Depending on how serious your dog bite injuries are, you may be able to receive a variety of different types of compensation.
- Pain and suffering.
- Your medical bills – this includes medical bills from the attack and any future medical treatment you may need related to the incident.
- Lost wages – if you had to take time off work related to your dog bite injuries, including for doctors’ appointments and physical therapy appointments, you can be compensated.
- Past and future loss of function – if your injuries made it so you can no longer do the job you used to do and you need to find a new job because of it, you may be able to get money for this.
- Your injured pet’s medical bills – if your dog was injured during the incident, you could get compensation for veterinary bills.
- Any property that was damaged during the attack, including clothing.
The insurance company is not going to pay for your injuries until ordered to do so after a jury trial, or until you sign settlement paperwork. That doesn’t mean you can forget about paying your medical bills related to the attack until then. Your bills will still need to be paid in the meantime.
If you have health insurance, submit your attack-related medical bills to them. Your health insurance can be paid back once you settle your claim through a
process called subrogation. If you do not have health insurance, call your health care providers and set up a payment plan.
In order to prove to the insurance company that your injuries were serious, there are a few steps you will need to follow.
Treat Your Injuries Until You’re Healed
Some of the best evidence of the seriousness of your injuries is through complete and accurate medical records. Seeing your doctor regularly until you’re healed provides evidence of your injuries. That’s why you should attend any doctors’ appointments and physical therapy appointments consistently so this paper trail is established.
It’s also a good idea to take pictures of your injuries, including any bites, scratches, or broken bones. If you need surgery for your injuries, take photos before and after your procedure. Also make sure to snap pictures of your injuries throughout the healing process, including any crutches, medical wraps, or other medical equipment you may use.
When Should You Hire an Experienced Iowa Dog Bite Lawyer?
Not every dog bite claim in Iowa requires a personal injury attorney. If your injuries are minor, and you only visit the doctor a few times, then it might not make financial sense to hire a lawyer to
settle your claim.
However, if you have thousands of dollars in medical bills or need surgery after the dog attack, hiring an experienced Iowa animal attack lawyer may be in your best interest. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company and make sure you get a fair settlement.
RSH Legal offers a
free initial consultation to any Iowan who has suffered a dog bite injury. To schedule yours, call 1-319-774-1903 today.
