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Des Moines, Iowa Personal Injury Lawyers

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Iowa Dog Bite Lawyer

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Dogs are supposed to be a man’s best friend, and they often are. However, at the Law Group of Iowa we know that they still are animals and could bite or attack. You may have been interacting with an animal when they bit you unprovoked, or were otherwise put in a situation where the dog owner was negligent in keeping you safe from harm. Dog owners are responsible for how their canine behaves, and can be liable if a person sustains serious injury from an attack. If you were recently injured in a dog bite incident, contact our Iowa dog bite lawyer now for support and compensation.

Dog Bite Lawyer Iowa

Man’s best friend can still cause immense damage. Not all bites are deadly, but some can result in serious bodily injury. As our Iowa dog bite lawyer has seen, some owners may have already known that their dog can become aggressive without provocation. Most dogs are loving companions, but others may have an inherent or learned propensity to bite. Sustaining a dog bite wound can cause victims to incur medical bills, treatment costs, and rehabilitative expenses. Please contact a dog bite attorney if you need assistance getting compensation for your injuries and damages after a dog bite attack.

A dog bite can cause serious physical and mental effects. It can be emotionally traumatizing to have a dog attack you, in addition to the painful injuries that may have developed. Common injuries can include avulsions, infections, puncture wounds, disfigurement, dislocated bones, infections, amputations, abrasions, contusions, lacerations, broken bones, soft tissue tears, psychological damage, physical scars, and more. The costs for treating these injuries can be expensive, and a person may have incurred substantial bills and debts. Contact our dog bite attorney now if you need guidance seeking compensation from the responsible owner.

For Dog Bites, Experience Matters

Many dog bite incidents may occur without the animal being provoked. No matter the circumstances, you should act quickly. After a dog bite, find distance from the animal, call 911 to file a report, locate the dog owner if you can, gather their contact information, take pictures of your injuries, get immediate medical attention, and then reach out to us for help. You can depend on our dog bite attorney because:

  • We are a highly acclaimed and experienced team of legal advocates and professionals.
  • We only take on your case if we believe that we can offer representation that is of commitment, passion, and dedication.
  • We offer a free initial consultation so that prospective clients can learn about our services before receiving legal help.

Dog attack incidents can be terrifying, and it may have caused you to sustain serious injuries and mental anguish. If this is true for you or a loved one, contact our Iowa dog bite lawyer today for assistance. At the Law Group of Iowa, your wellbeing is our top priority. Let us take the lead on your case while you focus on your health. Reach out now for a consultation appointment!

dog bite lawyer in Iowa

Iowa Dog Bite FAQ

Dog attacks happen without warning, turning peaceful walks or friendly visits into traumatic experiences. These incidents leave victims with painful injuries, emotional scars, and medical bills that shouldn’t be their responsibility. Iowa law protects people injured by dogs, holding owners accountable regardless of the animal’s history. At Law Group of Iowa, we represent bite victims of all ages, pursuing compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, scarring, and trauma.

Who Is Responsible When Dogs Attack?

Dog owners bear strict liability in Iowa for injuries their animals cause. This means you don’t need to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous or acted negligently. If a dog bites or attacks you, the owner is automatically responsible for your damages. Property owners who harbor dangerous dogs may also face liability. Landlords can be held accountable when they know tenants keep aggressive animals and fail to take action.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Bite victims can pursue compensation for emergency room treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medications, and ongoing medical care. Reconstructive surgery and scar revision procedures often become necessary for facial injuries or severe wounds. Lost wages cover time away from work during recovery. Pain and suffering damages address physical discomfort and emotional distress. Permanent scarring and disfigurement warrant additional compensation, particularly when visible marks affect appearance and self-esteem. Psychological counseling costs are recoverable when attacks cause lasting fear or post-traumatic stress.

Why Do Children Suffer More Severe Injuries?

Children’s smaller size makes them particularly vulnerable during dog attacks. Bites often occur on the face, head, and neck because children stand at the same height as many dogs’ heads. Young victims may not recognize warning signs that adults notice, approaching unfamiliar dogs without caution. Children suffer higher rates of facial scarring, eye injuries, and psychological trauma that affects their development and social interactions.

How Does Iowa’s Strict Liability Law Work?

Iowa Code Section 351.28 establishes strict liability for dog owners. You don’t need to prove the dog had bitten before or that the owner failed to control the animal. Simply showing that the dog caused your injuries is sufficient to hold the owner liable. This law protects victims by removing common defenses that owners might otherwise raise about their dog’s temperament or history.

What Should You Do After An Attack?

Seek immediate medical attention for all bite wounds, even those that seem minor. Dog bites carry high infection risks requiring antibiotics and sometimes rabies prophylaxis. Report the attack to local animal control or law enforcement to create an official record. Photograph your injuries at multiple stages of healing. Collect contact information from the dog owner and any witnesses. Document the dog’s appearance, location, and circumstances of the attack. Avoid signing releases or accepting payments from owners before consulting us.

When Do Homeowner’s Insurance Policies Apply?

Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bites. These policies typically provide substantial compensation for injuries the insured’s dog causes. We identify all applicable insurance coverage and pursue maximum compensation from these sources. Some insurers try to deny coverage by claiming certain breeds are excluded or that owners violated policy terms. We challenge these denials and fight to access the full coverage available.

How Do We Prove Your Damages?

Medical records document the extent of your physical injuries and treatment received. Photographs show wound severity and healing progression. Testimony from plastic surgeons establishes the need for future reconstructive procedures. Mental health professionals document psychological trauma and ongoing counseling needs. School or employment records demonstrate how injuries affected your daily activities and capabilities. We gather comprehensive evidence showing the full impact the attack has had on your life.

Dog attacks leave lasting physical and emotional wounds that deserve full compensation. A dog bite lawyer Iowa victims trust can hold owners accountable and pursue damages for your injuries, scarring, and trauma. We understand the medical and psychological impact these attacks cause. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Law Group of Iowa

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