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Des Moines Dog Bite Lawyer

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Des Moines or elsewhere in Iowa, The Advocates Injury Attorneys are here to help.

Meet room discussion between two attorneys

A Dog Bite Attorney Can Help Your Case

Dog bites can result in severe injuries, emotional trauma, and seemingly never-ending medical bills. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 1 in 5 dog bite victims require medical attention. After being bitten, it may feel like life will never be the same.

You do not have to face this challenge alone. The Advocates are experienced Iowa personal injury attorneys who are ready to help you on the road to recovery. 

If you or a loved one have been injured in an animal attack, you need a skilled attorney for your personal injury claim. Contact the Iowa dog bite lawyers with The Advocates today for a free consultation.

The Next Steps In Your Des Moines Dog Bite Case

Injury

Immediately after being bitten, assess your injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery

Treatment

Seek medical attention as soon as you can

Medical Records

Keep track of any and all treatment you receive during recovery

Finish Treatment

Once you’ve completed treatment, your case can move forward

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

You will pay nothing out-of-pocket when you hire an Advocate.

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees.

Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. We don’t get paid unless we win your case and you receive a settlement.

For more information on how settlements and payment work, please see our contingency fee information page.

Not every accident requires an attorney. However, if the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex.

Your attorney will build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.

In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a few years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.

In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.

A Team of Legal Professionals Assigned to Your Case 

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive the compensation and care they deserve after their injuries, and we are prepared to do the same for you. 

We can help you:

  • Understand the claims process
  • Investigate your accident
  • Build your case
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters

We only get paid if we win your case!

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Iowa Dog Bite Information

Dog attack statistics

  • Pit bulls, rottweilers, and German Shepherd Dogs, Chihuahuas, terriers, and cocker spaniels are some of the breeds most likely to bite a human.
  • More than 300,000 Americans visit the emergency room as victims of dog bites every single year.
  • Children are more likely than adults to suffer dog bites.
  • Adults with two or more dogs in the household are five times more likely to be bitten than adults with one or no dogs.
  • Men are more likely to be bitten than women.

When do dog bites often occur?

Any dog has the capability to bite or attack unexpectedly, but certain situations present a much higher risk than others. Dog bites are most likely to happen when:

  • A dog is approached by a stranger: When approaching a dog you don’t know, it’s important to ask the owner of the dog if the dog is friendly and if it is okay to approach.
  • A human breaks up a dog fight: If two or more dogs are fighting, it may feel instinctive to jump in and break it up. However, this puts you at risk of being seriously hurt, even if the dog is one you know. There are safe ways to break up a fight without becoming physically involved.
  • Aggressive dogs are unsupervised or unrestrained: Dogs without excellent recall training should always be on-leash and under close watch of their owner when in public or around other people and dogs.
  • Dogs are not properly trained and socialized: Dogs who have not received the socialization they need may bark, lunge, and bite when stressed.
Friendship between 2 dogs in a unleashed dog park

Common dog bite injuries 

A victim of a dog bite may suffer serious injuries after an attack. Some common injuries resulting from dog attacks include:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Broken bones
  • Eye and face injuries
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Bruising and lacerations
  • Tissue and nerve damage

What should I do after a dog bite?

If you are bitten by a dog, take the following steps to keep yourself safe and protect your right to a claim:

  • Seek medical treatment: Even minor bites can cause complications, including nerve damage and infection. See a medical professional, especially if you are unsure of the dog’s vaccination status.
  • Get the dog owner’s contact information: If you can identify the dog owner, get their name, phone number, and address. Be sure to also ask if their dog is up-to-date on vaccinations.
  • Report the bite: Notify animal control of the bite. If the dog is a stray or you cannot identify the owner, describe the dog’s physical appearance and tell them where the bite occurred. They may be able to find an owner.
  • Contact a personal injury attorney: If you were bitten due to the dog owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. An attorney can offer legal advice and explain your options.
Female Patient Being Reassured By Doctor In Hospital Room

Des Moines Dog Bite Laws

aggressive barking dog behind fence guarding garden

Do dogs have to be on leash in public spaces?

In the city of Des Moines, dogs must either be restrained by a leash or fence or be under voice command of the owner of the dog when on the owner’s private property. When not on the owner’s property, dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet.

Other cities and towns, including West Des Moines, have their own laws and ordinances. It is a dog owner’s responsibility to know local laws regarding pet ownership.

Are dog bites covered by insurance?

In most cases, dog bites are covered by renters’ or homeowners‘ insurance policies. The dog owner’s insurance should pay for bite victims’ medical expenses up to the liability limit. After the limit has been reached, the owner of the dog is responsible for additional damages.

Unfortunately, many insurance companies will try to avoid offering you fair compensation for your damages. They may claim your injuries are not serious or try to deny liability altogether. An attorney can help protect your rights and give you a voice in negotiations.

Renters Insurance form on a table and keys.
Aggressive dog is barking. Young man with angry black dog on the leash.

When is a dog owner responsible for a dog bite attack?

Iowa is known as a “strict liability” state. Strict liability law means that a dog owner is responsible for a dog bite under the following circumstances:

  • The bite occurs in a public place
  • The bite occurs when the victim is lawfully on the owner’s property or other private property (for example, mailmen or invited guests)
  • The owner’s property had something that may entice a child to enter it, (known as an “attractive nuisance,”) and the child was bitten by a dog after entering the property 

Whether the dog has a bite history or is known to be a dangerous dog is irrelevant under Iowa law. Iowa’s dog bite statute states that the owner of a dog is responsible the first time their dog attacks.

Suppose the dog bite victim was involved in an unlawful act, such as trespassing on private property, at the time of the attack (and no attractive nuisance was involved). In that case, the owner of the dog is typically not liable for the victim’s injuries.

What is the statute of limitations for dog bites?

For any personal injury case, a plaintiff only has a certain amount of time to file their claim. After that time period is up, they lose their right of action. This is referred to as the statute of limitations.

In Iowa, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years. It is a good idea to contact a personal injury lawyer immediately after you have been bitten in order to have the best chance at obtaining a settlement.

When Should I Hire a Des Moines Dog Bite Attorney?

If you or a family member is facing physical pain, emotional distress, and medical expenses after a dog bite, it’s time to contact an attorney with The Advocates. Our Des Moines-based legal team is ready to take on your dog bite claim and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

When you hire an attorney with The Advocates personal injury law firm, you are never alone in the legal process. We will be there to listen to your story, provide a helping hand, and advocate for your rights. 

Our number one priority is you and your family. Contact us today for a free initial consultation. You deserve an attorney who puts your best interests first. You deserve an Advocate.

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