Woodbine 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.

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 will help ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages. A dog bite attorney in Iowa can advocate for your rights and help you obtain compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. If you try to handle a dog bite case without the guidance of an attorney, you risk 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 Iowa Code 351.28, “The owner of a dog shall be liable to an injured party for all damages done by the dog, when the dog is caught in the action of worrying, maiming, or killing a domestic animal, or the dog is attacking or attempting to bite a person, except when the party damaged is doing an unlawful act, directly contributing to the injury.” Thus, unless the dog bite victim is doing something unlawful, the dog owner is liable for the injuries.

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.

Recovering Lost Wages

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.

Calculating Loss of Earning Capacity

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.

Cost of Treatment for Dog Bites in a Personal Injury Claim in Iowa

Dog bite treatment can rack up huge medical costs, something our personal injury law firm in Woodbine, Iowa has seen on numerous occasions. And it goes without saying that cost is the last thing you want to worry about after a dog attack.

When either you or your child has experienced the trauma of a dog attack, finances won’t be the first thing on your mind. Securing your safety and getting medical attention will be the top priorities. Only after the medical crisis has been stabilized do financial worries start to creep in. 

Injuries and Damage After a Dog Bite Attack in Woodbine

A dog attack in Woodbine can result in: 
- torn clothing;
- bloody clothing;
- scratches;
- bruises;
- deep cuts;
- puncture wounds;
- loss of tissue;
- loss of limbs;
- nerve damage;
- broken bones;
- crushed bones; and
- disfigurement. 

Emotional distress may also play a role in your child's and family's life after a dog bite attack in Woodbine. Emotional distress may require medications and psychological therapy to calm your child from his or her persisting fears from a dog bite attack in Woodbine. It could also be disheartening for you and your family to see your child go through these treatments and suffer post effects of his/her dog bite attack in Woodbine, which could cause relationship problems and the ability to concentrate.

Dealing with Medical Costs After a Dog Bite

When the medical bills start mounting, though, financial strain and frustration can start to quickly take root. This may especially be the case when prolonged, lengthy (and expensive) treatments for deep dog bites are required. 

Estimated Dog Bite Treatment Costs

Treatment costs for dog bites can vary considerably but often range in the tens of thousands of dollars. In 2011, the average cost of a dog bite claim was more than $64,555. Treatment costs begin escalating as numerous treatments are required, which may include:
- ambulance and hospital services;
- sutures and staples;
- reconstructive surgeries;
- prescription medications;
- mental health services and counseling; and
- follow-up appointments. 

Your costs will, of course, depend on the injury and necessary treatment. You may be able to file a claim for compensation to help cover the heavy costs of your dog bite treatment, as well as for lost wages and emotional damages.

Challenges to a Dog Bite Claim and How to Address Them

Usually, an injury from a dog attack is nothing more serious than some broken skin that is easily taken care of with a bit of antiseptic and a bandage. However, in extreme cases, a dog bite or attack in Iowa can cause severe injuries. Deep lacerations, tendon damage, nerve damage, rabies, and even death can all result from a vicious dog attack. These injuries can result in enormous medical bills, time off from work, and intense pain and suffering. If you're pursuing a dog bite claim after an attack, prepare yourself for challenges from the dog owner. Ask yourself the following questions:

What Does the Law Say About Liability?

The law in Iowa is very clear when it comes to the liability of dog owners. According to Iowa Code 351.28, the dog owner is liable for all damages unless the victim was doing something unlawful that directly contributed to the injury. This leads some defendants to argue that the plaintiff was, in fact, doing something unlawful at the time, and it contributed to the attack.

Were You Trespassing on the Dog Owner's Property?

Many dog owners believe if you were “trespassing,” they are not responsible for the dog’s actions, but this may not be the case. The law states that an owner may not be liable if the victim was doing something unlawful and that it contributed to the bite. So if someone trespassed by hopping a fence and scared the dog, this might be grounds for the dog owner to challenge his or her liability. However, if your trespassing did not contribute to the injury, then the dog owner still may be liable for damages.

Was the Dog Provoked?

This is a common defense among dog owners. In some cases, the dog may have been provoked. For example, a teenager may pull a dog's tail or start chasing the dog into a corner. In this case, the dog owner may challenge his or her liability successfully in the dog bite claim. However, the parties may have different ideas of what constitutes provoking the dog. A child inadvertently may provoke a dog, or an adult may have been playing too rough, for example. Talk to an attorney about the particulars of your case.

Does the Dog Have Rabies?

Owners are generally not liable for bites if the dog had rabies and the owner did not know or reasonably could not be expected to know, the dog had rabies. In these cases, though, if you can prove the dog owner was negligent – for example, leaving a gate open, allowing a child access to the backyard while the dog is outside – then the dog owner may be liable.

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.