Dog bites are more common than most realize, affecting about 4.5 million people across the US each year. Over 800,000 of those bitten seek medical attention for their injuries. Victims often face a long recovery process and may be left with lasting scars, both physical and emotional.

If you are a dog bite victim, it’s important to know your rights and the steps you can take to seek compensation. Here in Iowa, the legal system offers strong protections for bite victims, ensuring that injured people have a pathway to recovery and justice.

Iowa’s Dog Ownership Rules

Iowa has established strict guidelines to hold dog owners accountable and reduce the risk of dog bites. These rules protect the public and ensure their pets are safe and well-behaved.

Key responsibilities

Dog owners in Iowa are required to:

Keep their dogs restrained in public spaces, often with a leash
Ensure dogs are properly vaccinated and registered
Prevent dogs from engaging in any unlawful act, such as trespassing or attacking other people or animals

These measures aim to reduce preventable dog attacks and encourage responsible pet ownership across Iowa.

Iowa dog bite laws

In addition to state laws, many cities and counties in Iowa have their own specific dog control ordinances.

Based on the Iowa dog bite laws, here are 4 key requirements to follow:

Mandatory rabies vaccination: Every owner must get his or her dog vaccinated against rabies once the dog is 6 months or older. The vaccination must be administered by a licensed veterinarian, and the issued tag must be attached to the dog’s collar at all times (§351.33, §351.35).
Bite/attack reporting: Dog owners must report any incidents where their dog bites or attacks a person to local health or law enforcement officials (§351.38).
Dog running at large: Dogs must not be allowed to run at large without proper rabies vaccination tags. Dogs found running at large without valid rabies tags will be impounded, and owners must pay impoundment costs and get the dog vaccinated to reclaim it (§351.37).
Liability for damages: Owners are liable for all damages caused by their dog when the dog is caught killing domestic animals or attacking/trying to bite a person. The only exception is if the injured party was doing an unlawful act that directly contributed to the injury (§351.28).

Consequences of non-compliance

Dog owners should be aware of the local regulations in their area to avoid legal consequences. When dog owners fail to follow these rules, they put others at risk. A violation of these regulations could result in fines or even the removal of the dog from the owner’s care.

Violations can also lead to fines, legal liability, and increased danger to the community. Whether you’re a victim of an attack or a dog owner seeking clarity, understanding these rules is crucial.

Dog Owner Liability in Iowa

Iowa operates under a strict liability system for dog bites. This framework prioritizes the protection of dog bite victims, making it easier for them to seek compensation without proving negligence.

When is a dog owner liable?

Liability is not based on whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous but rather on the fact that the bite occurred.

Here are some common situations in which owners are liable:

When a dog bites a person in a public space
When a dog bites someone who is legally on the owner’s property
When a dog attacks another domestic animal

Even if the dog had never shown aggressive behavior before, the owner is still liable under Iowa’s laws when his or her dog causes harm.

When an owner may not be liable

Although Iowa’s dog bite laws are strict, some exceptions may absolve a dog owner of responsibility.

Dog owners may not be held accountable if:

The victim provoked the dog, either intentionally or unintentionally
The victim was trespassing or engaged in an unlawful act
The dog was protecting its owner, property, or another person from a clear and immediate threat

These exceptions are often narrow, and dog attack victims may still have grounds for a dog bite claim in certain situations. It’s important to consult an experienced personal injury attorney to determine whether an exception applies to your case.

Whether you are a dog bite victim or a dog owner, working with a skilled Iowa personal injury attorney ensures your rights are fully protected.

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases

Dog attack victims in Iowa must act quickly to preserve their legal rights. The statute of limitations sets a firm deadline for filing a dog bite claim, making timely action essential.

Time limits for filing a claim

In Iowa, you generally have 2 years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. This deadline applies to most personal injury cases, including those involving dog bite injuries.

Why fast action is important

The statute of limitations is in place to ensure that legal cases are resolved promptly. If you fail to file a claim within the time allotted, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

Delaying your claim can jeopardize your dog bite case. Evidence may be lost, and witnesses may become unavailable. Consulting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible ensures your claim is filed within the required time frame.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident

A dog attack can be overwhelming, but taking immediate action protects both your health and your legal rights.

Here is what you should do after an incident:

Seek medical attention: Even minor injuries can lead to infections or complications
Document the incident: Take photographs of your injuries and the location of the attack
Report the attack: Notify local authorities or animal control
Identify the dog owner: Obtain the owner’s contact information and any relevant vaccination records

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

At Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf, & Lathrop, we understand how devastating a dog bite injury can be. Not only do victims often face serious physical pain, but the emotional toll can be just as significant. Fortunately, if you have been injured in a dog bite attack, you may be entitled to compensation that can help you recover and move forward.

Medical expenses

Dog bite injuries can require extensive treatment.

Compensation can cover:

Emergency care for immediate treatment after the attack
Surgeries to repair deep lacerations or other serious injuries
Ongoing medical treatment, such as physical therapy or medications for infection

Lost wages

If you can’t work because of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Time off work while you heal
Future lost wages if your injury affects your ability to return to work
Loss of earning potential if your injuries prevent you from continuing your career at the same level

Pain and suffering

Dog bite injuries cause more than just physical pain. You might also experience emotional trauma from the attack or long-term pain if the injuries lead to chronic conditions.

Psychological impact

It’s not just physical recovery that matters. Emotional and psychological distress after a dog bite is common, and you deserve compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression that might result from the trauma. You may also receive compensation for treatment costs for counseling, therapy, or medication.

How Can an Attorney Help?

Dealing with a dog bite injury can be overwhelming. From medical bills to emotional distress, the impact of a dog attack can be long-lasting. A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

An experienced Iowa personal injury attorney can provide the following services:

Investigating the incident: Your attorney will help you gather evidence and interview witnesses. His or her role includes investigating whether the dog owner is liable for the injuries.
Handling insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize the compensation they offer to victims. Your attorney will handle the negotiations to ensure you get fair compensation.
Filing a claim: Your attorney will help you file your claim on time. He or she will guide you through the legal process, including any court proceedings if necessary.

Having a skilled attorney by your side increases your chances of a successful outcome. Great legal representation ensures that you receive the compensation needed to cover medical expenses and other damages caused by the dog bite.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Dog Bite Lawyer Today

A dog bite can leave lasting scars, both seen and unseen. At Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf, & Lathrop, we are committed to making sure you don’t face these challenges alone. Our compassionate Iowa attorneys are here to guide you, offering the personalized attention and skilled legal representation you deserve.

At Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf, & Lathrop, we understand how challenging this process can be. When we take on your case, our team will handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery. Your case is more than just a claim to us—it’s about protecting your future and ensuring your voice is heard.

Contact us for a free consultation today, and let us help you move forward. Your recovery is our priority, and we’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you need to rebuild your life.