Attorneys
- Northwood Dog Bite Injury Attorneys
- Phone: 641-792-3595
- Directions
Usually, an injury from a dog attack is nothing more serious than broken skin that is easily treated with antiseptic and a bandage. In extreme cases, however, a dog bite or attack in Northwood can cause severe injuries. Deep lacerations, tendon damage, nerve damage, rabies, and even death can all result from a vicious dog attack, leading to enormous medical bills, time off work, and intense pain and suffering. If you are pursuing a dog bite claim after an attack in Northwood, it helps to understand the law, the challenges you may face, how to prevent future bites, and why hiring an attorney matters.
What Does Iowa Law Say About Dog Bite Liability?
Iowa law is clear when it comes to the liability of dog owners. Under Iowa Code 351.28, the owner of a dog is liable to an injured party for all damages done by the dog when the dog is caught in the act of worrying, maiming, or killing a domestic animal, or is attacking or attempting to bite a person, except when the injured party was doing something unlawful that directly contributed to the injury. In other words, unless the dog bite victim was doing something unlawful, the dog owner is liable for the injuries. This is why some dog owners in Northwood will argue that the injured party was, in fact, doing something unlawful at the time of the attack.
Common Challenges to a Northwood Dog Bite Claim
Were You Trespassing?
Many dog owners believe that if a victim was trespassing, they are not responsible for the dog's actions, but this is not always true. The law only removes liability if the unlawful act directly contributed to the bite. For example, if someone hopped a fence and startled the dog, that might give the owner grounds to challenge liability. But if the trespassing did not contribute to the injury, the dog owner may still be liable for damages.
Was the Dog Provoked?
This is a common defense raised by dog owners, and in some cases, the dog may genuinely have been provoked, such as a child pulling a dog's tail or chasing it into a corner. However, parties often disagree about what counts as provocation. A child may provoke a dog without meaning to, or an adult may have simply been playing too roughly. These situations are fact specific, which is why it helps to talk to an attorney about the particulars of your case.
Did the Dog Have Rabies?
Owners are generally not liable for a bite if the dog had rabies and the owner did not know, and could not reasonably have been expected to know, that the dog was infected. However, if you can prove the owner was negligent, such as leaving a gate open or allowing a child access to a yard where the dog was present, the owner may still be liable.
When Should You Hire an Attorney?
If you have been injured badly enough to require medical attention, or if you have missed work because of a dog attack in Northwood, it is time to seek legal advice. An experienced attorney can help you navigate these challenges and build a strong case despite the defenses a dog owner may raise.
Practical Tips for Preventing a Dog Bite
Whether you are visiting a friend or neighbor, walking through your Northwood neighborhood, or training a dog at home, knowing practical tips for preventing dog bite injuries can help keep you and your family safe.
Pay Attention to a Dog's Body Language
Learning general dog body language can help you identify how a dog is feeling before an encounter turns dangerous. Signs of discomfort include:
- A tensed body
- A stiff, high tail
- Flattened ears
- Bared teeth
- Backing away
- Intense staring
- A furrowed brow
If you notice this type of body language, it is likely that the dog is not happy.
Never Invite Aggression by Staring
If a dog stares at you, it may be feeling threatened. Making and keeping eye contact can be interpreted by the dog as a challenge. Instead, divert your eyes as a sign of submission, which can make the dog feel less threatened and less likely to attack.
Teach Kids How to Approach Dogs
Preventing a dog bite goes beyond knowing how to approach dogs yourself. Teach children that most dogs, even trusted family pets, do not like having their ears pulled, being hugged or kissed, being teased, or being disturbed while eating, playing with a toy, or sleeping. Instead, dogs generally prefer to be allowed to smell a person first, to approach at their own pace, and to have their necks and chests scratched.
Avoid Teasing or Aggressive Games
Even non-aggressive dogs can bite accidentally when they are teased or engaged in rough play. Dangling a toy or treat above a dog's face, wrestling, or playing tug of war too intensely can lead to a bite. Dogs should be respected, and teasing, threatening, or aggressive play can encourage violent behavior.
More Ways to Reduce Your Risk
- Give a dog its space. Most dogs feel threatened or territorial when someone enters their space, such as their yard, bed, or porch. Even friendly dogs may growl, bark, or nip to defend their territory.
- Keep dogs leashed. Unless your dog has an off-leash tag issued by your local municipality or county, keep it leashed to prevent it from biting someone else.
- Spay or neuter your dog. This can help reduce aggression in pets and decrease the risk of a bite or attack. Your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate age for the procedure.
Know the Law and Take Action if Necessary
A dog bite is a dangerous ordeal. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to learn more about dog bite laws, owner liability, and how to take legal action.
Why You Need to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Northwood
If you have suffered a dog bite injury in Northwood, hiring an attorney helps ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages. A dog bite attorney can advocate for your rights and help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Handling a claim without legal guidance risks minimizing the value of your case.
Understanding Iowa Dog Bite Law
Navigating Iowa's dog bite law can be complex, especially when severe injuries are involved. A knowledgeable attorney can explain how the law applies to your specific situation and guide you through each step of the legal process.
Maximizing Your Compensation
An experienced dog bite lawyer can thoroughly assess your claim, considering medical evidence and the specifics of Iowa dog bite law. This evaluation helps ensure you receive compensation not only for current medical expenses, but also for future costs related to your injury.
Recovering Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries result in time off work, an attorney can help pursue compensation for lost wages by gathering evidence such as proof of missed work time and lost benefits. In cases where injuries lead to disfigurement or affect your future ability to work, an attorney can also help calculate loss of earning capacity, ensuring you receive appropriate compensation for how the injury will impact your ability to earn income over time.
Navigating Legal Challenges
Handling a dog bite case without legal guidance risks undervaluing your claim. An attorney's negotiation skills can lead to a fair settlement, potentially avoiding lengthy court proceedings. An attorney can also handle interactions with insurance companies, gather evidence, and enlist expert opinions to strengthen your case. If you were attacked by a dog belonging to a relative or friend, having an attorney involved can help you avoid uncomfortable confrontations while still protecting your rights.
When to Contact Northwood 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.