Dogs are considered man’s best friend for a reason. They are loyal, protective, and loving. However, dogs can also be dangerous if they bite someone. In fact, dog bites are one of the most common types of injuries that occur in the United States. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it is important to seek legal advice from an attorney. Dog bite cases can be complex and involve many different laws. A dog bite lawyer Des Moines IA from Des Moines Injury Law, LLP can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Dog Bites Can Be Serious
It is easy to think that the little scratch or nip you received from your dog was not a real bite. But even those minor injuries can lead to infections, which can become serious and require treatment.
It’s not just about the bite, it’s about what happens after the bite.
Dog scratches and bites often lead to infection. If you have been bitten by an animal or scratched by an animal, be sure to clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Even if you aren’t the owner of a dog, it’s important to understand that dog bites can be serious. Yes, even a nip or scratch can lead to serious complications. Here’s how:
Bacteria
A dog’s mouth is one of the dirtiest places on their body. Even the cleanest dog has bacteria in its mouth. Dogs can carry a wide variety of bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella as well as parasites like hookworm and roundworm. When a dog bites down on you, these organisms are transferred into your body through the wound caused by their bite. If left untreated, these infections can cause serious illness and even death. A dog bite lawyer from Des Moines Injury Law, LLP can help you deal with all of the legal issues involved.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly virus that causes swelling of the brain and spinal cord. It is transmitted through infected animal saliva and is fatal in almost 100% of cases within days of symptoms starting to show up. Being bitten by an infected animal is one way to contract rabies, but not the only way. If an infected animal licks its saliva onto an open wound or mucous membrane (such as eyes, nose or mouth), this can also transmit rabies from the animal to humans.
Why hire a dog bite lawyer?
For the best possible outcome, you should contact an experienced dog bite attorney as soon as possible after being bitten. Dog bite laws vary from state to state. There are deadlines for filing claims and many states have specific rules about what information you need to provide your insurance company and to whom. A dog bite lawyer will know the law in your state and can help you deal with all of the legal issues involved in bringing a claim.
An attorney can also help you get the best possible settlement with the insurance company. Insurance companies are run by people who want to make money and they will try to pay out as little as possible on a claim. In most states, dog bite claims are covered by homeowner’s or renter’s policies, which means that insurance adjusters are highly trained in how to settle cases for less than they’re worth. They may try to convince you that your injuries aren’t very serious or that you were partially at fault for provoking the dog. A Des Moines Injury Law, LLP knows how much a claim is worth, and will fight to make sure that you get the full amount that you deserve.
