Remsen Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Dog bite injury lawyers are crucial allies for those harmed by dogs. Their expertise in animal-related legal matters allows them to effectively handle liability and compensation complexities, securing justice and proper support.

Dog Safety for Kids in Iowa

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

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 situations where children are yelling, jumping, yanking a dog’s tail, or otherwise being overly rowdy. Encourage children to approach dogs using an inside voice and to always be gentle.

Leave Sleeping and Eating Dogs Alone

Another key lesson in dog safety for kids is to leave dogs alone while they are eating or sleeping. No one, including canines, enjoys being disturbed during a meal or a nap. When dogs are bothered during these times, they’re more likely to become aggressive. Remind children never to approach a dog that is distracted with something else and to wait until the dog finishes what it is doing before approaching.

Ask the Dog’s Owner Before Petting

Children, especially those who love animals, are often tempted to approach and pet strange dogs. However, this can be dangerous as the dog may feel threatened and become aggressive. Teach your child always to ask a dog’s owner if they can pet 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, kiss, or yank at 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, but the top of the head should be avoided for unfamiliar animals.

Avoid Eye Contact

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

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 (CDC), 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.

When playing, dogs can be rowdier than intended, and it’s not uncommon for a child to be knocked down. If this happens, instruct your child to roll into a ball and be as still as possible.

Supervision and Familiar Dogs

Some dogs are more tolerant of children than others. If you have a family dog that knows and loves your child, the chances of an attack are low. However, children should know that how they interact with your family dog is not how they should interact with all dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends always supervising interactions between children and pets, whether your own or others’.

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 through 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). 

Will the Dog Be Put Down if I File a Dog Bite Claim?

A dog bite claim, whether filed with an insurance company or as a civil case for damages, does not necessarily result in the dog being euthanized. 

Understanding Dog Bite Claims

Iowa is a strict liability dog bite state, meaning the dog’s owner is almost always held liable for the bite, according to Iowa Code Section 351.28. This means the dog bite victim deserves to have their medical expenses and other damages paid. However, a dog bite claim is not intended to penalize the dog or the owner beyond ensuring the victim’s expenses are covered.

Laws Surrounding Euthanizing Animals in Iowa

The chief humane officer can act after receiving a complaint by notifying the dog owner of the charge. The owner has three business days to contest the claim. If not disputed, the dog can be seized and impounded for seven days. If the owner does not take action, the dog will be euthanized after this period.

Should I File a Claim for Damages?

If you’ve been injured by a dog bite, filing a claim is in your best interest. You can recover financial damages needed for treatment. If you have questions about filing a claim or how it will affect the dog or its owner, consult an attorney. 

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters After a Dog Bite

When dealing with insurance companies, it’s crucial to handle interactions carefully.

Tell the Truth and Keep Records

Always tell the truth when speaking with insurance adjusters, as anything you say can be used against you. Keep detailed records of all documents and interactions related to your claim.

Medical Records and Doctor Visits

Keep track of missed work, doctor’s excuses, and all medical bills. Ensure your medical records accurately reflect your injuries and the treatment received. Regularly visiting your doctor and documenting ongoing issues can impact the settlement offered by the insurance company.

Dealing with the Insurance Adjuster

Insurance adjusters are trained to settle cases quickly and for as little as possible. Be cautious with what you say, as it could be used against you. Consider hiring an experienced injury lawyer to handle negotiations, especially for personal injury claims from dog 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.