Fort Dodge Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Dog bite injury attorneys become dependable allies for victims when a dog inflicts harm. They navigate the intricate legal landscape of animal-related cases, focusing on achieving justice and fair compensation for the injured.

 When a Child Suffers PTSD After a Dog Bite Attack in Fort Dodge

Your child's dog bite attack in Iowa can include life-long financial, physical, and emotional costs. Contact your Iowa dog bite attorney to be compensated for your present and future expenses from your child's injuries and damages from a dog bite attack.

 Injuries and Damage After a Dog Bite Attack

A dog attack can result in:

- Torn clothing
- Bloody clothing
- Scratches
- Bruises
- Deep cuts
- Puncture wounds
- Loss of tissue
- Loss of limbs
- Broken bones
- Crushed bones
- Disfigurement

These physical injuries and damage can be devastating and extremely painful to your child. After your child's serious dog bite attack, you may rush your child to the hospital to get medical treatment. What you may not be aware of is that there's more than what meets the eye after your child's dog bite attack.

After you get your child medical help, you should contact your Iowa dog bite attorney to be compensated for present and future expenses from your child's incident of a dog bite attack in Iowa.

If your child suffers serious physical injuries from a dog bite attack, serious surgeries, medications, and therapy may be necessary in treating your child's injuries from the dog bite attack. These treatments can be costly and time-consuming, considering you may have to miss work for your child's surgery and post-surgery care.

Emotional distress may also play a role in your child's and family's life after a dog bite attack. Emotional distress may require medications and psychological therapy to calm your child from his or her persisting fears from a dog bite attack. It could also be disheartening for you and your family to see your child go through these treatments and suffer post effects of his/her dog bite attack, which could cause relationship problems and the ability to concentrate.

Harboring a Dangerous Dog: Special Rules for Vicious Dogs

Owning a dog is a big 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 for harboring a dangerous dog.

When is a Dog Considered to Be Dangerous?

A dog is deemed to be 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 are listed below.

- Written complaint of a citizen
- Dog bite report(s)
- Actions of dog witnessed by law enforcement or 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 having been declared dangerous. The certificate will be issued by the city assuming that the dog owner meets the criteria for harboring a dangerous dog, including the following.

- 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 Fort Dodge

When a dog that has been deemed dangerous or vicious in Fort Dodge 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 carry a surety bond of not less than $250,000.

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

Can I Use Harmful Force as Protection from a Dog Attack?

As protection from a dog attack, the use of harmful force against a dog that is posing an immediate threat to oneself or a nearby person is allowable in order to prevent injuries. However, one is only permitted to do so when acting in self-defense or in the defense of others, not for revenge for a dog bite/attack or unprovoked harm.

When Use of Harmful Force is Appropriate as Protection from a Dog Attack

Individuals may use force as protection from a dog attack if they do so in defense of themselves or another person. For a dog to be believed a threat to others, it must show actions that lead the person to know or reasonably believe that the dog would attack.

The amount of force used should be appropriate to the degree of threat the dog presented. If the dog was attacking the victim, lethal force could be considered appropriate. Also, the person who uses force against the dog should be able to prove that the actions they took were the only available to prevent themselves or others from coming to harm or further harm.

When Use of Harmful Force is Inappropriate Protection from a Dog Attack

Attacking a dog just because it is barking or growling is typically inappropriate, especially if the dog is restrained or confined. For example, if the dog is growling and snapping at a person but is still restrained or confined to where it is not likely it would be able to inflict harm, the use of a gun against the dog may be considered inappropriate.

Likewise, if the dog has already attacked a victim and is fleeing the area and no longer threatening the victim, an argument may be made that harmful force would not be appropriate as the dog is no longer threatening the person’s safety.

Another case of where harmful force against a dog would be disallowed is when a person does so for revenge. If previously bitten by a neighbor’s dog, one is not permitted to go back and harm the dog for its actions. Instead, one should report the incident to police or animal control to have them assess the situation and take the appropriate action.

According to Iowa law statute 351.28, “The owner of a dog shall be liable to an injured party for all damages done by the dog, when the dog is caught in the action of worrying, maiming, or killing a domestic animal, or the dog is attacking or attempting to bite a person, except when the party damaged is doing an unlawful act, directly contributing to the injury.”

How an Attorney Can Help

Given the complexity of dog bite claims and the evidence required, consulting an experienced attorney can be beneficial. An attorney can assist with gathering evidence, documenting injuries, and navigating the legal process to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. 

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.