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Personal Injury Claim: What To Do After an Animal Bite

Robert Stahle • February 8, 2018
Animal Bites - Personal Injury Attorney - Fitch & Stahle Law Firm - South Sioux City, NE

Animal bites are not often thought of as a personal injury claim, but when an animal attacks you and causes an injury, you have a right to hire a personal injury attorney to hold the animal’s owner responsible for its actions. Dogs cause the majority of animal bites, so much of the information here applies to dogs.

Many states follow what is known as ‘strict liability’, which means the owner is strictly liable for any dog bite. In other states, however, owners are given one ‘free’ dog bite before they are held liable, unless the victim can prove that the owner knew the dog was a risk to bite someone.

Whether a dog or some other animal bites you, the first step you should take is to hire a personal injury lawyer to help you build your case. If you live in a state with strict liability dog bite laws, your lawyer will file a claim under that provision. But if you don’t live in a state with strict liability, you will need to prove your case by showing that the dog owner knew or should have known that his or her dog was likely to bite someone.

The Standards Necessary To Prove Liability In States Without Strict Liability Law

In states that don’t have strict liability for dog bites, some of the factors that come into play when trying to prove a dog owner’s liability include:


  • Size/Breed of Dog – Larger dogs can cause more damage with their bites, and breeds such as Rottweilers and Pit Bulls are more likely to be vicious than other breeds.
  • History of Attacks – If a dog has a history of prior bites or attacks, this could prove that the owner was aware of the likelihood of another attack.
  • Caging History – If the dog is kept in a cage, it could also show that the owner was aware that the dog could be aggressive toward others.
  • Muzzle History – Dog owners who muzzle their dogs when they walk them are often aware that their pets could be dangerous to others.
  • Prior Complaints – Any prior complaints about the dog’s aggressive nature could be used as evidence that the owner should have been aware that the dog was dangerous.

It’s important to remember that in states like Nebraska , which has strict liability for dog owners, there is an exception if the bite occurred due to the dog’s playful nature and mischievousness, or because the victim trespassed on private property.

Protect Your Rights

Most pets are gentle and friendly, but on the unfortunate occasion when an animal bites you, there are legal remedies for your injuries, pain and suffering. The team at the Law Office of Fitch & Stahle in South Sioux City, NE can help build your case and get you the results you want. Please call us today at (402) 494-3012 for a legal consultation.

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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.