What to Do After a Dog Bite in Nebraska or Iowa: A Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Your Rights

Dog bites are often sudden, unexpected, and can cause more than just physical pain—they can lead to infections, scarring, and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Nebraska or Iowa, taking the right steps immediately following the attack is crucial to protecting your health and your legal rights.

In this guide, we will walk you through the necessary actions you should take after a dog bite, from seeking medical attention to filing a legal claim. Understanding how the laws in both Nebraska and Iowa protect dog bite victims can make a significant difference in your recovery and the compensation you receive.

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Dog bite injuries can be deceptive—what looks like a minor wound may become infected or lead to long-term health complications if not treated properly. Bacteria in a dog’s mouth can introduce dangerous infections such as rabies or tetanus, which may not show symptoms immediately.

Why You Should See a Doctor Right Away

• Infection Risk: Dog bites can inject bacteria deep into your tissue, leading to infections such as cellulitis or sepsis. Even a seemingly superficial bite could cause serious complications if untreated.
• Rabies: Though rabies is rare in domestic dogs in the U.S., it's still a possibility, especially if the dog’s vaccination history is unknown. Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear, so it's critical to assess the risk immediately after a bite.
• Wound Healing and Scarring: Proper medical care can reduce the risk of scarring, disfigurement, and long-term damage.

After seeing a doctor, make sure to keep detailed records of your medical treatments, including any hospital visits, medications, or follow-up care, as this documentation will be vital for your legal claim.

Step 2: Report the Incident

Once you’ve addressed your medical needs, it’s important to report the dog bite to local authorities. In both Nebraskaand Iowa, you can file a report with local animal control or the police. This report will create an official record of the incident, which is critical if you decide to pursue a legal claim against the dog’s owner.

Why Reporting the Incident is Important

• Prevents Future Attacks: Reporting the bite helps ensure that animal control investigates whether the dog has a history of aggression and takes steps to prevent future attacks.
• Documentation for Your Case: The report will serve as an official document that can support your claim, making it more difficult for the dog owner to dispute what happened.
• Assessing the Dog’s Health: Animal control will also investigate whether the dog is up to date on its vaccinations, particularly for rabies, and whether the dog poses an ongoing threat.

Reporting the incident as soon as possible is key to strengthening your case and protecting others in the community.

Step 3: Gather Evidence

Documenting the details of the attack is critical to ensuring a successful legal claim. The more evidence you gather, the stronger your case will be. Here’s what you should do:

What Evidence to Collect

1. Photographs of Injuries: Take clear photos of your wounds as soon as possible after the attack. Continue documenting the healing process, as this can show the extent of the damage.
2. Scene Photos: If possible, take photos of the location where the attack occurred. This can provide important context, especially if there are factors like an unsecured fence, lack of warning signs, or evidence of negligence by the owner.
3. Witness Statements: If there were any witnesses to the attack, ask them to provide statements or contact information. Witnesses can be invaluable in corroborating your version of events.
4. Dog Owner Information: Collect the dog owner’s name, address, and contact details. If the owner is cooperative, ask for the dog’s vaccination records and health history.
5. Medical Records: Keep copies of your medical records, including diagnosis, treatments, prescriptions, and any ongoing medical issues related to the bite.

Step 4: Know the Law

Both Nebraska and Iowa have strict liability laws when it comes to dog bites, meaning that dog owners are typically responsible for any injuries their dog causes, even if the dog has no history of biting. However, there are a few nuances to be aware of in each state.

Nebraska’s Dog Bite Law

Under Nebraska Revised Statute 54-601, dog owners are strictly liable for damages caused by their dogs. The law holds dog owners accountable for injuries their dogs inflict on people or other domestic animals, without the need to prove that the dog was dangerous or that the owner was negligent.

• Exceptions: The law provides exceptions for trespassers and in cases where the victim provoked the dog. Additionally, if a dog is working in a police or military capacity, the owner may not be liable for injuries the dog causes in the line of duty.

Iowa’s Dog Bite Law

In Iowa, Section 351.28 of the Iowa Code imposes strict liability on dog owners for all damages caused by their dogs. As in Nebraska, the victim does not need to prove negligence. However, Iowa law has an exception for bites caused by rabid dogs, where the owner can avoid liability if they took reasonable precautions to prevent the attack.

• Exceptions: Dog owners may also avoid liability if the victim was committing an unlawful act at the time of the attack, such as trespassing or provoking the dog.

Knowing these laws can help you understand your rights as a dog bite victim and what to expect when seeking compensation.

Step 5: Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer

While Nebraska and Iowa’s strict liability laws are favorable to victims, navigating the legal process and dealing with insurance companies can still be overwhelming. Dog bite attorneys are experienced in handling these cases and can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Why Hire an Attorney?

• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim by downplaying your injuries or arguing that you were partly responsible. An attorney will advocate for your best interests and fight for the maximum compensation possible.
• Building a Strong Case: Your lawyer will help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and present a compelling case that demonstrates the dog owner’s liability.
• Navigating Complex Laws: Even with strict liability laws in place, the nuances of provocation, trespassing, and rabies exceptions can complicate a case. A skilled attorney will know how to navigate these challenges.
• Maximizing Compensation: Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage.

Client Takeaway: Protecting Your Rights After a Dog Bite

Taking the right steps after a dog bite can make all the difference in your case. By seeking medical attention, reporting the attack, gathering evidence, and understanding the laws in Nebraska and Iowa, you can build a strong claim for compensation. With the help of an experienced dog bite attorney, you can navigate the legal process confidently and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Ironclad Injury Law is here to help. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll stand by your side every step of the way to make sure you get the justice and compensation you’re entitled to.

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