Getting bitten by a dog can be a scary and potentially dangerous situation. If you are bitten by a dog in Iowa, there are important steps you should take right away to protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Here’s what you need to know about what to do if a dog bites you in Iowa. Speak to a personal injury lawyer in Des Moines for additional assistance.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The first thing you should do after being bitten by a dog is get medical attention. Dog bites can cause infections or transmit diseases, even if the wound does not look serious. Seek emergency medical care if the bite has broken the skin and is bleeding or if you think the wound is deep. Otherwise, see your doctor or visit an urgent care clinic as soon as possible. Make sure to tell the medical professional that you were bitten by a dog so they can properly clean and treat the wound. Getting prompt medical attention can help prevent complications and minimize scarring from the bite.
Wash the Wound
After seeking medical care, be sure to clean the bite wound thoroughly with soap and warm water when you are able. This can help reduce the risk of infection. Do not use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or iodine on the wound, as this can damage tissue. Keep the wound bandaged and change the bandages regularly. Watch for signs of infection, including increased pain, redness, swelling, drainage, or fever. See your doctor again if you notice any of these worrisome symptoms.
Get Contact Information
Try to get the contact information of the dog’s owner if it is safe to do so. Ask for their name, address, and phone number. If the owner is not present, try to get identifying details about the dog, such as its breed, color, and any collar or ID tags. This information can help animal control identify the dog and follow up.
Report the Incident
You will need to report the dog bite to your local law enforcement or animal control department as soon as possible. Provide them with any details you have about the owner and the dog. Animal control will want to follow up to ensure the dog does not pose a further public health risk. They may also ask you to give an official statement about what happened. Cooperating with the authorities can help prevent others from being bitten.
Monitor Your Health
In the days and weeks after the bite, make sure to monitor the wound site and watch for any unusual symptoms. Look out for signs of infection like increased swelling, redness, or pus. Contact your doctor right away if the wound is not healing properly or you develop flu-like symptoms. Dog bites can transmit rabies in rare cases, so be aware of early signs like fever, headache, and trouble sleeping. Report any concerning symptoms to your doctor immediately. Staying on top of your health is crucial.
Getting bitten by a dog can be a jarring experience, but by taking the right steps for medical care, reporting, and follow-up, you can protect yourself after the incident. Seek prompt medical attention, notify authorities, document details, monitor your health vigilantly in the following days and weeks, and contact our attorneys to understand your legal options. If you act quickly and comprehensively after a dog bite in Iowa, you can minimize your risks and make sure the proper people are held accountable. Put your health first and do not delay in getting any necessary medical treatment or advice from professionals.
How We Can Help
Getting bitten by a dog can lead to physical trauma, emotional stress, medical bills, and lost wages. At Monge & Associates, our attorneys have helped many dog bite victims in Iowa get the compensation they deserve. With offices in 32 locations across 19 states, including Colorado, Illinois, Tennessee, and South Carolina, our firm has the experience and resources to handle dog bite cases of all kinds.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Iowa, don’t wait to get the help you need. Our dedicated legal team at Monge and Associates serves clients across Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, and all of Iowa. With three decades of experience helping dog bite victims recover damages for their injuries, we will fight to get you the maximum compensation.
Call Monge & Associates today for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597 and take the first step toward getting justice after a dog bite in Iowa.