs under six months of age, dogs kept in kennels and not allowed to run at large, dogs in transit through Iowa for less than 30 days, dogs exhibited in the state for less than 30 days, and dogs assigned to research facilities. Even with these exemptions, it is good practice to ensure all dogs are vaccinated to prevent rabies infection.

Administering the Rabies Vaccination for Dogs

Only licensed veterinarians in Iowa can administer rabies vaccinations, which must be approved by the state department of agriculture and land stewardship. After vaccination, the vet will issue a certification and a rabies tag for the dog's collar, which the owner must keep handy for proof of vaccination.

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.