Attorneys
Amazon Delivery drivers face the constant risk of dog attacks while dropping off packages at residential homes. There are some protective measures that you can use, It's important to take precautionary measures, such as keeping a can of deterrent spray with you, looking at the property for dogs before entering it, etc.
If you are bitten or attacked by a dog while delivering packages, the first step is to call 911 and report the incident to the police. If you require immediate medical attention, consider taking an ambulance to the emergency room. However, if your injuries allow and you feel safe to do so, you may choose to drive yourself to seek treatment.
You should also notify your employer as soon as possible about the dog attack and inform them of the medical care and treatment you plan to pursue. In many states, including Iowa, the employer has the right to choose your medical provider for work-related injuries, unless it’s an emergency situation, such as a dog bite, which may allow you to seek immediate care without prior approval.
Dog Bite Investigation
When the police or animal control officers arrive, they will investigate the dog attack, identify the dog’s owner, and verify whether the dog is up to date on rabies vaccinations. Be sure to ask the investigating officers for a business card or contact information so you can request a copy of the official report once it's available. The report should contain the information that you need to proceed with possibly seeking compensation for your injuries.
The report should also indicate whether the dog has proof of current rabies vaccination. Typically, the investigating officer or animal control will keep you updated on the dog’s rabies status, because you want to start the rabies vaccine injections as soon as possible. If there is no confirmation of vaccination, it's critical to discuss next steps with your medical provider immediately. Rabies is almost always fatal if left untreated, so your options are either to risk potential infection or begin the rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) series. These injections are highly effective at preventing rabies when administered promptly. The number and timing of injections will depend on factors such as the severity of the bite, the type of exposure, and whether you've been previously vaccinated against rabies.
Medical Treatment and Care
It is important that you are immediately evaluated and treated for your injuries. Dog bites can lead to serious infections if not treated properly. If the bite is deep or severe enough to require stitches, it’s best to have the wound treated and closed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of complications and promote faster healing.
If you continue to experience physical or emotional issues after receiving initial medical treatment for a dog attack, it’s important to report these problems to your primary care provider and seek appropriate care. Many dog bite victims suffer from ongoing psychological effects such as flashbacks, anxiety, fear of dogs, difficulty sleeping, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions are treatable through counseling, therapy, and, in some cases, medication, but your healthcare providers can only help if they’re made aware of your symptoms.
If the dog bite resulted in permanent scarring, you may also want to consult with a plastic surgeon to discuss potential treatment options, including scar revision procedures.
Medical Bills
Please keep in mind that if you have health insurance, you should tell your medical providers to submit your bills to your own health insurance. While it might seem logical to bill the dog owner directly, there’s no guarantee they have insurance or the ability to pay. Using your own health insurance ensures your care is covered promptly, and any reimbursement or recovery from the dog owner's insurance can be addressed later through a legal claim or settlement.
Even if the dog owner has insurance, it’s unlikely their insurance company will pay your medical bills as they are incurred. This delay can lead to unpaid bills being sent to collections, potentially harming your credit. If you don’t have health insurance, you may have no choice but to wait for a settlement, which can take months or even longer. In the meantime, it's important to communicate with your providers and explore payment plans or assistance programs to avoid financial strain.
Legal Steps
To Sue or Not to Sue
Iowa is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites, meaning the dog owner is legally responsible for any injuries their dog causes, as long as you were not breaking the law, such as trespassing, at the time of the attack. To protect your rights and strengthen your case, it's important to take clear photographs of your injuries immediately after the incident and continue documenting how the wounds are healing every few weeks.
If the dog owner does have insurance, then in many circumstances it makes sense to treat for your injuries before considering whether you want to try to settle your case or file a lawsuit. You should consider at least talking to a qualified Iowa dog bite attorney early on to determine the best course of action given your facts. If the dog owner does not have insurance coverage, then you will have to consider what, if any, assets the dog owner has that you could recover from.
If they do not have insurance, then it is likely that a lawsuit will need to be filed if the dog owner has collectible assets. Keep in mind that Iowa has several exemptions, such as the homestead exemption, which means that you cannot force someone to sell their primary residence to satisfy a judgment that you may obtain in a case. However, if they go to sell the house, subject to time limitations, and if the judgment is renewed, then they will likely have to pay any judgments outstanding.
Questions and Help
You may wonder, "What is a fair amount for the insurance company to offer me?" "Should I hire an attorney in my dog bite case, and how much will it cost?"
If are concerned with these issues and more then you should claim a copy of our book entitled “Iowa Consumer’s Guide to Dog Bites - 5 Insider’s Secrets to Not Get Bitten by Your Case” which is available to you at no cost or obligation because we have seen too many Iowan make costly mistakes and be taken advantage of by insurance companies.
Iowans injured by dogs are beginning to realize that the owner of the dog and their insurance company are not going to help them. Finally, you can learn about Iowa dog bite matter in the comfort of your own home with no risk or pressure.
For immediate assistance, call 641-792-3595 and ask to speak with one of our qualified Iowa dog bite attorneys. We have 4 fully staffed offices in central Iowa, including Des Moines/Urbandale, Ankeny, Newton, and Marshalltown, but also have by appointment only offices throughout the state of Iowa.
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