Norwalk Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Dog bite injury lawyers become vital advocates for victims when a dog causes harm. With a focus on the legal intricacies of animal attacks, they skillfully handle liability and compensation issues to ensure justice and support.

Dog Safety for Kids in Iowa

While dogs make for great companions and family members, they can be dangerous, even when unprovoked. For parents, teaching dog safety to kids, especially around dogs they don’t know, is essential to keeping them safe. Here are some important tips for child safety around dogs that all parents should teach.

Be Calm around Dogs

One of the first lessons in dog safety for kids is that dogs, much like humans, don’t always respond well to stress. A stressful environment can include children yelling, jumping, yanking a dog’s tail, or being overly rowdy. Encourage children to approach dogs using an inside voice and to always be gentle with a pooch.

Leave Sleeping and Eating Dogs Alone

No one, including canines, enjoys being disturbed while enjoying a good meal or nap. When dogs are bothered during eating or sleeping, they’re much more likely to be aggressive. Remind children never to approach a dog that’s distracted. Instead, let the dog finish whatever it’s doing before approaching.

Ask the Dog’s Owner Before Petting

Children, especially those who love animals, are often tempted to approach strange dogs and pet them. However, approaching an unknown animal can be dangerous, as the dog may feel threatened and attack. Teach your child to always first ask a dog’s owner whether or not they can touch the dog. If the owner says “yes,” then the child can proceed.

How to Pet Nicely

Children don’t always know how to pet a dog appropriately and may try to hug the dog, kiss it, or yank its fur or tail. Unfortunately, a dog may view these actions as an attack and respond aggressively. Teach your children how to pet nicely. The best places to scratch a dog are the chest or the side of the neck. Avoid the top of the head for unfamiliar animals.

Avoid Eye Contact

Dogs often view direct eye contact as a threat. Instruct your child to never make direct eye contact with a dog, especially one they don’t know well, to reduce the risk of being attacked.

What to Do When Approached by an Unknown Dog

Teach your children what to do when approached by an unknown dog. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children should remain completely still when a strange dog approaches. Children should never play with a dog without an adult nearby and should always allow a dog to sniff them before touching.

If a child is knocked down by a dog, make sure they know what to do. Instruct your child to roll into a ball and be as still as possible.

Supervising Interactions

Some dogs are more tolerant of children than others. If you have a family dog that knows and loves your child, the chances of the dog attacking are low. However, your child should know that the way they act with your family dog is not how they should act with every dog. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends always supervising interactions between your children and your pets, as well as with other people’s pets.

If Your Child Has Been Bitten by a Dog

If your child has been bitten by a dog, you may be able to recover compensation in a personal injury suit. The statute of limitations for pursuing a personal injury case in Iowa is two years from the date of injury, according to Iowa Code section 614.1(2).

At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our attorneys understand how traumatizing it can be to watch your child receive an injury. We’ll work hard to recover the damages that you and your family deserve. To get started on filing your claim, call us now at (888) 435-9886.

What is the Law for Dogs that Have Previously Bitten Somebody?

Iowa does not have a "one-bite rule,” which means that a dog doesn’t need to have bitten someone before for the owner to be liable for damages. Dog owners in Iowa are strictly liable for damages caused by their dog if it bites or attacks a person. Victims do not have to prove the owner was negligent to recover damages. To win their cases, claimants or plaintiffs need only prove that the dog bit them, they suffered damages, and the defendant owns the dog. They should also demonstrate that they weren't engaged in illegal activity, like trespassing, at the time of the bite.

Why Do Some Dogs Bite People?

Dogs show aggression for various reasons. They might be territorial, possessive, protective, or even afraid. Biting can also be a learned behavior, influenced by the dog's training and environment. For example, a dog in an abusive home might become more aggressive.

Owners whose dogs have previously bitten someone should take steps to avoid repeat attacks. City ordinances declare a vicious dog as one that has attacked a person or has a disposition to attack, cause injury, bite, or snap at a person. Certain breeds, including Staffordshire terriers and American pit bull terriers, are declared vicious. These dogs must be confined in a house, pen, or kennel or be on a leash no longer than six feet and cannot be leashed to an inanimate object like a tree.

Ordinances vary by city, so check any applicable laws if your dog has bitten someone or has a propensity to bite, or if you were bitten by a dog. Always report the dog bite if you’re bitten.

Legal Options for Bite Victims

Dog bite victims can file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against dog owners. Bite victims may recover economic damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering and disfigurement. 

Circumstances That May Make a Dog More Likely to Attack or Bite

Aggression is the most common and serious behavior issue in dogs, leading to bites. However, certain circumstances can make a dog more likely to bite or attack.

If a Dog is Scared

When a dog feels scared, it may show fear aggression. Most animals, when scared, will try to escape. If escape isn’t an option, they may display aggression as a defense mechanism. A fearful dog often attacks from behind, so always face a dog that you sense may be scared.

When a Dog is Territorial

Territorial aggression is common when a dog identifies property as theirs. Both male and female dogs can be territorial, including over possessions like bones, toys, or food. Sometimes dogs are even territorial over people.

To Protect an Owner

Dogs are naturally protective of their pack. If a dog senses that its owner is in danger, it may react aggressively to protect them. A dog may also protect its puppies or another dog.

If the Dog is Being Taunted, Teased, or Attacked

Dogs may respond aggressively if taunted, teased, attacked, or otherwise endangered. This defensive aggression means it’s never recommended to taunt, tease, or upset a dog as it can be very dangerous.

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.