Woodbine Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

While the idea of dogs being man's best friend sounds nice, the reality is that a dog can turn on a human at any time, leading to severe, even life-threatening injuries. When you or a loved one has been injured in an animal attack near Woodbine, it helps to understand Iowa's dog bite laws, whether a settlement will cover plastic surgery, and what compensation may be available for permanent disfigurement. Knowing these details before you speak with an insurance adjuster can make a real difference in the outcome of your claim.

A Closer Look at Dog Bite Laws in Iowa

The state of Iowa has a statute that imposes liability for injuries or damages caused by an owner's dog. Liability for a dog bite will rest with the owner in most cases, though since each situation is unique, it is always best to consult with a qualified attorney about your specific circumstances. According to Iowa Code section 351.28, the owner of a dog that causes injury to a person is liable for all damages related to the incident.

Damages May Extend Beyond the Bite Itself

This means damages may extend beyond the actual injuries caused by a dog biting or attacking a person. One example is if a person attempting to escape a dog attack runs into the street and is struck by a car. Under Iowa's dog bite law, the victim can make a claim for the additional injuries caused by being struck by the car, in addition to the injuries from the bite itself. Similarly, if a person riding a bicycle near Woodbine is chased by a dog attempting to attack or bite, and that person is thrown from the bike and injured, the victim could make a claim for those injuries under Iowa's dog bite law as well.

Rabies Symptoms in Dogs and Stray Animals

Rabies is a deadly virus that can spread to humans from the saliva of infected animals. If an animal is acting unwell, stay away from the animal and call your local animal control to investigate. Symptoms of rabies include aggression, biting, a dazed look and confused behavior, refusing water, and foaming at the mouth. Knowing these symptoms can help you protect yourself and others, and can also help you provide useful information to animal control or police after an attack near Woodbine.

Will My Settlement Cover Dog Bite Treatment Costs for Plastic Surgery?

It is possible that a settlement will cover dog bite treatment costs such as plastic surgery. It must be proven that the surgery is connected to the dog bite injuries and is necessary to repair the damage, and it is important to consider future medical costs in addition to those already incurred, which is why it helps to seek legal counsel.

Seeking Damages for Plastic Surgery

Puncture wounds, lacerations, and tears from a dog bite can cause significant scarring and other disfigurement. One way to reduce the appearance of these injuries is through plastic surgery, which in some cases may require several procedures to achieve optimal results, especially when injuries occur on the neck, face, and scalp. Stitches may take care of some open wounds, but in severe injuries, reconstructive surgery, such as skin grafting, may be necessary. Unfortunately, even after undergoing plastic surgery, there may still be visible signs of scarring, and this type of permanent disfigurement can lead to or worsen emotional trauma.

Compensation Available in a Dog Bite Settlement

Typically, all medical costs stemming from a dog bite are addressed in a claim, which may include the initial treatment such as an emergency room visit, surgery, hospitalization, and medication. If additional treatment such as plastic surgery is expected later, it is important to take that into consideration before settling. Time spent healing from plastic surgery or the dog bite itself could also impact the injured person's ability to work, so future lost wages should be considered as well. Because of the psychological impact a serious dog bite can have, there may also be damages available that address pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and disability.

Seeking Compensation for Permanent Disfigurement from a Dog Bite

Disfigurement from a dog bite may be associated with a range of damages that could be recoverable in a claim, including medical bills needed to treat injuries related to the disfigurement, as well as any emotional damages the victim experiences.

A Closer Look at Disfiguring Dog Bite Injuries

Although some dog bites leave superficial wounds that require nothing more than a good cleansing, other injuries puncture or tear the skin or cause severe disfigurement. The scarring from a dog bite can cause the skin to be raised, jagged, or otherwise look unnatural. When damage to the skin is significant, it could require skin grafting, and orthopedic surgery to repair broken bones may be necessary in some cases. It may also be necessary to have reconstructive or cosmetic surgery performed, depending on the nature and severity of the injuries. In addition to concerns about outward appearance, infection is a common concern with dog bite victims, and vaccinations or other forms of treatment may be administered as a precaution.

Damages From a Permanently Disfiguring Injury

In cases of disfigurement from a dog bite, a victim may recover two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages relate to the medical care and treatment received, as well as other financial expenses and losses, including the income a victim is without while recovering and the costs of any counseling or psychological care needed to cope with the emotional trauma. It is important to take into consideration not only current bills, but any future expenses if additional surgeries, such as cosmetic procedures, will be necessary down the road. Non-economic damages address the consequences and losses experienced as a result of a disfiguring dog bite injury, which may include pain and suffering, mental anguish, or diminished quality of life resulting from embarrassment over severe scarring and difficulty with social situations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that dog bite injuries affect approximately 800,000 people every year in the United States, with the highest injury rates among children between the ages of five and nine. No matter a victim's age, the effects of a dog bite injury can be devastating and can impact a person's life in many ways, including socially, emotionally, and even on the job when working with the public.