Dog bites are more common than you may think. In the United States, roughly 4.5 million dog bites occur annually and approximately 800,000 of them require medical attention. Based on these statistics, the average is one dog bite for every 73 people in this country alone.
There are many different dog breeds and most of them are known for having various personality characteristics. You may associate a German Shepherd with intelligence, for example, or a Border Collie with agility.
Some breeds are known to have more hostile tendencies, especially when provoked. Pitbulls and Rottweilers are two such breeds that tend to be more aggressive by nature. Of course, this is not true in all cases, but if you look at the statistics, most attacks in the U.S. are perpetrated by these two types of dogs.
It is important to remember, however, that all dogs pose a bite risk. If a dog is sick or protecting its owner, it may attack. Dog bite accidents can happen at any time even when you least expect it.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury as a result of the owner's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Seeking legal support from a personal injury attorney following an attack is essential.
What Effect Can Dog Bites Have?
It's easy to think a dog bite is just a dog bite, but the repercussions of a dog attack extend well beyond the initial event. An animal bite from a vicious dog can leave a terrible mark.
Serious injuries may be sustained in an attack that requires ongoing medical treatment. Hospital care and reconstructive therapy, if needed, can be quite costly. These expenses can pile up over time causing great financial strife.
Additionally, a person may miss work as a result of their animal bite injury. Missed work means missed pay, which can add an extra burden on top of an already complicated situation. The loss of income can be challenging when coupled with medical bills.
Beyond the actual injury, a Des Moines dog bite can cause great emotional and mental anguish. A dog bit victim may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from the attack and may not trust canines moving forward. They may also be forced to cope with grief, guilt, and more suffering if the animal is laid to rest as a result of the incident.
A dog bite attorney understands the consequences of such an event and can help you navigate the legal process to secure compensation for your physical, mental, emotional, and financial troubles.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help?
Following a dog bite incident, it is wise to contact a dog bite attorney in Des Moines who could work on your case. In Iowa, a Des Moines dog bite attorney can help you understand who's liable in the event of an attack and help determine the next steps in filing a personal injury claim.
Determining Liability
Strict liability refers to the party responsible for a dog bite. A dog bite victim will want to know who is at fault, and in most cases, it is the dog owner even if there was nothing they could have done to prevent the accident.
Personal injury attorneys can help victims of dog attacks better understand strict liability law, negligence, and help file a case. Once a responsible party is identified and a case is filed, the attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to secure compensation for the victim to help recover from mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional turmoil.
A person should not try to figure out the process on their own. It is best to attain the guidance of an expert when it comes to fighting dog bite claims and a reputable law firm can help.
How to Select the Best Law Firm to Represent Your Case
When seeking legal counsel, it is best to pick a law firm that is credible and that values the attorney-client relationship.
Credibility
Credibility is important when it comes to personal injury claims. You want to know that you are working with a firm that is experienced and that has handled this type of case before.
The attorneys at the Tom Fowler Law Firm are well versed in Iowa dog bite statutes and have two nurses on staff who can help provide extra care and support to victims. They have helped many clients in the past and have received many positive reviews for the work they have done. As a family-run business, they are proud of the work they do to serve the local community.
Attorney-Client Relationship
You want to make sure you select a firm that understands and empathizes with what you are going through following a severe injury from a dog bite accident. Accessibility is also an important consideration.
Tom Fowler and his team offer prospective clients a free initial consultation. This provides the victim an opportunity to share the details of the case without needing to worry about paying a fee. Once the attorney knows more, they can assess what type of legal action can be taken in West Des Moines.
In addition to the free consultation, Tom Fowler and his team have a law office in Clive, Iowa. This makes it easy for clients in all parts of the state to seek legal counsel. Flexible appointments are available to accommodate a range of schedules.
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Conclusion
A dog bite can happen at any point in time and could have potentially disastrous consequences. Ongoing medical treatment and lost wages can place a significant financial burden on the victim and their family. In addition, a victim may face great emotional turbulence as a result of an attack.
Those who have been attacked by a dog should seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney right away. The team at Tom Fowler Law Firm can help victims navigate the legal process and secure the compensation they deserve following this horrific event.
If you'd like more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact Tom Fowler Law Firm today at 515-203-8434.