Woodward Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

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

What to Do After a Dog Bite: Treatment and Legal Steps

Being attacked by a dog can be a frightening and dangerous experience, especially since most serious dog bites occur to children. Immediate and proper action is essential to ensure the best possible outcome for your health and legal rights.

Immediate Actions After a Dog Bite

If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, the first step is to call 911 to ensure that police and medical personnel are dispatched to the scene. It's crucial to identify the dog and its owner to address health concerns and potential legal claims. If the dog runs away and its rabies vaccination status is unknown, you may need to undergo rabies shots as a precaution.

The police will investigate to determine the dog's owner and verify the rabies vaccination status. If the dog isn't found or lacks vaccination records, it might be quarantined to monitor for rabies symptoms.

Medical Treatment and Care

Dog bite injuries can be severe, requiring immediate and ongoing medical care. This might include:

- Antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Stitches for deep wounds.
- Rabies shots if the dog's vaccination status is unknown.
- Mental health counseling for emotional trauma.

If the bite leaves scars, doctors usually recommend avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen to aid healing. If scarring remains after 6 to 12 months, a consultation with a plastic surgeon can explore options like laser treatments or chemical peels to reduce scar visibility.

Legal Steps

Iowa's Strict Liability Law

Iowa follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, meaning the owner is typically liable for damages caused by their dog, regardless of the dog's history or the owner's knowledge of its behavior. There are exceptions if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog.

Identifying the Dog Owner

Identifying the dog owner is crucial. If the owner has insurance (homeowner's or renter's insurance), it may cover the damages. Without insurance, the owner’s assets could be targeted for compensation. If the owner cannot be identified, recovering compensation becomes challenging.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Once the dog owner is identified and their insurance is contacted, the insurer will assign an adjuster to handle your claim. Be cautious when dealing with adjusters; their goal is to minimize the payout. It's often wise to consult with an attorney before giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement offer.

Hiring a Dog Bite Attorney

An experienced Iowa dog bite attorney can navigate the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation. They handle negotiations with insurance adjusters and can file a lawsuit if necessary.

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

Victims of dog bites in Iowa can recover compensation for:

- Medical expenses: Initial care, treatments, surgeries, medications.
- Lost wages: Current and future earnings lost due to injuries.
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement.

Additional Considerations: Harboring a Dangerous Dog

If a dog is deemed dangerous by animal control authorities, the owner must follow specific regulations, including obtaining a special license and surety bond, posting warning signs, and maintaining proper confinement of the dog. If a dangerous dog attacks, the owner faces strict liability, emphasizing the importance of compliance with these regulations.

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.