Decorah Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Recognizing the Warning Signs Before a Dog Attacks

While it is not always possible to prevent a dog attack, being aware of a dog's body language can give you precious seconds to create distance and avoid injury. Dogs typically show clear warning signs when they feel angry, frightened, or territorial. Knowing what to look for can make a real difference.

A dog that is about to attack may tense its entire body, raise the hair along its neck and back (commonly called raising its hackles), open its eyes wide so that the whites are visible, back away in a low stance, or flatten its ears tightly against its head. If you notice any of these signs, move away from the dog immediately and do so calmly. Simply giving a dog enough space is often all it takes to prevent an attack from occurring.

What to Do If You Cannot Get Away in Time

If a dog is already close enough to attack and looks like it intends to do so, the best thing you can do is remain as still and quiet as possible. A dog is significantly faster than a human, and trying to run will almost certainly trigger a chase response. Stand still and do not move until the dog moves away on its own.

Avoid direct eye contact with an aggressive dog. Dogs read sustained eye contact as a challenge or act of aggression. You can still be aware of the dog's movements by turning your head slightly and watching from the corner of your eye, which mirrors submissive behavior in the animal world. In most cases, a dog attacks because it feels threatened, believes its territory is being invaded, or perceives a threat to its young. What it often wants is simply for you to be submissive and leave the area.

Resist the natural impulse to scream, run, or strike at the dog. As difficult as it is, these reactions can escalate the situation and make the attack worse. If you have anything nearby, such as a coat, bag, or purse, place it between yourself and the dog. If an attack does begin, try to remain still and make sure your face is covered and protected. Do not fight back, as doing so can enrage the animal further.

Iowa Dog Bite Law: What Every Decorah Victim Needs to Know

Iowa has one of the strongest dog bite statutes in the country. Under Iowa Code Section 351.28, the owner of a dog that injures a person is liable for all damages caused by the attack. This is a strict liability standard, which means the owner cannot escape responsibility by claiming they did not know the dog was dangerous or that the attack was unexpected. If the dog bit you, the owner is liable.

This strict liability protection also extends to situations that go beyond the bite itself. Iowa's dog bite law can cover the full range of damages that flow from a dog attack, even when the physical bite is only part of the picture. For example, if a person was attempting to escape a dog that was charging at them and ran into the street and was struck by a vehicle, that person can pursue a claim for the injuries from the car strike under Iowa's dog bite statute. The dog owner's liability is not limited only to the bite wounds.

Another example: if a person was riding a bicycle and a dog began chasing and attempting to attack them, and that person was then thrown from the bike and injured while trying to escape, Iowa dog bite law would allow a claim for those injuries as well. The key is that the dog's threatening behavior set the harmful chain of events in motion, and the owner bears responsibility for the resulting damages.

The Serious Nature of Dog Attack Injuries

Dog attacks can produce injuries that are far more serious than many people initially realize. Bite wounds can cause deep tissue damage, nerve injuries, scarring, and disfigurement. Victims, particularly children, frequently suffer post-traumatic stress disorder and lasting emotional trauma following a dog attack. In severe cases, hospitalization and surgery may be required to address the wounds.

Beyond the physical injuries, victims should also be aware of the risk of rabies and other disease transmission. Rabies is a deadly virus that can spread to humans through the saliva of an infected animal. If you have been bitten by an unfamiliar dog or a stray animal, seek medical attention immediately. Warning signs that an animal may be infected with rabies include aggressive behavior, biting, a dazed or confused appearance, refusing water, and foaming at the mouth. If you observe any of these symptoms in an animal, do not approach it and contact your local animal control right away.

Damages You Can Recover After a Dog Bite in Iowa

Because Iowa imposes strict liability on dog owners, bite victims can pursue compensation for the full range of damages they have suffered. This includes medical bills for emergency treatment, surgery, wound care, and follow-up appointments. It also includes compensation for lost wages if the injuries kept you away from work, pain and suffering, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and the emotional impact of the attack. Each situation is unique, and an experienced Iowa dog bite attorney can evaluate the full value of your specific claim.

Dealing With the Insurance Adjuster After a Dog Bite: What Not to Do

Once a dog bite claim is filed, you will almost certainly be contacted by an insurance adjuster representing the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. It is important to understand from the very beginning that the adjuster's job is to settle your claim for as little money as possible, and they receive extensive training to do exactly that. Insurance adjusters handle claims all day, every day. Most dog bite victims are dealing with this type of situation for the first time and are at a significant disadvantage without proper guidance.

One of the most common tactics adjusters use after a dog bite is to offer a few thousand dollars early in the process, hoping the victim will accept and sign a release form before understanding the true value of their claim. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to revisit the matter later. Even if your injuries turn out to be worse than you initially thought, you will have given up your right to seek additional compensation. This is why it is so important to understand the full extent of your injuries before accepting any offer.

Always Tell the Truth and Keep Detailed Records

When speaking with an insurance adjuster, always tell the truth. Anything you say can and will be used against you by the insurance company and their lawyers. Even a small inconsistency or minor inaccuracy can damage your credibility and give the adjuster grounds to reduce or deny your claim. The best policy is to be honest, stick to the facts, and avoid speculating or volunteering information beyond what is directly asked.

At the same time, you should be actively building documentation to support your claim. Keep a diary or journal that records the names of people you speak with, when those conversations took place, and how your injuries have affected your daily life from day to day. A well-maintained diary can prove the extent of your damages and support a higher evaluation of your claim. It also helps you keep your facts straight when trying to recall events that occurred in the stressful days and weeks after the attack.

Your Medical Records Are Central to Your Claim

The medical records created during your treatment are among the most important pieces of evidence in a dog bite case. These records document how you described your injuries, your physical complaints, the doctor's examination findings, and the treatment you received. Insurance companies will base their settlement offers heavily on this information, which is why it is critical to tell every medical provider about every symptom and area of pain you are experiencing. If you fail to report a problem during your appointments, it will not be documented. If you then bring it up weeks or months later, the insurance company will likely argue that the issue was not caused by the dog attack and will reduce their offer accordingly.

It is equally important to continue seeing your doctors for as long as you have symptoms. If you stop going to medical appointments while you are still experiencing problems, the insurance company will treat your absence from care as evidence that you have fully recovered. That conclusion will significantly reduce the value of your claim. If your doctor tells you to follow up as needed, that means you should return within a few weeks if your symptoms have not improved. Do not let gaps in your medical care be used against you.

You should also keep track of every day of work you miss due to the attack and your recovery. Retain any doctors' notes or work excuses provided to your employer, and document the time you lose from work for medical appointments as well. Lost wages are a recoverable element of your dog bite claim, but only if you have the records to support them.

Why Dog Bite Victims in Decorah Should Work With an Experienced Iowa Attorney

Iowa's strict liability dog bite law gives victims a strong legal foundation for pursuing compensation. However, having the law on your side does not mean the insurance company will treat you fairly or offer you what your case is actually worth. Dog owners' insurers are experienced at minimizing settlements, and without someone equally experienced advocating for you, it is easy to accept far less than you deserve.

When to Contact Decorah 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.

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