Waterloo Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Dog bites are far more common than many people realize, and the consequences for victims, especially children, can last a lifetime. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are close to 4.5 million dog bites in the United States every day, and about half of those bites involve children. If you or your child has been attacked by a dog in Waterloo or anywhere in Iowa, understanding your legal rights, the true impact of these injuries, and what mistakes to avoid with the insurance company can make an enormous difference in the outcome of your case. The attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair have been fighting for dog bite victims across Iowa, including in Waterloo, and are ready to help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Iowa Dog Bite Law: What Makes These Cases Different

Iowa has a long history of holding dog owners accountable. Beginning in 1862, the Iowa Legislature passed the first law making dog owners liable for injuries caused by their dogs. The current Iowa law provides that the owner of a dog shall be liable to an injured party for all damages done by the dog when the dog attacks or attempts to bite a person, except when the injured party was doing an unlawful act at the time of the attack. This is actually a lower legal standard than many other personal injury cases, where an injured person must prove that the other party was negligent or reckless. In Iowa dog bite cases, you do not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. The owner is responsible simply because the attack happened.

This means that if a dog attacks you or your child in Waterloo, the dog's owner can be held liable for your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and more, regardless of whether the dog had ever shown aggression before. To learn more about the full scope of Iowa dog bite claims, read Walker, Billingsley & Bair's article on Iowa dog bite myths and facts.

The Long-Term Physical Effects of Dog Bites on Children

Children between the ages of five and nine receive the most dog bites of any age group in the United States. Children are especially vulnerable because their skin is not as tough as an adult's and they are more likely to suffer broken bones from a dog bite attack. Because a dog is often a similar size to a small child, the trauma of an attack is amplified in ways that adults simply do not experience.

When a dog bites a child, the most common physical injuries include a ripped scalp, torn ears, injuries to the mouth, and eye injuries. Even when these injuries appear to heal on the surface, they can leave behind serious long-term damage. A severed nerve, for example, can result in weakened facial muscles that cause a drooping appearance or make it difficult for the child to express emotions through facial movement.

Scarring is another major long-term consequence of a dog bite. Dog bites can inflict deep wounds that damage not just the outer layer of skin but also the underlying flesh and bone. When these wounds heal, they frequently leave behind bumpy and disfiguring scars. While reconstructive surgery can help restore some of a child's appearance, scarring may remain even after multiple procedures. In cases involving facial injuries to both the skin and the bones, children can experience ongoing disfigurement as they continue to grow, including the loss of facial symmetry. For this reason, dog bite claims for children must account for not just current medical costs but also the potential for future surgeries and ongoing care.

Emotional Consequences That Can Last for Years

While physical injuries are visible and easier to document, the emotional consequences of a dog bite can be equally serious and far longer-lasting. Research reported by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology on children who have suffered a dog bite identifies a wide range of long-term emotional reactions that can follow an attack. These include separation anxiety, excessive crying, withdrawal, disruptive behavior, sleep problems, irrational fears, nightmares, problems in school, complaints of physical ailments even when no symptoms are present, feelings of guilt, emotional numbing, depression, flashbacks, avoidance, and a lack of trust in others.

These are not temporary reactions. The months or even years after a dog bite attack can be marked by continued emotional upheaval that affects a child's self-esteem, confidence, and overall emotional development. Parents often notice effects on their child's ability to participate in school, engage in activities, and maintain healthy social interactions.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder After a Dog Attack

One of the most serious risks following a dog bite is the development of post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD. This condition does not always appear immediately after the attack. Symptoms may emerge several weeks or even months later, which means families and healthcare providers need to remain watchful long after the initial wound has healed. Symptoms of PTSD in children after a dog bite can include jumpiness, frequent bouts of crying, anxiety, poor performance in school, loss of interest in activities the child previously enjoyed, difficulty concentrating, and recurring nightmares.

Because PTSD and other psychological conditions are just as real as physical injuries, they must be documented and treated by qualified professionals. They also must be included in any legal claim for compensation. A dog bite claim that fails to account for the psychological impact of an attack may dramatically undervalue what a child victim has truly suffered. To read more about the long-term effects of dog bites on children, visit the Walker, Billingsley & Bair resource library.

What Damages Can Be Claimed After a Dog Bite in Waterloo?

When a dog bite causes serious harm, the damages that can be claimed go well beyond the initial emergency room visit. A comprehensive dog bite claim should account for all of the following costs and losses that have been or are likely to be incurred as a result of the attack.

• Emergency room and ambulance costs from the day of the attack
• Follow-up medical appointments, wound care, and prescription medications
• Reconstructive and follow-up surgeries to address scarring or disfigurement
• Psychological counseling and ongoing mental health treatment
• Long-term care arrangements, such as home schooling if a child has developed PTSD
• Lost wages for a parent or guardian who must miss work to care for an injured child
• Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional

The fact that damages can be both immediate and long-term is precisely why it is so important to work with an experienced Waterloo dog bite attorney rather than attempting to handle the claim on your own.

Can You File a Complaint Against a Dangerous Dog in Iowa?

Many Waterloo families want to know whether they can take action against a dangerous dog before it injures someone, or after an attack, to prevent future harm. The answer is yes. Iowa follows a two-tier system for regulating vicious and dangerous dogs, and a complaint can be filed even if the dog has not yet bitten anyone. Learn more about how to file a dangerous dog complaint in Iowa.

What Makes a Dog "Vicious" Under Iowa Law?

Under the Des Moines Municipal Code, a dog can be declared vicious if it has attacked a human being or domestic animal without provocation, has a tendency to attack or endanger the safety of people or other animals, snaps or bites, has been trained for dog fighting or other animal fighting, or has been trained to attack humans either on command or spontaneously. Certain breeds, including Staffordshire terriers, American pit bull terriers, and American Staffordshire terriers, are preemptively labeled vicious under the code due to their recognized predisposition to aggression. Dogs that growl, bark, or become rigid in a threatening manner can also fall under the vicious designation. Importantly, a dog does not have to bite to be declared vicious. If a dog knocks someone down or claws at a person's face, that may be sufficient for a vicious designation.

What Makes a Dog "Dangerous" Under Iowa Law?

A dog can be declared dangerous under the Des Moines Municipal Code if it has bitten or clawed a person on two separate occasions within a twelve-month period, has bitten or clawed once causing injuries above the shoulders, could not be controlled or restrained by the owner at the time of the attack, has attacked a domestic animal or fowl on three or more separate occasions, or has killed a domestic animal while off the owner's property. Vicious dogs are subject to additional city regulations including a separate license, a $100,000 liability insurance policy requirement, and strict confinement rules. Dangerous dogs can be seized and impounded by the Chief Humane Officer.

If you are in Waterloo or the surrounding area and are concerned about a dangerous dog in your neighborhood, taking action through the appropriate animal control channels is an important step not just for your own safety but for the safety of your children and neighbors as well.

Iowa Dog Bite Myths That Can Hurt Your Case

Many dog bite victims in Waterloo unknowingly make decisions after an attack that end up damaging their legal claim. Understanding and avoiding these common misconceptions is critical to protecting your rights.

Myth: The Insurance Adjuster Is There to Help You

One of the most dangerous misconceptions about dog bite cases is that the insurance adjuster representing the dog owner's insurance company is on your side. The adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to pay as little as possible on your claim. Being cooperative or reasonable with an adjuster does not mean they will treat you fairly in return. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and some will intentionally frustrate claimants in hopes that they will give up and walk away. If an adjuster offers a number that feels shockingly low, do not react emotionally. Showing frustration or anger will not result in a better offer and may actually work against you.

Myth: You Are Required to Give a Recorded Statement

Another widespread misconception is that you are legally required to give a recorded statement to the dog owner's insurance adjuster. You are not. Insurance adjusters often pressure claimants into providing recorded statements by suggesting it is necessary before they will consider the claim. The reason they want that recorded statement is so they can ask questions before you are fully prepared to answer them. A single misunderstood question, such as whether you have ever experienced back pain before, could be used to challenge your credibility and cost you thousands of dollars. It is rarely beneficial to give a recorded statement to the other party's insurance company, and you should consult with a dog bite attorney before doing so.

Myth: Any Personal Injury Attorney Can Handle Your Dog Bite Case

Iowa's personal injury laws are complex, and any attorney licensed in the state can technically advertise that they handle personal injury cases even if they have never handled a single one. Dog bite cases require real knowledge and experience to navigate properly. When looking for a Waterloo dog bite attorney, ask about the results they have obtained for past clients and what those clients have to say about their experience. A proven track record in dog bite cases matters. As Walker, Billingsley & Bair notes, whether you live in Waterloo, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown, or anywhere else in Iowa, finding an experienced dog bite attorney gives you the best chance of recovering the full compensation you are owed. Learn more about hiring an attorney for your dog bite claim.

When to Contact Waterloo 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.

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