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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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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.