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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.

Injured in an Accident?

By Robert Stahle • September 5, 2025
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

Know Your Rights:

By Robert Stahle • August 21, 2025
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Nebraska or Iowa Being hit by a drunk driver is traumatic, confusing, and often life-altering. In the aftermath, you may be overwhelmed by medical bills, vehicle damage, missed work, and pain that doesn’t go away. On top of all that, you’re probably wondering: What are my legal rights? At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm in South Sioux City, Nebraska , we help victims of drunk driving accidents across Nebraska and Iowa understand their rights, protect their claims, and pursue the compensation they deserve. This post explains what you’re entitled to after a DUI-related crash—and what steps you should take to protect yourself. Drunk Driving Victims Have the Right to Compensation If you were injured by someone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you have the legal right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim . These claims are separate from any criminal charges the drunk driver may face. In a civil claim, the goal is not to punish the offender (that’s the court’s job)—it's to recover financial damages for the harm you’ve suffered , including: Emergency medical care Long-term treatment and rehabilitation Lost income and loss of earning potential Pain and suffering Mental and emotional distress Property damage Punitive damages (in extreme DUI cases) At Fitch & Stahle , our job is to make sure you get every dollar you’re entitled to—while the at-fault party is held accountable for their reckless actions. Nebraska and Iowa Laws That Protect Drunk Driving Victims Every state handles DUI-related personal injury claims differently. Because Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is licensed in both Nebraska and Iowa , we’re uniquely qualified to navigate the laws in both jurisdictions. Here are some key legal protections available in each state: Nebraska: Dram Shop Liability : If a bar, restaurant, or alcohol-serving establishment over-served the intoxicated driver, you may be able to sue that establishment under Nebraska’s dram shop law. Comparative Negligence Rule : Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. Statute of Limitations : You generally have four years to file a personal injury claim in Nebraska, but acting sooner improves your chances. Iowa: Dram Shop Law : Iowa’s dram shop law also allows claims against alcohol vendors who sell to an intoxicated person that causes an accident. These claims have special notice requirements. Modified Comparative Fault : You can recover damages in Iowa as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Statute of Limitations : In Iowa, you typically have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Understanding which laws apply—and how to use them to your advantage—requires a legal team with experience in both states. That’s why Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is the trusted choice in Siouxland . What to Do Immediately After a Drunk Driving Crash The steps you take right after a crash can make or break your case. Here's what you should do: ✅ Call 911 and get medical help Always prioritize safety. Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like brain trauma or internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms right away. ✅ Document everything Take photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, skid marks, and road signs. Get names and contact info of witnesses. ✅ Get the police report A police report stating the other driver was intoxicated is critical to your claim. Ask the responding officer for details about any breathalyzer or field sobriety tests. ✅ Avoid talking to insurance companies alone Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but they are trained to protect the company—not you. Don’t give recorded statements or accept offers without legal guidance. ✅ Contact a personal injury lawyer The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better. At Fitch & Stahle , we offer free consultations and handle every step of your claim—from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers and going to court if needed. Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Crashes Drunk driving accidents often involve high speeds, poor judgment, and failure to brake—all of which increase the severity of injuries. We commonly represent clients suffering from: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) Spinal cord injuries and paralysis Broken bones and fractures Internal bleeding and organ damage Facial disfigurement and scarring Emotional trauma and PTSD These aren’t just short-term problems. They can impact your career, relationships, and overall quality of life for years to come. That’s why it’s so important to have an attorney who fights for the long-term value of your claim —not just a quick settlement. Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? Here’s what makes us different: ✅ We’re local —Based in South Sioux City and serving all of Siouxland ✅ We’re licensed in Nebraska and Iowa ✅ We’ve handled hundreds of personal injury claims ✅ You pay nothing unless we win ✅ We offer compassionate, one-on-one attention When you hire Fitch & Stahle , you're not just another case file—you’re a neighbor, and we take your recovery personally. Get the Legal Support You Deserve Today Drunk driving is a serious offense with serious consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI crash in South Sioux City, Sioux City , or anywhere in the Tri-State area , don’t wait to assert your rights. 📍 Visit our office in South Sioux City, NE 📞 Call us at 402-494-3012 💻 Schedule your free consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders while you focus on healing. Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is here to fight for you.