Waukee Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

When a dog inflicts injury, dog bite injury lawyers are reliable advocates for the victims. Their expertise in animal law allows them to manage the complexities of liability and compensation, ensuring justice and proper support.

Disfigurement from a dog bite can lead to various recoverable damages, including medical bills for treating disfigurement-related injuries and emotional damages. Individuals in Iowa seeking compensation for such injuries may benefit from consulting an Iowa personal injury attorney to explore their legal options.

Disfiguring Dog Bite Injuries

While some dog bites result in superficial wounds requiring minimal treatment, others can puncture or tear the skin, causing severe disfigurement. Disfiguring injuries may necessitate medical interventions such as suturing, skin grafting, orthopedic surgery, and reconstructive or cosmetic surgery to address both the appearance and functional impairments caused by the bite. Infection is also a common concern, necessitating vaccinations or other treatments as precautions.

Damages from a Permanently Disfiguring Injury

Victims of disfiguring dog bites may recover two types of damages: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages cover medical expenses, both current and future, and include treatments like hospital stays, surgeries, therapies, and pain management. Economic damages also encompass lost wages and future loss of earnings if the injuries permanently impact the victim's ability to work. Additionally, costs for psychological care, such as counseling, may be included due to the emotional trauma often associated with disfigurement.

Noneconomic Damages compensate for the emotional and psychological impact of the disfigurement, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life. These damages acknowledge the social and emotional toll of living with visible scarring or disfigurement.

Recovering Damages and Liability after a Dog Bite in Waukee

Understanding the legal aspects of recovering damages after a dog bite is crucial for ensuring adequate compensation for victims.

Per Section 351.28 of the Iowa Code, dog owners are generally liable for damages caused by their dogs biting someone, irrespective of the owner's negligence. Exceptions include situations where the victim provoked the dog or if the dog has rabies, provided the owner was aware and could have taken preventive measures.

Types of Dog Bite Compensation

Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

- Medical Expenses: Includes all reasonable and necessary past and future medical costs.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for earnings lost due to injury.
- Future Loss of Earnings: For permanent limitations impacting future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and mental anguish.
- Loss of Full Mind and Body: Reimbursement for any loss of function or use of the body or mind.
- Disfigurement: For the disfigurement and associated humiliation or embarrassment.
- Damage to Child or Marital Relationship: For loss of society, affection, and assistance.
- Death: Damages for wrongful death, including loss of consortium and the deceased’s lost accumulation of value to their estate.

The Effects of Dog Bite Disfigurement

Disfigurement, especially on visible areas like the face, hands, and arms, can lead to significant emotional and social challenges. Victims might experience negative self-perceptions and social anxiety, which can impact their quality of life.

Treatments for Emotional Injuries Related to Dog Bite Disfigurement

Emotional and psychological disorders resulting from disfiguring injuries may require treatments such as cognitive techniques, psychotherapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, EMDR, counseling, lifestyle changes, and medications.

Why You Need to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Iowa

Hiring a dog bite lawyer ensures fair compensation for damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

Navigating Iowa's dog bite law can be complex. A knowledgeable attorney provides essential insights and guides victims through the legal process, ensuring all aspects of their claims are adequately addressed.

Maximizing Compensation

An experienced lawyer can assess the full extent of a victim's claim, considering medical evidence and Waukee dog bite law specifics to secure compensation for both current and future expenses.

Recovering Lost Wages and Calculating Loss of Earning Capacity

An attorney helps recover lost wages due to missed work and assesses future earning capacity if injuries result in permanent limitations.

Navigating Legal Challenges

An attorney’s negotiation skills can lead to fair settlements, handle interactions with insurance companies, and gather evidence to strengthen the case.

Determining If You Need an Attorney

Severe injuries such as permanent scarring or psychological trauma warrant hiring an attorney to avoid costly mistakes and maximize claim value.

How an Attorney Can Help

Given the complexity of dog bite claims and the evidence required, consulting an experienced attorney can be beneficial. An attorney can assist with gathering evidence, documenting injuries, and navigating the legal process to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. 

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.