West Liberty Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

In cases of dog-related injuries, dog bite attorneys are reliable advocates for victims. Specializing in animal law, they navigate the complexities of liability and compensation to achieve justice and support for the injured.

The 4 Stages of Rabies After a Dog Bite

Rabies is a life-threatening virus that affects hundreds of people each year. If you've contracted rabies due to a dog bite, you'll need to receive swift medical attention. You'll also want to discuss the incident with a dog bite attorney to see if you are within your legal rights to pursue a claim against the dog's owner.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transferred from animals to humans. It attacks the central nervous system and becomes fatal if left untreated. 

The Four Stages of Rabies Progression

1. Attachment: The bullet-shaped rabies virus attaches itself to a nerve cell.
2. Penetration: The virus penetrates the cell.
3. Replication: The rabies virus then begins multiplying rapidly within the cell.
4. Budding: It then spreads to other neurons and travels throughout the rest of the body.

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, thoroughly clean the area and immediately seek medical attention. If left untreated, rabies will cause paralysis, coma, and eventually death. However, if proper treatment is administered promptly, it's almost always effective in eradicating the rabies virus.

Being attacked and bitten by a dog is dangerous and quite scary. Add to that the prospect of contracting rabies, and it becomes a truly traumatic event. If you've suffered a dog bite in Iowa, you should consult an Iowa dog bite attorney to see if you can file a claim for your injuries. You might be able to receive compensation not only for your injuries but also for psychological trauma and loss of earnings.

Why Do Dogs Attack and Bite, and How to Avoid Being a Victim

There can be numerous reasons that a dog will turn on you, but three common reasons for a dog bite attack include dominance, defense, and security. If you or someone you know has suffered a severe dog bite attack, you should contact an Iowa dog bite attorney to pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Common Reasons for Dog Bite Attacks

1. Dominance: Dogs often attack small children to show a sense of dominance, as children are easy targets.
2. Defense: Dogs are territorial and will attack to defend their territory, owner, or owner’s property.
3. Security: Dogs will strike if they feel threatened or distrustful of a person.

Tips to Avoid a Dog Bite Attack

- Distance yourself from unfamiliar dogs.
- Don’t run from an aggressive dog.
- Remain calm and still when interacting with an unfamiliar dog.
- Don’t disturb a dog while it is preoccupied.
- Don’t approach a dog from behind.

A dog bite attack can be a serious physical, financial, and emotional challenge. Get legal help from your Iowa dog bite attorney to see if you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Iowa Dog Bite Myths and Mysteries Revealed

Since 1862, Iowa law has held dog owners liable for injuries caused by their dogs. The current law states that the owner of a dog "shall be liable to an injured party for all damages done by the dog...attacking or attempting to bite a person, except when the party damaged is doing an unlawful act" (e.g., a burglar breaking into a home cannot recover if bitten by a dog). This standard is lower than in other personal injury cases, where proving negligence or recklessness is required.

Every day, people ask questions about what to do if injured by a dog. Here are common myths and misconceptions:

Common Misconceptions

1. The Insurance Adjuster is There to Help: The adjuster works for the dog owner’s insurance company and has no duty to protect your rights. They are trained to pay as little as possible for your claim, sometimes by frustrating you to the point of giving up.
2. You Must Give a Recorded Statement: You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster in a dog bite case. The adjuster wants the statement to ask questions before you are prepared, potentially hurting your claim.
3. Any Personal Injury Attorney Can Handle Your Case: Not all attorneys who advertise personal injury services have experience with dog bite cases. Iowa’s personal injury laws are complex, requiring a knowledgeable and experienced attorney to ensure fair treatment and protect your rights.

Hiring the Right Attorney

When looking for an attorney, consider their track record and client feedback. A qualified attorney with good results and positive client testimonials is more likely to represent you effectively. Whether in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Iowa City, Ft. Dodge, Marshalltown, or elsewhere in Iowa, find an experienced dog bite attorney.

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.