Liability:
Dog Bites & Dangerous Animal Attacks

Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm PLC - Iowa Law firm

Dog Bites - Dangerous Animals - Attacks - Bites - Injuries

Liability for Dog Bites

In the State of Iowa, the owner of a Pit bull, Doberman, Rottweiler, German Sheppard, or other dog is legally responsible for damages caused by the dog when the dog is attacks or attempts to bite a person. The law imposes what is called strict liability. In other words, all the injured person must show is that they were injured by the dog and the dog was owned by the defendant. The injured person does not have to establish that the owner was negligent or did anything wrong which caused the dog to bite. The only exception is when the injured party is “doing an unlawful act, directly contributing to the injury.” (for example breaking into the home or trespassing).

Strict Liability

Because dog bites are strict liability in the State of Iowa, one of the most common areas of contention is centered around who qualifies as the true “owner” of the dog. According to the statute, the owner of the dog is “the person to whom the dog legally belongs.” Information tending to establish ownership would be things such as city licensing documents, veterinary records, and AKC or other breeding paperwork.

Owner, Possessor, Keeper, Dog Sitter - All Liable

Liability for damages caused by a Pit bull, Doberman, Rottweiler, German Sheppard or other dogs is not limited to only the legal owner of the animal. Iowa law also states that a “keeper” or “possessor” of a domestic animal such as a dog may be held liable when the injuries resulting were the result of known vicious tendencies or propensities. Thus, while the legal owner would be strictly liable, an individual keeping the dog on their property could also be held liable for damages if it can be proven that they knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous or potentially dangerous based upon prior experiences.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a result of a Pitbull, Rottweiler, German Sheppard, Doberman, Terrier, or other dog attack, contact the attorneys at Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm, they can help.

The personal injury lawyers at GRL Law - Attorney Cory Gourley, Attorney Robert Rehkemper & Attorney Matt Lindholm will go after the insurance company for your injury claim. We'll also work hard to investigate your case because Iowa law also reduces damages based on what you did, if anything, to get bit. We can prove whether the dog was naturally violent, dangerous, or unleashed.

If a dog or any animal has attacked you or someone you care for, we invite you contact us right away. We can cut through all the red tape quickly, protect your rights to receive compensation, and facilitate every avenue possible for you to obtain compensation.

Liability for animal damages & injuries

Under Iowa laws, an animal's owner is held responsible for the pet's care and keeping. Dog owners, for instance, must ensure that the dog is not allowed to roam about unleashed. The strict liability laws provide recourse. When you receive an award, it is for damages from an injury, such as a dangerous animal attack or serious bites or mauling by a dog. The damages are paid by the insurance company covering the owner's home or property.

Know Your Rights * Exercise Your Rights * Preserve Your Freedom

Our firm's Des Moines dog bite accident attorneys will investigate the incident thoroughly. We will preserve your right to receive compensation, which if not properly preserved can expire. We will help you to exercise your rights to compensation regardless of the insurance company involved, or claims adjuster they assign. We know injury law. We will use our aggressiveness and determination to your advantage to get the money you deserve.

Contact us today. Our dog bite attorneys provide free consultations and offer after-hours appointments.

Helpful Online Information

1. Dog Bite Prevention
2. Considerations Before Getting A Dog
   
   

From our offices in Des Moines, Iowa, we give high-quality representation to people throughout the State of Iowa, including Polk, Warren, Dallas, Boone, Story, and Marion counties, and the cities of Des Moines, Ames, Indianola, Adel, Boone, Nevada, Urbandale, West Des Moines, Waukee, and Knoxville