Last Updated: 6/8/2023
If you or a loved one are injured by a dog, Iowa law entitles you to recover various types of damages:
∙ Medical Expenses: The cost of all reasonable and necessary medical expenses incurred and that are reasonably certain to be incurred in the future because of your injury are recoverable. These expenses include past (already-incurred) medical expenses and also future medical expenses, which may be caused by the original injury or that result from an increased susceptibility to future injury. All forms of care and treatment, whether hospital, medical, therapy, nursing, diagnostic testing, surgery, physical rehabilitation or pain management are included. You can recover the full value of your medical expenses from the responsible party even if your health insurer has paid all or part of your bills.
∙ Lost Wages (Loss of Earnings): You are also entitled to recover your lost wages (a/k/a loss of earnings) caused by your injuries. Wages, commissions, bonuses, and all other earnings and fringe benefits are recoverable. You can recover the full value of your lost wages even if your employer or disability insurance has paid all or part of them.
∙ Future Loss of Earnings: If your injuries permanently limit your ability to earn, you can recover the value of the reduction in earning capacity with a reasonable probability which will occur in the future. These damages compensate you for your lost earning power over the remainder of your working years.
∙ Pain and Suffering: Ordinarily, the most “valuable” element of your bodily injury claim is the right to compensation for physical pain and mental anguish you have suffered and will endure in the future because of your injury. These general damages are in addition to and may be far more than the amount of your lost earnings and medical expenses.
∙ Loss of Full Mind and Body: This part of your bodily injury claim is designed to reimburse you for any loss of function or use of your body or mind. These damages are in addition to your other damages described above.
∙ Disfigurement: If the injury causes scarring or other unsightly marks, you are entitled to recover for the disfigurement and humiliation or embarrassment associated with the disfigurement.
∙ Damage To The Child or Marital Relationship: Serious injuries to a spouse or child may cause damage to the relationship. If this occurs, you are entitled to recover for the loss of society, affection, and assistance or your child or spouse.
∙ Death: Damages for “wrongful death” are available to the beneficiaries (often the wife, husband, parent or child) of the deceased person. Sometimes, persons related by blood or marriage, who were dependent upon the deceased, may also recover. Damages are not limited to economic loss and may include damages for loss of consortium which the law defines as loss of companionship, comfort, guidance, affection, and aid the relationship, general usefulness, industry, and attention within the home and family. Damages are also available for the deceased’s lost accumulation of value to his/her Estate.
A new FREE Book reveals: ∙ 3 Ways to Avoid an Attack ∙ 8 Things to do if Bitten or Attacked ∙ Should You Give a Recorded Statement? ∙ 6 Things to Know Before Talking to the Insurance Adjustor or Hiring an Attorney and much, much more.
Why offer a Free Book? For more than 10 years Iowa Injury Attorney Corey Walker has represented hundreds of injured Iowans, including many dog bite victims. He has seen too many make mistakes before they had the “right” information resulting in them losing thousands of dollars. Whether you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog or are just around dogs then this book is available to you. Finally, you can learn about dog bites in the comfort of your own home with no risk or obligation. However, quantities are limited so to learn how to avoid a dog bite or costly mistakes Call Now 641-792-3595 (24 Hour Recorded Message) or go to www.IowaDogBiteBook.com.