Last Updated: 8/17/2023

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.
 

Rabies progresses through four stages:

  • Attachment - the bullet-shaped virus attaches itself to a nerve cell;
  • Penetration - the virus penetrates the cell;
  • Replication - the rabies virus then begins multiplying rapidly within the cell; and
  • 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, 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.

Contacting a Dog Bite Attorney

The dog bite attorney team at Walker, Billingsley & Bair works hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies. Contact your local dog bite attorney to pursue a fair settlement for your or your child's injuries and damages - 641-792-3595.

Erik D. Bair
Over 22 years of legal experience.
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