Denison Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Victims of dog bites can rely on dog bite injury lawyers as valuable supporters. These attorneys specialize in the complex legalities of animal-related incidents, managing liability and compensation to ensure justice and support.

Will I be Affected by the Dog’s Breed When Filing My Claim?

When dealing with a dog bite incident in Iowa, understanding the legal frameworks of liability is crucial. Iowa law recognizes two primary theories of liability for dog bite cases: strict liability and negligence-based liability. How a dog's breed might affect a claim depends on these theories, local ordinances, and the specifics of the incident.

Iowa’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Laws

Under Iowa Code 351.28, the state enforces a strict liability dog bite law which states, “the owner of a dog shall be liable to an injured party for all damages done by the dog…” This means that the dog owner is held responsible for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s breed or history of aggression. The only exception is if the victim was engaging in illegal activity at the time of the attack. Therefore, in most cases under strict liability, the breed of the dog does not impact the claim.

Iowa’s Negligence-Based Liability

In addition to strict liability, a victim can pursue a personal injury lawsuit under a negligence-based theory. This requires proving that the dog owner failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent the bite. For example, an owner might be considered negligent if they failed to restrain a dog with a known history of aggression or if they kept a dog deemed dangerous or vicious by local ordinances.

Multiple Iowa cities have ordinances banning or restricting certain dog breeds. For instance, Pit Bulls are automatically considered vicious in Des Moines and are entirely banned in Sioux City. Cherokee restricts breeds such as Pit Bulls, Akitas, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers. If a bite occurs from a dog that is illegal or restricted, it could strengthen a negligence claim against the owner.

Ten Preventable Mistakes Iowans Make When Dealing With Doctors After a Dog Bite or Attack Causing Injuries

Being attacked by a dog can be a traumatic experience, and it’s important to avoid common mistakes that might jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Here are ten crucial mistakes to avoid:

1. Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Always seek medical attention immediately after an attack to document your injuries.
2. Not Disclosing the Whole Truth: Provide complete medical histories to your healthcare providers to avoid compromising your treatment and legal case.
3. Failing to Get Pain Accurately Documented: Ensure that all pain and limitations are thoroughly documented in your medical records.
4. Missing or Being Late to Medical Appointments: Consistently attend all medical appointments to demonstrate the seriousness of your injuries.
5. Not Informing Your Doctor About Work Impact: Report any work limitations caused by your injury to your doctor for proper documentation.
6. Not Taking Medications as Prescribed: Follow all medication instructions to show adherence to your treatment plan.
7. Stopping Medical Treatment Too Soon: Continue treatment until fully recovered or officially discharged by your doctor.
8. Discussing Legal Matters with Your Doctor: Focus on medical facts with your doctor, not legal aspects.
9. Ignoring Treatment for Depression or Anxiety: Treat psychological conditions resulting from the attack seriously and seek appropriate care.
10. Failing to Keep a File: Maintain thorough records of all medical treatments, doctor’s orders, and interactions with insurance companies.

Practical Tips for Preventing a Dog Bite

Preventing dog bites involves understanding dog behavior and taking proactive measures. Here are some practical tips:

- Pay Attention to a Dog’s Body Language: Signs of discomfort include a tensed body, stiff tail, flattened ears, bared teeth, backing away, intense staring, and a furrowed brow.
- Never Invite Aggression by Staring: Avoid direct eye contact with a dog as it may interpret it as a challenge.
- Teach Your Kids About Dog Safety: Educate children on how to approach dogs safely, avoiding behaviors like pulling ears or disturbing a dog while it’s eating or sleeping.
- Avoid Teasing or Aggressive Games: Refrain from playing games that might encourage aggression, such as tug-of-war or wrestling.
- Give a Dog Its Space: Respect a dog’s territory to avoid provoking defensive aggression.
- Keep Your Dogs Leashed: Use a leash to prevent your dog from biting others, unless in designated off-leash areas.
- Get Your Dogs Spayed and Neutered: This can reduce aggression and decrease the risk of bites.

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.