Lake Mills Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

A dog attack can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, and knowing what steps to take right afterward can make a real difference in both a victim's recovery and their ability to pursue a claim. Dog bites are unfortunately common, and the aftermath can range from a minor puncture wound to devastating disfigurement or long-term psychological trauma. From reporting the attack to the proper authorities, to understanding how a dangerous or vicious dog can be addressed even before it bites someone, to recognizing the long-term effects a dog bite can leave behind, here is what Lake Mills residents should know about protecting themselves and their legal rights after a dog attack.

Should You Report a Dog Attack in Lake Mills?

Yes, a dog attack should generally be reported, especially if it results in serious injury, the dog is not contained, or the animal appears sick and remains a continued danger. Reporting the incident not only helps protect others in the Lake Mills community, but it also creates an official record that can support a future injury claim.

What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite

Following a dog bite or attack, the first priority is securing your own safety and the safety of others nearby. Separate yourself from the animal and move to a safe location if necessary. From there, several additional steps are important. Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water if it is available. Seek medical attention from a doctor or emergency room if needed. Call animal control or the local police department to report the attack.

In addition to reporting the incident, it is important to collect information about the dog, its owner, the circumstances of the attack, and any eyewitnesses. This information may be needed later if you decide to pursue a dog bite injury claim. Under Iowa Code 351.28, the owner of a dog is liable to an injured person for damages caused by that dog. A personal injury attorney can evaluate the circumstances surrounding a dog attack, help establish the owner's liability, and collect the evidence necessary to support a claim. The official report of the attack may also be used later to help establish exactly what happened.

Can You Report a Dangerous Dog Before It Ever Bites Anyone?

Yes, in many Iowa communities it is possible to file a complaint about a dangerous or vicious dog even before that dog has bitten anyone. Many Iowa cities follow a two-tier system for classifying vicious and dangerous dogs, and if a dog is officially declared either vicious or dangerous under local ordinance, the city can take steps to protect the safety of its residents.

What Typically Makes a Dog Vicious Under Local Ordinance

Under this kind of two-tier system, a dog is often classified as vicious if it meets any of several conditions, including if it has attacked a person or domestic animal without provocation, if it has shown a tendency to attack or endanger the safety of people or animals, if it snaps or bites, if it has been trained for dog fighting or other animal fighting, or if it has been trained to attack humans either on command or spontaneously. Certain specific breeds are also sometimes preemptively classified as vicious under this type of ordinance, based on the assumption that those breeds have a predisposition toward aggression, even if an individual dog of that breed has never shown any violent behavior.

Under this classification system, a dog that growls, barks, becomes rigid, or otherwise appears threatening can potentially be labeled vicious. A dog that harms a person in ways other than biting, such as knocking them down or clawing at their face, can also be classified this way.

What Typically Makes a Dog Dangerous Under Local Ordinance

A dog is often classified as dangerous under this same type of local ordinance if it bites or claws a person on two separate occasions within a twelve month period, bites or claws once causing injuries above the shoulders, could not be controlled or restrained by its owner at the time of an attack, has attacked another domestic animal on three or more separate occasions, or has killed a domestic animal while off of its owner's property. Many of these conditions require the dog to have seriously attacked a person or animal on more than one occasion, and some require the dog to have inflicted particularly severe injuries, such as those to the head, face, or neck.

Filing a Complaint and What Happens to the Dog

To file a complaint about a dangerous or vicious dog in Lake Mills, contacting local animal control or the local police department is generally the first step, describing the dog and the behavior of concern so the appropriate authority can investigate and make a determination.

Dogs classified as vicious under this type of ordinance are often subject to additional regulations, including requiring a separate license, a liability insurance policy, and rules requiring the animal to remain confined to a house, structure, or leash. In more serious cases, local authorities may determine that a dog should be euthanized if they do not believe it is reasonable for the owner to continue keeping the animal. Dogs classified as dangerous may be seized and impounded by local authorities for a period of time, or until any appeal of the dangerous designation has been resolved. If a dangerous designation is reversed on appeal, the dog is generally returned to its owner.

Long-Term Effects of a Dog Bite in Lake Mills

Dog attacks can have lasting effects on victims, both physically and mentally. Anyone who has been the victim of a dog bite in Lake Mills should understand the potential long-term effects and seek appropriate treatment as early as possible.

Physical Disfigurement

Some dog bites result in permanent physical disfigurement, including permanent scars, paralysis or partial paralysis, mobility problems, and amputation. Plastic or reconstructive surgery may be necessary to address these injuries, but certain conditions like paralysis may be irreversible, requiring victims to cope with lifelong disabilities.

Mental and Emotional Trauma

Dog attacks can cause significant mental and emotional trauma, particularly in children. Symptoms may include post-traumatic stress disorder, acting out the traumatic incident, fear, stress, and anger, loneliness and aggression, and in some cases self-harm or substance abuse. Children attacked by dogs may develop attachment disorders, while adults commonly experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Counseling and therapy are essential for addressing these psychological injuries.

Infections and Disease

While rare, dog bites can transmit infections and diseases, including rabies, which can be deadly if left untreated. Other complications may include sepsis, loss of function, and in severe cases, death. Prompt medical attention is crucial for preventing and treating these complications effectively.

Treatment for Dog Bite Injuries

Treatment for deep dog bites often involves stitches or staples to close the wound, though the appropriate treatment plan depends on the severity and location of the injury. Complications may include infection, scarring, and damage to underlying structures. Aftercare instructions are essential for preventing complications, including keeping the wound clean, taking any prescribed medication, and receiving a tetanus shot if necessary.

Steps to Take After a Dog Attack

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Lake Mills, several steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights. Seek medical attention immediately. Report the attack to local authorities. Collect information from the dog's owner, including the dog's rabies vaccination status. Then contact a personal injury attorney for legal advice and representation.

Legal Options and Compensation

Victims of dog attacks may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. An experienced attorney can help navigate the legal process and pursue the damages a Lake Mills victim may be owed. This is especially important for anyone left with permanent injuries such as scarring, or who continues to experience psychological trauma like fear around dogs long after the physical wound has healed. Because insurance companies and dog owners may try to minimize the severity of an attack or dispute how it happened, having an attorney review the details of a claim early on can help make sure that both the physical and emotional impact of a dog bite are properly accounted for.

When to Contact Lake Mills 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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