Iowa Dog Bite Lawyers
Fighting for Iowans After Animal Attacks
Emily and her assistant Andrea were so wonderful to work with in my dog bite case. They were helpful and patient and answered all of my questions, while showing compassion and empathy for what I was going through. With their help, I was able to get a settlement. I highly recommend RSH Legal if you are fighting for fairness.
You Can Focus on Getting Better
A dog attack is a traumatic event. You may be overwhelmed by the claims process. You may feel guilty about seeking compensation because you know the dog owner. Our lawyers take the pressure off you so you can focus on healing.
You’re not hiring one lawyer, you’re hiring an entire team.
You do not have to do this on your own. Speaking with a lawyer is free. No obligation. No fee unless we win. When you are ready, we are available 24 hours a day.
Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve
In Iowa, a dog’s owner is responsible for the damage their dog does, whether or not the dog had ever shown aggression before. That puts you in a stronger position than most injury victims, and insurance companies know it. Insurance companies try to get dog attack survivors to settle early, before they understand the full extent of their injuries. Once they cut that settlement check, you have to pay all future medical bills out of pocket. RSH Legal knows how dog bite cases work and what they are worth. We pursue the full value of your claim, including the future medical costs a quick settlement would leave you paying.
See How Our Dog Bite Clients Find Fairness and Peace of Mind
Thank you to RSH Legal for all of your help on my daughter’s case!
Recently had a great experience with RSH Legal. The team was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my case. They took the time to explain everything clearly and kept me updated throughout the process
Great, helpful, supportive service. They were very kind and respectful and walked me through each step of the process. They were clear about options and expectations at each step. Very satisfied!
Results That Help Iowa Families Rebuild After a Dog Attack
Get Straight Answers to Your Iowa Dog Attack Questions
Here are five steps you need to take to preserve your rights and get fair compensation after a dog attack in Iowa.
Speak to an Iowa Dog Bite Lawyer: You need to speak with an experienced Iowa animal attack attorney to get a fair settlement for your injuries. A lawyer can determine what kinds of compensation you can receive.
Get Prompt Medical Treatment: Call 911 and request an ambulance. Even if you do not seem seriously hurt, it’s important that you receive a medical evaluation. Dog mouths are filled with bacteria, and dog bites need to be cleaned thoroughly and checked for infection. A series of rabies shots may also be necessary if there is no proof of the dog’s vaccination history.
Identify the Owner of the Dog: Identify the owner of the dog and let them know that you received medical treatment for their injuries. Even if they are your neighbor, ask them for their name, contact information, and the policy number for their homeowner’s insurance.
Preserve Evidence of the Dog Attack: It’s crucial to preserve as much evidence of the dog attack as possible. We recommend you get photos of any injuries suffered, photos during the healing process, photos of the dog that bit you (if you can safely), photos of any property damage or blood, and compile any witness testimony. Also keep any clothes that were ripped or torn in the attack; do not wash them, and place them in a plastic or paper bag with the date attached.
Report the Dog Bite to the Proper Authorities: Report the dog bite to local authorities, which may be local animal control or local law enforcement. The hospital that treats you is also required to make a report, you should do so as well to ensure the report is filed. Provide as much information as you can about the dog, the dog owner, and where and when the attack happened.
In the meantime, you need to take care of your medical bills after a dog attack. The dog owner’s insurance company will not pay for your injuries until after they are ordered to do so after a jury trial or you have signed settlement paperwork.
If you have health insurance, submit your dog attack-related medical bills to them. Your health insurance can be paid back once you’ve settled your claim through a process called subrogation. If you do not have health insurance, contact your healthcare providers and set up a payment plan.
Yes. The dog owner is strictly liable for attacks if you can prove that the dog attacked you, who owns the dog, and the full extent of your injuries.
Iowa law says that the owner of the dog is liable for any injuries you suffer in an animal attack. Whether you were bitten, scraped, or fell down and hurt yourself during the attack, the dog owner is required to pay for all medical bills associated with your injuries.
However, the dog owner may not be responsible for your injuries if you were engaged in an unlawful act (e.g., breaking in, trespassing) and were bitten or injured by a dog.
Yes. Insurance companies are counting on dog attack survivors to handle their case on their own. You may still be hurting, overwhelmed, and still not sure about the lasting impact of your injuries. Without an attorney, dog attack survivors may settle too soon and for less than they deserve.
Speaking with an experienced Iowa animal attack lawyer is in your best interests. Your dog attack attorney can negotiate with the insurance company and make sure you get a fair settlement. Your lawyer can also ensure you settle only when you understand the full extent and lasting effects of your injuries.
In Iowa, you have two years from the date of the dog attack to settle your claim or file a lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. That means you do not need to rush into a settlement or accept a settlement until you are healed.
Serious injuries from a dog attack can result in surgery, physical therapy, or both. Once you sign settlement paperwork, the other side does not have to pay you any money for your injuries. That means any additional medical bills that come in after you sign the paperwork have to be paid out of your own pocket.
Even though you have up to two years to settle or file a lawsuit, it’s best to speak with an Iowa dog attack lawyer as soon as you can. Your attorney can prevent the dog owner’s insurance company from lowballing you and help ensure you get a fair settlement.
We Guide You, Every Step
RSH Legal has a long history of standing with Iowans who have been seriously hurt in dog bites and animal attacks. We know this is a difficult time, so we guide you through each step and keep you informed throughout the legal process.
Our attorneys bring decades of trial experience to Iowa dog attack cases. Insurance companies pay closer attention when the lawyer on the other side is prepared to go to court. We walk you through every step and answer your questions in plain language, so you always know where your case stands.
RSH Legal is ready to take on insurance companies whenever they stall or push people around. Our lawyers know the tactics these companies use to pressure people into settling early, and we push back on your behalf. We do it because your recovery should not be reduced by tactics designed to wear you down.
Our results include a $150,000 settlement against a dog owner for a motorcycle accident caused by a dog that was known to chase vehicles on the highway.
RSH Legal has law offices in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Dubuque. Our dog bite attorneys can assist people injured in animal attacks in any of Iowa’s 99 counties.
Some people avoid contacting attorneys because they worry about the cost. At RSH Legal, we offer free and confidential consultations. Think of it as a legal strategy session: you speak with a lawyer about your injuries, learn your options, and leave knowing your next step, at no cost and no obligation.
RSH Legal works on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront. Clients only pay attorney fees if we secure a settlement or win damages in court. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. We make sure to do what’s best for you.
New to This Situation?
We Can Help!
Contact us about your potential case, we’ll offer free legal guidance or arrange a no-cost case evaluation.
Compensation After a Dog Attack in Iowa
Depending on how serious your dog bite injuries are, you may be able to receive different types of compensation. If your own dog was injured in the attack, you could get compensation for your dog’s veterinary bills. Our attorneys will consider your current losses and the lasting effects your injuries could have on your life.
Insurance companies are hoping that you undervalue your claim and take a quick settlement. Our lawyers can shield you from these tricks and secure fair compensation.
- Past and current medical bills
- Estimated future health expenses
- Damage to belongings during the attack
- Loss of income while recovering from injuries
- Loss of future earning potential due to disability
- Funeral expenses after a fatal dog attack
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of function of the body/mind
Iowa is a strict liability state for dog attacks. Under Iowa law, a dog’s owner is responsible for the damage their dog does, even if the dog had never bitten anyone before and even if the owner did nothing careless. You do not have to prove the owner should have known the dog was dangerous. The main exception is if you were doing something unlawful, such as trespassing, that directly led to the attack. We can review what happened and explain how the law applies to you.
Insights and Updates From Iowa’s Personal Injury Experts
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