West Burlington Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

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

Understanding Your Rights and Seeking Legal Help

After a serious dog attack, victims often face hospitalization, surgery, and extensive time off from work. While focusing on recovery, it’s crucial to have a dog bite lawyer in Iowa fighting for your rights. A lawyer experienced in Iowa dog bite law can explain your legal options and help you navigate the complexities of your case.

Handling a dog attack case on your own can lead to unnecessary resentment and complications. Victims may make accusations that are not necessary under Iowa law, potentially harming their case. With a lawyer, you can leave the legal accusations and negotiations to a professional, reducing stress and increasing the likelihood of a fair settlement.

Benefits of Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer

An experienced attorney will approach the case professionally, without unnecessarily confronting the dog's owners or threatening extreme actions unless absolutely necessary. This approach is particularly beneficial if the dog belongs to a neighbor or friend, as it helps preserve relationships while still seeking justice.

A key benefit of hiring an attorney is their ability to account for future medical expenses. Severe injuries often require multiple surgeries, long-term physical therapy, or rehabilitation. A lawyer will ensure that all potential future medical expenses, including plastic surgery, are considered in your claim.

Additionally, an attorney can help you recover lost wages due to missed time from work and address the emotional trauma associated with disfiguring injuries. Compensation for visible scars and the associated psychological impact can be significant. A skilled lawyer will ensure these factors are part of your claim, working to secure the full value of your case.

After Your Dog Bite Case Has Been Settled

Once your claim is settled, the dog's owners may feel relieved that their insurance company handled the situation, and any initial anger may dissipate. Hiring a dog bite lawyer is not the same as filing a lawsuit; often, an attorney can present your case to the insurance company, resolving it outside the courtroom. This increases your chances of obtaining a fair and full settlement.

Recovering Damages and Liability After a Dog Bite in Iowa

In Iowa, dog owners are generally liable for damages caused by their dogs biting someone, according to Section 351.28 of the Iowa Code. This liability applies regardless of the owner's negligence. However, exceptions exist if the victim provoked the dog in a cruel manner or if the dog has rabies, provided the owner knew and could have prevented the injury through reasonable effort.

Types of Compensation Available

Victims of dog bites in Iowa may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

- Medical Expenses: Covers all reasonable and necessary medical expenses incurred and reasonably certain to be incurred in the future, including hospital, medical, therapy, nursing, diagnostic testing, surgery, physical rehabilitation, and pain management.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for lost wages, commissions, bonuses, and other earnings and fringe benefits caused by the injuries.
- Future Loss of Earnings: If injuries permanently limit earning capacity, victims can recover the value of the reduction in earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and mental anguish suffered and expected to endure in the future.
- Loss of Full Mind and Body: Reimbursement for any loss of function or use of the body or mind.
- Disfigurement: Compensation for scarring and the associated humiliation or embarrassment.
- Damage to the Child or Marital Relationship: Compensation for loss of society, affection, and assistance of a child or spouse due to the injury.
- Death: Damages for wrongful death, including loss of companionship, comfort, guidance, affection, and aid to the relationship, general usefulness, industry, and attention within the home and family, as well as the deceased’s lost accumulation of value to their estate.

The Effects of Dog Bite Disfigurement

Disfigurement from a dog bite, especially on visible areas like the face, hands, and arms, can lead to significant emotional and psychological distress. Victims may experience social anxiety, lowered self-esteem, and negative behavior patterns. Treatment for these emotional injuries might include cognitive techniques, psychotherapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, EMDR, counseling, lifestyle changes, and medications.

Common Causes of Dog Bites

Every year, nearly 4.7 million dog bite injuries occur in the United States. Understanding the common causes of dog bites and taking preventive measures can help reduce the risk of being attacked.

High-Risk Dog Breeds

According to insurance companies, the five dog breeds most often associated with dog bite injuries are:

1. Presa Canario: A mix of a mastiff and a pit bull, often used to herd cattle.
2. Doberman Pinscher: Bred to guard owners and respond immediately when threatened.
3. Husky: Complex personalities that can be dangerous in the hands of inexperienced owners.
4. German Shepherd: Brave and confident, often used in police work but can be aggressive.
5. Rottweiler: Dislikes unfamiliar people and animals, has strong jaws effective at defending owners.

While any breed can cause serious injury, understanding these high-risk breeds can help in taking appropriate precautions.

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.