Dallas Center Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Victims of dog bites can rely on dog bite injury lawyers for dependable support. These attorneys specialize in the complex legalities of animal incidents, ensuring proper management of liability and compensation to achieve justice.

The 4 Stages of Rabies After a Dog Bite

Rabies is a life-threatening virus that affects hundreds of people each year. If you have contracted rabies due to a dog bite, it is crucial to seek swift medical attention. Additionally, you should discuss the incident with a dog bite attorney to determine 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:

1. Attachment: The bullet-shaped virus attaches itself to a nerve cell.
2. Penetration: The virus penetrates the cell.
3. Replication: The rabies virus then begins multiplying rapidly within the cell.
4. 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 is 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 have 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.

Harboring a Dangerous Dog: Special Rules for Vicious Dogs

Owning a dog is a significant responsibility. From ensuring that the dog is up-to-date on its vaccines to getting the dog registered, there are a lot of items to check off for legal dog ownership in Iowa. When your beloved pet has been declared a vicious dog, there are many special rules and requirements to which you will have to adhere.

When is a Dog Considered Dangerous?

A dog is deemed dangerous or vicious when it is declared to be so by the city’s animal control authority. Certain dogs bite more than others. According to Code 8.16.030, the forms of probable cause that can be used to label a dog as dangerous include:

- Written complaint of a citizen
- Dog bite report(s)
- Actions of the dog witnessed by law enforcement or an animal control officer
- Verified report of previous dangerous behavior
- Other substantial evidence

If a dog is determined to be dangerous, its owner must obtain a unique license and certificate of registration.

Special License, Certificate & Requirements

The dog owner must obtain the exclusive license and certificate within 30 days of the dog being declared dangerous. The certificate will be issued by the city assuming that the dog owner meets the criteria for harboring a dangerous dog, including:

- Keeping the dog maintained within the property
- Posting a sign that warns others that the dog is dangerous
- Placing a sign that contains a warning symbol about the dog's nature that can be understood by children or the illiterate
- Obtaining a surety bond by an insurer of not less than $250,000

Liability for Dog Bites in Dallas Center

When a dog that has been deemed dangerous or vicious in Dallas Center bites or attacks another person or animal, the dog owner will be held liable under the theory of strict liability. As such, it is paramount that the dog owner carries a surety bond of not less than $250,000.

Strict liability also applies to dog owners of non-dangerous dogs when their animals attack, assuming that the person attacked was not doing anything illegal at the time of the bite.

Circumstances That May Make a Dog More Likely to Attack/Bite

Aggression is the most common and most serious behavior issue in dogs and can be the reason dogs bite. However, some dogs may be more prone to biting than others in certain circumstances. The following reviews situations that may make a dog more likely to bite or attack.

If a Dog is Scared

When a dog feels scared, it may demonstrate what the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) terms fear aggression. Most animals, when scared, will try to get away from the thing that is scaring them. If escape isn’t an option, aggression may be displayed as a defense mechanism. A fearful dog often will attack from behind, so always facing a dog that you sense may be scared of you is advised.

When a Dog is Territorial

Another common reason for a dog to bite or attack a person or another animal is in a display of territorial aggression. If you enter the property of a person whose dog identifies the property as theirs, the dog may bark, growl, or attack. Both male and female dogs are often territorial. Dogs can also be territorial over possessions, like bones, toys, or food. Sometimes dogs are even territorial over people.

To Protect an Owner

Dogs are naturally social animals that travel in packs and protect one another in the wild. In the event that a dog senses that its owner is in danger, the dog may react aggressively to protect the owner. A dog may react aggressively to protect its puppies or another dog.

If the Dog is Being Taunted, Teased, or Attacked

Finally, dogs may respond aggressively if they are taunted, teased, attacked, or otherwise feel endangered. When this happens, the dog displays defensive aggression. Because dogs can be unpredictable, it is never recommended to taunt, tease, or otherwise attack/upset a dog -- doing so can be very dangerous.

When to Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer

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.