Attorneys
- Centerville Dog Bite Injury Attorneys
- Phone: 641-792-3595
- Directions
A dog bite is never a minor inconvenience. Whether the attack happened in a neighbor's yard, on a public sidewalk, or at someone's front door, the consequences can follow victims for months or even years. Iowa law is designed to protect people in exactly these situations, and an experienced Centerville dog bite attorney can help you pursue every dollar of compensation available to you under state law.
Iowa's Strict Liability Law: No "One-Bite Rule" Here
One of the most important things for Centerville dog bite victims to understand is that Iowa does not follow the so-called "one-bite rule." Some states require a victim to prove that the dog had previously bitten someone, or that the owner had reason to know the dog was dangerous, before holding the owner accountable. Iowa does not work that way.
Under Section 351.28 of the Iowa Code, dog owners are strictly liable for damages caused by their dogs biting someone, regardless of whether the owner was negligent or whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before. Whether a dog has previously attacked a person or not has no effect on the victim's ability to recover compensation. Iowa places the legal responsibility firmly on the dog owner, not on the victim.
To succeed in a dog bite claim in Iowa, a victim generally needs to demonstrate three things: that the dog bit them, that they suffered damages as a result, and that the defendant owns the dog. It is also important to show that the victim was not engaged in illegal activity, such as trespassing, at the time of the attack. That is a relatively straightforward standard, and it reflects the state's commitment to protecting the public from dangerous animals.
There are limited exceptions to strict liability. For instance, if the victim provoked the dog in a cruel manner, or if the dog had rabies and the owner could not reasonably have prevented the injury, liability may be affected. However, these exceptions are narrow, and in most cases, the owner remains responsible. If you are uncertain whether an exception applies to your situation, speaking with a qualified Iowa dog bite lawyer can help you evaluate your options.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Dogs can show aggression for a number of reasons. Some dogs are territorial or possessive, while others bite out of fear or a protective instinct. Biting can also be a learned behavior shaped by a dog's environment and training. A dog raised in an abusive or neglectful home, for example, may become more aggressive and more likely to attack. Even a dog with no prior history of aggression can bite under the right circumstances.
Owners whose dogs have bitten someone in the past carry a heightened responsibility to prevent future attacks. Regardless of the reason a dog bites, Iowa law holds the owner accountable for the harm their animal causes to others.
If you were bitten, it is important to report the dog bite to local authorities as soon as possible. This creates an official record of the incident and may help protect others from future attacks by the same animal.
Long-Term Physical Effects of Dog Bites
Dog bites are not always minor wounds. Serious attacks can leave victims with injuries that require extensive medical treatment and that may never fully heal. Centerville residents who have been severely bitten should be aware that physical consequences can persist long after the initial attack.
Some of the most serious long-term physical effects of dog bites include:
- Permanent scarring that may affect the face, hands, arms, or other visible areas of the body
- Paralysis or partial paralysis, which may be irreversible in some cases
- Mobility problems resulting from damage to muscles, tendons, or nerves
- Amputation in cases where the injury is severe enough to require removal of a limb or digit
Plastic or reconstructive surgery may be required to address some of these injuries, and even with surgery, victims may be left with lasting disabilities that affect their daily lives and ability to work. Deep bites often require stitches or staples to close the wound, and the appropriate treatment plan will depend on the severity and location of the injury. Proper aftercare, including keeping wounds clean, using prescribed medications, and receiving a tetanus shot when necessary, is critical for preventing complications such as infection or further scarring.
Infections, Disease, and Other Medical Complications
Beyond the immediate wound, dog bites carry a risk of serious infections and disease. While rare, dog bites can transmit rabies, which can be deadly if left untreated. Victims should always seek prompt medical attention after any dog bite, in part to evaluate the risk of rabies and other infections.
Other potential medical complications from dog bites include:
- Sepsis, a life-threatening infection that spreads through the bloodstream
- Loss of function in the affected area due to nerve or tissue damage
- In the most severe cases, death
These risks underscore the importance of getting medical care immediately after a dog attack, even if the wound appears minor at first glance.
Mental and Emotional Trauma After a Dog Attack
The physical wounds from a dog bite are often only part of the story. Dog attacks can cause significant mental and emotional trauma that lingers long after the wounds have healed, particularly for children.
Common psychological effects of dog bites include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Fear, stress, and persistent anger
- Re-enacting or reliving traumatic incidents
- Loneliness, social withdrawal, and increased aggression
- In severe cases, self-harm or substance abuse
Children who are attacked by dogs may develop attachment disorders, while adults commonly experience ongoing PTSD symptoms. Counseling and therapy are often essential for addressing these psychological injuries and helping victims rebuild a sense of safety and confidence.
The emotional toll can be especially significant when a bite causes visible disfigurement. Research published in the journal Body Image found that people with disfigurements often experience negative self-perceptions and difficulties with social interactions. Victims may feel self-conscious, receive unwanted attention, or begin avoiding social situations altogether, leading to what researchers describe as patterns of social anxiety, lowered self-esteem, and social avoidance.
Treatments for emotional injuries related to dog bite disfigurement and PTSD can include cognitive techniques, psychotherapy, psychosocial interventions, physiotherapy, speech therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), counseling, lifestyle changes, and medication. Recovery from these injuries is often a long and complex process, and the costs of ongoing mental health treatment should be factored into any compensation claim.
Types of Compensation Available to Centerville Dog Bite Victims
Iowa law allows dog bite victims to pursue both economic and non-economic damages. Understanding the full range of compensation you may be entitled to is critical, because many victims underestimate the long-term value of their claims.
Medical Expenses
All reasonable and necessary medical costs, both past and future, are recoverable. This includes hospital care, surgery, physical rehabilitation, diagnostic testing, nursing care, therapy, pain management, and any other treatment connected to your injury. Importantly, you can recover the full value of your medical expenses from the responsible party even if your health insurer has already paid part of your bills.
Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity
If your injuries caused you to miss work, you are entitled to recover those lost wages. This includes not only your base pay but also commissions, bonuses, and any fringe benefits you were unable to earn. If your injuries permanently limit your ability to work and earn, you can also seek compensation for the reduction in your future earning capacity over the remainder of your working years.
Pain and Suffering
The right to compensation for the physical pain and mental anguish you have suffered, and will continue to suffer, is often the most significant part of a dog bite claim. These damages are separate from and in addition to your medical costs and lost wages, and they may be considerably larger.
Loss of Full Mind and Body
Iowa law recognizes that serious injuries can rob victims of the full use of their physical and mental capabilities. Compensation is available for any lasting loss of function, whether physical or cognitive, resulting from the attack.
Disfigurement
If a dog bite causes scarring or other permanent marks, victims may seek compensation for the disfigurement itself as well as the embarrassment and humiliation that can accompany visible injuries. This is especially relevant when scarring affects the face, hands, arms, or other areas that others commonly see.
Damage to Family Relationships
Serious injuries can affect not just the victim but also their closest relationships. If a bite injury causes damage to a spouse's or child's relationship with the victim, compensation may be available for the loss of society, affection, and companionship connected to those injuries.
Wrongful Death
When a dog attack results in a fatality, the deceased person's beneficiaries may pursue wrongful death damages. These can include compensation for lost companionship, guidance, and affection, as well as financial losses related to the death.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Centerville
The actions you take in the hours and days following a dog attack can have a meaningful impact on your health and on the strength of any future legal claim. If you or a loved one has been bitten, here is what you should do:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even wounds that look minor can become infected or harbor complications that are not immediately visible.
- Report the attack to local authorities. Filing a report with animal control or local law enforcement creates an official record and may help prevent the dog from harming someone else.
- Collect information from the dog owner. Get the owner's name and contact details, and ask about the dog's rabies vaccination status.
- Document your injuries. Take photographs of your wounds and keep records of all medical treatment, missed work, and other expenses connected to the bite.
- Contact a personal injury attorney in Iowa. An experienced dog bite lawyer can evaluate your claim, explain your rights, and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Why Hiring a Centerville Dog Bite Attorney Matters
While the legal standard for establishing liability in an Iowa dog bite case is relatively straightforward, securing fair compensation is rarely simple. Insurance companies representing dog owners often look for ways to minimize payouts, challenge the extent of injuries, or argue that the victim somehow contributed to the attack. An attorney who knows Iowa's dog bite laws and understands how insurance companies operate can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
A knowledgeable attorney will help you identify and document every category of damages you are entitled to, including long-term medical costs and non-economic losses like pain, suffering, and disfigurement that victims sometimes overlook. They can also help ensure that you do not say or sign anything that could compromise your claim before you fully understand the value of what you have lost.
If you or your child has suffered permanent injuries like scarring, or if you are experiencing psychological trauma such as a persistent fear of dogs following an attack, it is especially important to work with an attorney who has specific experience handling dog bite cases in Iowa. The more serious and lasting the injuries, the more critical it becomes to have skilled legal representation advocating on your behalf.
For more detailed guidance on what to do after an attack, visit the dog bites and attacks: what steps should I take resource or explore the complete list of dog bite FAQs available from Walker, Billingsley & Bair.
When to Contact Centerville Dog Bite Lawyers
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.