What does Iowa law say about dog bite claims?

Under Iowa law, a dog's owner is responsible for any damages their dog causes. If you were bitten, you only need to show that the bite happened and that you suffered injuries and losses as a result. This rule doesn't apply if you were doing something illegal that contributed to the incident. It's also important to know that this law is specific to dogs and doesn't cover other types of domestic animals.

What injuries can happen after a dog attack?

Dog attacks can cause puncture wounds, cuts, scarring, broken bones, nerve damage, and infections. Some people also deal with fear, anxiety, or emotional trauma after the attack. Getting medical treatment early can protect your health and create a clear record of your injuries.

How can a dog bite lawyer help with my claim?

A dog bite lawyer can review what happened, gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and deal with the insurance company for you. They can also help explain your rights in plain language and work to pursue fair compensation. This can take pressure off you while you focus on healing.

What compensation may be available after a dog bite?

You may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, future treatment, lost wages, pain, scarring, and emotional distress. The value of a claim depends on things like the severity of the injuries, insurance coverage, and how the bite happened. A free consultation can help you understand what your claim may be worth.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a dog bite?

In Iowa, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a dog bite claim. If you miss this deadline, you may not be able to recover compensation for your injuries. There are some exceptions, so talk to a dog bite lawyer to find out what applies in your case.

Davenport Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a family member suffered a dog bite in Iowa, a Davenport dog bite lawyer can provide personalized attention and legal representation to protect your rights. Call us for a free consultation with a Davenport personal injury lawyer.

In this Article

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Davenport Dog Bite Incident?

What Are Iowa Dog Bite Laws?

By Iowa Code Section 351.28, Iowa is a strict liability state. A dog’s owner (the person to whom the dog legally belongs) is liable for property damage, death, or injuries caused by their dog. You’ll need to prove that the bite occurred, you suffered injuries, and it led to losses. It’s important to note that this strict liability doesn’t apply if the injured party was engaged in an unlawful act directly contributing to the injury. This Iowa law only applies to dogs; other domestic animal attacks are subject to separate laws.

In Iowa, another exception to the strict liability rule is for rabid dogs (hydrophobia). If a dog is rabid, the owner is not held accountable and is only legally responsible if there was reason to believe the animal’s owner knew the dog was infected and did not make a reasonable effort to prevent the serious injury.

The amount of time you have to pursue a dog bite claim is generally two years under Iowa Code Section 614.1(2), though there are some exceptions. It’s important to discuss the details of your case with an experienced dog bite lawyer.

How Serious Is the Problem?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association dog bite statistics, there are 88 million dogs in the United States, and 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year; children are often dog bite victims and suffer severe injuries.

What Should I Do If I Have Been Bitten by a Dog in Davenport?

If you or a loved one has suffered dog bite injuries in Davenport, it is important to:

Seek medical attention promptly. Dog bites, even if minor, can become infected.
Report the dog bite incident to animal disease control authorities and keep the official animal control record.
Collect contact details from the dog owner and any witnesses.
Contact a Davenport dog bite attorney to discuss legal action to recover damages.

Common Injuries Suffered in a Davenport Dog Attack

Common Types of Injuries Suffered in a Dog Attack

Get immediate medical attention following an attack from someone else’s dog. Our personal injury lawyers have seen injuries including puncture wounds, facial injuries, lacerations, cuts, broken bones, nerve damage, rabies infection, and emotional trauma.

How Can a Dog Bite Injury Attorney Help?

Because dog bite laws are complex, it’s important to know your rights and how to hold a dog’s owner responsible under Iowa liability laws. The legal team in our Davenport law firm can gather evidence to hold the appropriate party responsible, negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. If negotiations fail to produce a settlement, we can take your personal injury lawsuit to court.

What Compensation Can Davenport Dog Bite Victims Receive?

In Davenport, IA, a dog bite accident victim may be entitled to fair compensation for physical injuries as well as pain and suffering, even if the victim provoked the attack. This may include:

Medical costs for current and future medical care—medical bills for hospital visits, surgeries, and physical therapy
Lost income—lost wages when the victim misses work
Pain and suffering—physical and emotional distress like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
And more

How Much Is My Davenport Dog Bite Claim Worth?

Our Iowa personal injury attorneys assess the value of a Davenport dog bite case, taking into account the facts of the case. Factors can include the severity of the injuries, amount of medical expenses, lost wages during recovery, amount of insurance coverage available, the impact on the victim’s quality of life, and the degree of negligence on the part of the aggressive dog’s owner.

Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, Today

The dog bite injury lawyers in our personal injury law firm have comprehensive knowledge of dog bite law. We have a proven track record of helping dog bite victims with their personal injury claims. Our experienced lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Our law firm offers free consultations for victims with dog bite attack injuries, giving prospective clients a meeting with an experienced attorney who will review their personal injury case, explain Iowa’s legal process, and address their legal issues.

Do I have a case?