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Can You File a Personal Injury Claim for an Animal Bite?

Robert Stahle • November 27, 2019
A brown dog is standing in a field with its mouth open.

Animal bites by domesticated animals are a serious issue in the United States. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 4.5 million people bitten by dogs alone every year in the United States. This number is staggering, but what’s even more so is that tens of thousands of those bites will require extensive medical care, such as reconstructive procedures or treatment for an infection.

Animal bites can be very serious, and if you’ve been bitten by a domesticated animal belonging to another person, you may be wondering if you’re entitled to file a personal injury claim against the negligent party. In most cases, the answer to this question is yes.


Personal Injury Claims and Dog Bites

Obviously, dogs aren’t the only domesticated animal that can cause injury; however they are the most common. While each state has their own laws on the books about how liability for animal bites is handled, many states, including Iowa and Nebraska, follow a strict liability law.

In both Iowa and Nebraska, pets are considered the property of their owners, meaning that the owners are fully liable for any actions of the animal. The strict liability laws in these states means that the owner is responsible for any damage caused by their animal, regardless of whether the owner believed their dog (or other pet) to be dangerous. Some states have a “free bite” law, which allows certain breeds of dogs one bite before the owner is considered liable. This isn’t the case in strict liability states.

The only exception to an injured person’s ability to successfully file a personal injury case in the event of an animal bite in a strict liability case is if it can be established that they were responsible. This might include establishing that they provoked the animal, or that they were trespassing or engaging in unlawful activity at the time of the attack. The injured person must be able to establish that they were legally allowed to be in the area where the attack occurred.


Non-Malicious Animal Bites

Sometimes an animal bite occurs during playful, non-malicious interaction with an animal. For instance, a person might be playing with a dog by tugging on its chew toy. In strict liability states, it doesn’t matter if the bite was aggressive or not. Some animal breeds are large enough that even a bite from a playful situation can demand medical care and result in medical expenses, limited mobility, and loss of income.


Inquire About a Personal Injury Claim Sooner, Rather Than Later

If you’ve suffered an animal bite, the most important thing is to seek medical attention. Secondly, contact a personal injury attorney to discuss the next steps in building a case to receive compensation. Even a minor animal bite can lead to more serious medical issues. Protect yourself, and your financial future by reaching out and contacting Fitch & Stahle Law Office to review your case today.

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Injured in a Car Accident in Nebraska or Iowa?

By Robert Stahle • October 22, 2025
A car accident can change your life in a matter of seconds. One moment you’re commuting or running errands, and the next, you’re facing a wrecked vehicle, physical pain, and a growing stack of medical bills. It’s stressful, overwhelming, and often confusing—especially when you’re not sure what to do next. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help car accident victims in South Sioux City , Sioux City , and across Nebraska and Iowa understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. In this post, we’ll walk you through the critical steps to take after a crash—and how to protect your health, finances, and legal claim. Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Health Immediately after a crash, your safety comes first. If possible: Move your vehicle out of traffic Check yourself and others for injuries Call 911 for medical help and law enforcement Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many injuries—like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma—don’t show symptoms right away. A prompt medical exam not only protects your health, it also documents your injuries for your insurance claim. Step 2: Call the Police and File an Accident Report In both Nebraska and Iowa , it’s important to report any crash involving: Injury or death Property damage over $1,000 A hit-and-run or uninsured driver The responding officer will create a police report , which includes key facts like: Date, time, and location of the accident Statements from drivers and witnesses Diagrams or photos of the scene Initial assessment of fault This report becomes vital evidence in your personal injury claim. Be honest and factual—but avoid admitting fault or guessing what happened. Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can) If you are physically able and it’s safe to do so, collect the following: Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, and surroundings Driver’s license, insurance, and contact info of all involved Contact info for witnesses Notes about the weather, road conditions, and what you recall If you’re unable to collect this yourself, Fitch & Stahle Law Firm may be able to retrieve surveillance footage, witness statements, or crash data later—but the more you gather early, the better. Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company Most policies require you to notify your insurer after a crash. However, you do not need to give a recorded statement , especially before speaking to a lawyer. Stick to the basics: Where and when the crash happened Who was involved That you’re seeking medical treatment Avoid discussing fault, injuries, or potential settlement values. Insurance companies often use early statements to downplay your claim later. Step 5: Call a Car Accident Lawyer—Before You Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance The at-fault driver’s insurance company may reach out soon after the crash. They might offer a quick settlement or ask for a recorded interview. Don’t be fooled— their goal is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery . When you call Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we: Handle all communication with insurance companies Protect you from saying something that hurts your case Calculate the real value of your damages Make sure you aren’t pressured into a lowball settlement We offer free consultations and don’t charge legal fees unless we win your case. Step 6: Keep Track of Everything Start a folder or digital log for your car accident claim. Include: Medical bills and records Receipts for prescriptions or medical equipment Notes from doctor visits Pay stubs showing missed work A journal of your pain levels, emotional struggles, or daily challenges This documentation helps prove pain and suffering , lost income , and the long-term impact of your injury. What Compensation Can You Recover? Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for: Emergency room care and medical treatment Physical therapy and future healthcare needs Vehicle repairs or total loss Lost wages or reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Emotional distress Permanent disability or disfigurement If the at-fault driver was reckless—such as driving drunk or texting behind the wheel—you may also qualify for punitive damages . At Fitch & Stahle , we fight for the maximum compensation available under Nebraska or Iowa law. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim? The legal deadline to file a car accident lawsuit (called the statute of limitations ) is: 4 years in Nebraska 2 years in Iowa However, it’s best to act early. Delays in filing can lead to lost evidence, unclear medical records, and a weaker case overall. Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? We’ve spent years helping injured drivers in the Siouxland region get justice after devastating car accidents. Here’s why clients trust us: ✅ Local Experience : Based in South Sioux City , we know the roads, courts, and insurers in both Nebraska and Iowa. ✅ Full-Service Representation : From crash investigation to courtroom litigation, we handle every step. ✅ Licensed in NE & IA : Whether your accident happened on I-29, Highway 77, or in town, we’ve got you covered. ✅ No Upfront Fees : You pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t Go Through This Alone—We’re Here to Help If you were injured in a car accident in South Sioux City , Sioux City , or anywhere in Northeast Nebraska or Northwest Iowa , don’t wait to protect your rights. The sooner you act, the stronger your claim. 📞 Call us now at 402-494-3012 🌐 Schedule your free consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com 📍 Visit us at our South Sioux City office At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we fight for car accident victims every day—and we’re ready to fight for you.