How Much Is My Dog Bite Case Worth in Iowa?

Victims of dog bites have rights, and they are entitled to fair compensation. One of the most common questions following a dog bite is this: "how much is my dog bite case worth?"

The answer to this question depends on a number of different factors, including how severe the injuries are, how much they have impacted the victim's life, and the circumstances of the attack. A dog attack can result in very serious injuries and emotional distress. Iowa law, however, gives victims the right to a fair dog bite settlement.

Tom Fowler from Tom Fowler Law is an experienced dog bite lawyer and has been helping residents around Des Moines face these cases. They can advise on questions like How much is my workers’ comp case worth in Iowa?

Those who are considering a dog bite claim should think about the following:

Understanding Iowa’s Dog Bite Law Following a Dog Attack

In Iowa, when it comes to dog bite injuries, the dog's owner is automatically responsible if their dog bite's someone else. There are only two exceptions to this rule:

• The dog bit a person who was unlawfully on the owner's property, i.e. if the victim was trespassing

• The person who was bit was provoking or abusing the dog

Because of this, most dog bite cases allow the injured person to sue the dog's owner, but there is more to it than that when considering compensation.

Key Factors That Affect the Value of a Dog Bite Case in Iowa

Every dog bite lawsuit is unique. The amount of compensation received is also on a case by case basis. Here are some of those key factors:

Severity of the Dog Bite Injuries

A dog bite can range from a minor puncture wound to severe injuries including deep lacerations, torn muscles or ligaments, infections, nerve damage, and disfigurement. The more serious the injuries, the higher the value of the case may be. This is especially the case if the victim requires long term care or surgery.

Medical Expenses

Another factor that is taken into consideration is how much medical expenses are. During the legal process, a lawyer will look at the cost of emergency room visits, hospital stays, medications, plastic surgery, and physical therapy. Future medical costs can also be added to personal injury claims like this.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

If the injury caused the victim to miss work, they might also be entitled to compensation for lost income. If the injury prevents the victim from returning to their previous job or limits future earning ability, it can greatly increase the value of the claim.

Pain and Suffering

The best dog bite lawyers in Des Moines may also help their clients pursue non-economic damages for pain and suffering. This includes compensation for physical pain, emotional and psychological effects, anxiety or PTSD, loss of enjoyment of life, and shame or embarrassment from visible scars. These damages are more difficult to quantify, but an experienced personal injury attorney can certainly help the victim get the compensation they deserve.

The Victim's Age

Children are often victims of a dog bite incident, and they often suffer severe emotional distress. Courts often award higher settlement amounts in these cases when the injured party is a minor. This is especially the case if the victim's injuries are disfiguring or traumatic psychologically.

Location of the Injury

A bite to the face, hands, or neck often lead to higher settlement amounts due to cosmetic concerns, loss of function, and disability. Facial scars often have long-term emotional impacts on the victims, especially for children.

What Types of Compensation are Available in a Dog Bite Claim

When filing a personal injury lawsuit, victims might be eligible to recover different types of damages:

Economic Damages:

• Medical bills (past and future)

• Lost wages

• Loss of future earning capacity

• Out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., transportation to appointments)

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering

• Disfigurement or scarring

• Mental anguish

• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages:

In some cases, the attack may have occurred due to the owner's negligence. For example, if the owner allows their dog to roam free, and the dog's history shows aggressive behavior, punitive damages might apply.

How Much Are Dog Bite Settlements Worth in Iowa?

There is no fixed number when it comes to the value of the average dog bite settlement, but looking at dog bite statistics can give a general estimate:

• Minor injury - $10,000 to $25,000

• Moderate injury (i.e. significant puncture wounds requiring stitches) - $30,000 to $75,000

• Severe injury (i.e. attacks with multiple injuries leading to severe scarring or surgical intervention) - $100,000 to $250,000

These are only averages, and they can vary widely depending on the insurance coverage the dog owner has and how good the victim's lawyer is. Oftentimes, to receive fair compensation, the victim must have a highly experienced lawyer on their side.

Why Victims Need a Dog Bite Lawyer

Holding dog owners responsible for their dog's aggressive behavior, in most cases, makes it easier to recover compensation. However, insurance companies will try their best to avoid liability and downplay the injuries. They might try to claim that the injured person provoked the dog or they might offer low settlements when victims begin to seek compensation. They also might try to slow down the negotiation process.

A good lawyer, however, can help fight against this. A team like Tom Fowler Law can do the following:

• Collect medical records and document injuries

• Work with experts to estimate future costs

• Negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company

• Collect witness statements

• Prepare case for court if a fair settlement isn’t offered

Contact Tom Fowler Law to Get a Dog Bite Lawsuit Started

There are strict liability laws in Iowa in regard to dog bites, and those who have suffered injuries due to a dog attack has the right to sue. The actual value of the dog bite claim varies, and it is based on how much medical care was required, if permanent scarring is involved, and if significant injuries occurred.

A law firm like Tom Fowler Law will fight for victims in Des Moines and hold dog owners accountable for the actions of their dogs.

Dog bite victims can call Tom Fowler Law for a free consultation.