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Should I be worried about getting rabies after being attacked by a dog in Iowa?

A: Because rabies is a life-threatening virus that still occurs in dogs and other wild animals, it's important to seek medical treatment if you've been attacked by a dog in Iowa. You'll also want to seek counsel from a West Des Moines dog bite lawyer to determine if the owner can be held liable for your injuries.

Rabies is most prevalent in wild animals such as bats and skunks, but it also still occurs in dogs.  In 2010, 27 cases of animal rabies were reported in Iowa, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPD.) However, that number doesn't include animals that were not brought in for testing. 

Most cases of dog bites occur in a local neighborhood. If you know where the dog owner lives, inform him or her of the bite and request the dog's vaccination record. There is a chance that the dog has been vaccinated and therefore, rabies wouldn't be a threat for you.

If, however, you are unable to locate an owner, you'll need to contact your local animal control authorities so they can try to track down the dog and test it for rabies. If the animal tests positive for rabies, or if it cannot be tracked and tested, doctors will likely order a series of rabies shots for you to prevent the onset of rabies.

Iowa holds dog owners responsible for their dog's threats and attacks in most cases. So if you've been attacked by a dog in Iowa, you may be able to file a claim and seek financial compensation with the help of a West Des Moines dog bite lawyer.

Contacting a West Des Moines Dog Bite Lawyer

The West Des Moines dog bite lawyer team at Walker, Billingsley & Bair works hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies. Contact your West Des Moines dog bite lawyer to pursue a fair settlement for your or your child's injuries and damages - 1-800-707-2552.