Parkersburg Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

When a dog bite results in harm, dog bite attorneys offer essential assistance. They navigate the intricate legal landscape of animal attacks, expertly managing liability and compensation to ensure justice and support for victims.

What to Do After a Dog Bite: Treatment and Legal Steps

Being attacked by a dog can be a frightening and dangerous experience. Most serious dog bites occur to children, but anyone can be a victim. Knowing what steps to take immediately after a dog bite, understanding the necessary medical treatments, and being aware of the legal steps can help ensure your safety and protect your rights.

Immediate Actions After a Dog Bite

1. Call 911: The first step is to call 911 so that police and medical personnel are dispatched to the scene. This is crucial, especially if the dog doesn't have a collar or runs away after the attack. The police will investigate to determine the dog's owner and check for proof of rabies vaccination.

2. Identify the Dog and Owner: If the dog and its owner are not identified, you may need to undergo rabies shots if the dog's rabies status is unknown. The police will usually track down the dog owner and request proof of rabies vaccination. If the dog is not vaccinated, it will likely be quarantined to observe for rabies symptoms.

3. Document the Incident: Take photos of your injuries, the dog (if possible), and the scene. Collect contact information from any witnesses.

Medical Treatment and Care

Dog bite injuries can cause serious damage, including infections and scarring, which may require antibiotics, stitches, rabies shots, mental health counseling, and eventually scar revision surgeries.

Immediate Concerns

- Rabies: If the dog’s rabies vaccination status is unknown, you might need to start rabies prophylaxis.
- Wound Care: Clean the wound immediately to prevent infection. Seek medical attention for proper wound care, which may include stitches and antibiotics.

Long-term Care

- Physical Health: Follow your doctor’s advice regarding wound care, including avoiding sun exposure to scars and using sunscreen. Consult a plastic surgeon if scarring is significant and bothers you after 6 to 12 months.
- Mental Health: Dog attacks can cause emotional trauma. If you experience flashbacks, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping, see a mental health counselor promptly.

Legal Steps

Iowa has strict liability laws for dog bites. To recover damages, you must prove that a dog attacked and/or bit you, with very few exceptions. Identifying the dog owner is critical because their insurance (homeowners or renters) can provide compensation for your injuries.

Filing a Claim

- Report to the Owner’s Insurance: If the dog owner has insurance, submit your claim to their insurance company. The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case.
- Avoid Recorded Statements: Be cautious about giving recorded statements to the insurance adjuster. If your injuries are serious, consult with an attorney before speaking to the adjuster.

Hiring an Attorney

A qualified Iowa dog bite attorney can help guide you through the process and avoid costly mistakes. An attorney will:

- Advocate on your behalf with the insurance company.
- Ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Protect your rights and provide expert advice throughout the process.

Preventing Dog Bites

Understanding Dog Body Language

Recognize signs of discomfort in dogs, such as a tensed body, stiff tail, flattened ears, bared teeth, backing away, intense staring, and furrowed brow. Avoid aggressive behavior and give dogs their space.

Tips for Interacting with Dogs

- Avoid Staring: Direct eye contact can be seen as a challenge.
- Teach Children Proper Behavior: Educate kids to avoid pulling ears, hugging, kissing, teasing, or disturbing dogs while eating or sleeping.
- Respect the Dog’s Space: Be cautious around dogs in their territory.

Dog Ownership Tips

- Leash Your Dogs: Keep dogs leashed in public areas unless they are in designated off-leash zones.
- Spay/Neuter Pets: This can reduce aggression in dogs and decrease the risk of bites.

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.