Moville Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

A dog attack can leave a Moville resident with wounds that go far beyond what a bandage can fix. Between plastic surgery to repair visible scarring, the steps needed to report the attack, and questions about how a dog's breed might affect a claim, victims often have more questions than answers in the days after being bitten. The Moville dog bite attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair want local residents to understand what compensation may be available for treatment such as plastic surgery, whether to call the police or animal control, and how a dog's breed can factor into a claim.

Will My Settlement Cover Dog Bite Treatment Costs for Plastic Surgery?

It is possible that a settlement will cover dog bite treatment costs such as plastic surgery. It must be proven that the surgery is connected to the dog bite injuries and is necessary to repair the damage. It is also important to consider future medical costs in addition to those already incurred, which is why it helps to seek legal counsel to ensure all forms of compensation available in a claim are addressed in the settlement.

Seeking Dog Bite Treatment Damages for Plastic Surgery

Puncture wounds, lacerations, and tears from a dog bite can cause significant scarring and other disfigurement. One way to reduce the appearance of these injuries is through plastic surgery, which in some cases may require several procedures to achieve optimal results. Plastic surgery is typically required especially when injuries occur on the neck, face, and scalp, since these are very visible areas. Stitches may take care of some open wounds, but in severe injuries, reconstructive surgery, such as skin grafting, may be necessary.

Plastic surgery can be especially complicated when the damage is significant, such as reconstructing a nose. In any event, damages may be available in a dog bite settlement to address plastic surgery costs, and the emotional impact of such a serious dog bite may also be considered. Unfortunately, even after undergoing plastic surgery, there may still be visible signs of scarring. Although additional surgeries can sometimes help, there are many circumstances in which no further aesthetic improvement can be achieved, and this type of permanent disfigurement can lead to or worsen emotional trauma.

Compensation Available in a Dog Bite Settlement

Typically, all medical costs stemming from a dog bite are addressed in a claim, which may include the initial treatment such as an emergency room visit, surgery, hospitalization, and medication. If the victim is expected to require additional treatment later on, such as plastic surgery, it is important to take that into consideration before settling the claim. The time spent healing from plastic surgery or from the dog bite itself could also impact the injured person's ability to work, so future lost wages should be considered as well. Because of the psychological impact a serious dog bite can have, there may also be damages available that address pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and disability.

Should You Call the Police or Animal Control After a Dog Attack?

Yes, you should generally report a dog attack, especially if it results in serious injury, the dog is not contained, or the animal appears sick and is a continued danger. Victims can also consult an Iowa personal injury attorney for help collecting evidence and presenting a claim for damages against the dog's owner.

What to Do in the Case of a Dog Bite Injury

Following a dog bite or attack, first secure your safety and that of others by separating yourself from the animal and moving to a safe place if necessary. Further steps to take include washing the area thoroughly with soap and water if available, seeking medical attention from a doctor or emergency room if needed, and calling animal control or the local police department to report the attack.

In addition to reporting the incident to the proper authorities, be sure to collect information about the dog, its owner, the accident, and any eyewitnesses to the attack. You may need this information later if you decide to pursue a dog bite injury claim. Under Iowa Code 351.28, an owner of a dog is liable to the injured person for damages done by the dog.

Consult a Moville Personal Injury Attorney for Help

A personal injury attorney at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can evaluate the circumstances surrounding a dog attack near Moville, establish owner liability for the injury, and help collect the evidence necessary for the claim. The report of a dog attack may be used to help establish the circumstances of the incident.

Will the Dog's Breed Affect Your Claim?

There are two theories of liability for pursuing damages for a dog bite in Iowa: the theory of strict liability, and a negligence-based theory of responsibility. Here is a look at both, specifically in regard to how a dog's breed may affect a claim.

Iowa's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Iowa primarily imposes a strict liability dog bite law, found under Iowa Code 351.28, which states that the owner of a dog shall be liable to an injured party for all damages done by the dog. Under this law, the owner of a dog is always held responsible for injuries caused by a dog bite, regardless of the dog's breed or history of dangerous behavior. The exception to this rule is if the dog bite victim was doing something illegal at the time of the attack.

Iowa's Negligence-Based Liability

Under the theory of strict liability, a dog owner is only liable for medical expenses specifically related to the injury. However, a dog bite victim also has the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner if they can prove negligence. One example of negligence is failing to restrain a dog with a known history of aggression or violence. A victim could also argue it was negligent to harbor a dog declared dangerous or vicious.

While there is no single statewide law on the subject, some Iowa cities have banned, restricted, or labeled certain dog breeds as dangerous or vicious, including breeds such as pit bulls, Akitas, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers, and there are special rules and requirements that apply to dogs declared vicious. If a Moville resident is harboring a dog that is illegal, restricted, or considered dangerous or vicious, and that dog bites someone, the victim may be able to prove negligence in a civil suit. In a negligence-based liability case, damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are all recoverable.