Dealing with a dog attack is never easy. Whether it's from stray dogs or family animals, victims often have to deal with severe consequences, including life-threatening injuries.
Dog bite victims are entitled to seek compensation in some cases. However, there are some myths circling the internet that may lead some of these people to think they're wasting their time.
Filing a personal injury claim it's more complicated than it seems, especially when it involves female/male dogs. Below is a list of the most common dog bite injury myths in Iowa. Reading through the list will help victims understand what they can expect from their case.
Myth One - Dog Bites Can't Get Infected
Whether it involves a vicious dog or any other kind, it's not safe to treat bites as minor injuries. Dogs have strong jaws that can penetrate and crush tissue.
Even a simple bite can lead to severe infections, especially if it's not treated right away. Leaving injuries untreated can also increase the risk of facing higher medical expenses later.
All dog bites should be reported, regardless of how severe they seem. When documenting liability, proof of the attack will make all the difference at the time of negotiating with the at-fault company or their insurance company.
Myth Two - Some Dog Breeds Don't Bite
One of the most common beliefs is that dangerous dogs are more likely to cause an injury or two. Pit bulls tend to be on the list, as well as Rottweilers.
The truth is that any dog has the capacity to bite someone. This is why strangers aren't encouraged to pet dogs they find on the street. Even a familiar dog without a prior bite history can attack someone if it feels threatened.
It's only safe to pet an animal if it's the person's own dog or if the owner gave another individual permission to interact with theirs.
Myth Three - Dogs Will Always Growl Before Biting
A "common" telling sign of an incoming dog attack is growling. Dogs usually growl because they want to express discomfort or show that they feel threatened or scared. In other scenarios, they can growl to another human being if they're trying to protect something or someone.
In other words, dogs growl for many reasons, but they don't necessarily mean that they're always getting ready to attack.
There are some subtle signs that a dog will bite. They may yawn, shake, or even wag their tail. If a person notices this sudden behavior, they should take some space away from them.
Myth Four - Dog Bites Only Happen to Strangers
While it's common for dog bite attacks to involve strangers, that isn't always the case. Such incidents may also involve family pets.
Children, specifically, tend to be at a higher risk of being bitten by dogs since they don't know how to behave around them.
In most cases, it's always better to talk to the dog's owner to learn about any potential signs of discomfort the pet may show. Even if the victim is familiar with the dog already, it's better to take it safe and approach it gently at all times.
Myth Five - Dog Owners Aren't Liable if Their Pet Has No Prior Biting History
There's a common law called the "no bite rule." It states that if the owner didn't know that their dog was dangerous before the attack or that it had aggressive tendencies, they may avoid liability for the animal's first bite. However, they could be held responsible for subsequent bites.
This isn't the case for Iowa, though. Iowa has a strict liability law. It states that owners are liable for all damages caused by their dog if it:
Hurts or kills a domestic animal.
Attacks (or attempts to bite) another person.
The injured person doesn't have to prove the owner's negligence. If they can prove that they were hurt by a dog that belonged to the defendant, that's enough to start building a case. For more information, the best dog bite attorney in Des Moines may be able to help.
Myth Six - You Can't Sue If You Provoked the Dog
In most cases, provoking a person's dog can greatly reduce the owner's liability. This can seriously affect the victim's legal argument, leading to lower compensation amounts.
Each case is unique, and what constitutes "provocation" may vary depending on what happened. An attorney's input may be necessary to determine whether the victim has a viable case or not.
Myth Seven - You Can Only Sue for Physical Injuries
Emotional distress is a huge factor in dog bite cases. Physical injuries tend to be the most common claims, but these events often lead to mental consequences like Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Whether the accident involved a German Shepherd or a seemingly "inoffensive" breed, a bite can often lead to long-lasting mental health issues.
Talking to an attorney may help the victim decide whether filing a lawsuit for mental health consequences is worth their time and money.
Myth Eight - You Can Hire Any Lawyer to Take Your Case
Dog bite cases are complex, and unfortunately, not all personal injury lawyers have the capacity to handle them effectively.
To achieve the best possible outcome, victims should seek help from someone with proven experience in dog bite cases. These experts will ensure that the victim's rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation for what happened. They can also share insight on common slip and fall injury myths in Iowa.
Myth Nine - Vaccinated Dogs Pose a Lower Risk for Victims
Vaccinating a dog may lower the risk of rabies, but it may not prevent other infections from happening.
Even if vaccinating caused such an effect, it wouldn't protect the victim from the bite itself, which can leave painful and long-lasting wounds.
Bottom Line
Most injuries sustained after dog bite cases can become dangerous if they're not treated promptly. Victims should seek medical attention immediately and talk to a legal professional to address next steps.
A personal injury lawyer from Tom Fowler Law can help victims review the most common myths associated with dangerous dogs and bite attacks. They can also represent the victim during their case, ensuring they get the money they deserve to cover their medical bills and lost wages.
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