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When Man’s Best Friend Becomes Your Worst Enemy

Robert Stahle • November 11, 2020
A german shepherd dog is barking with its mouth open.

Being bit by an animal is a relatively common occurrence, but in some cases, it can be more severe than others. While nearly everyone who owns a pet has been nipped at some point in their lives, more serious animal bites can require medical attention and fair compensation. Every year , around 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States, and most victims do not know that they can file a lawsuit and receive compensation.

Here at Fitch & Stahle Law Office, our personal injury lawyer can help you receive your just compensation if you have been bitten by an animal.

When to File an Animal Bite Lawsuit

If you or your family member were the victim of animal bites that resulted in injury, you could be eligible for compensation. Unfortunately, many people who are victims of animal bites fail to report them, not knowing that a legal case can be filed. It can be difficult to determine if your injury is severe enough to warrant filing a lawsuit, so here are a few situations in which you should contact our attorneys to file a personal injury claim.


  • Significant damages were incurred. These include medical bills, lost wages, and even permanent scarring.
  • If the dog bite was minor, you may still be able to receive compensation if you can prove mental and emotional distress.
  • A child was bitten by an animal. Children are more likely to be severely injured in an animal attack.

Complications that Can Arise from Animal Bites

The most common effect of animal bites is that of infection, but there are other issues that can arise as well.


  • Rabies : While rabies in dogs in the United States is rare, contracting it can be fatal.
  • Capnocytophaga : This is a bacteria that lives in the mouths of cats and dogs. It can cause sepsis in humans.
  • Pasteurella : The most common bacteria that causes infected dog bites.
  • MRSA : A deadly form of bacteria that is resistant to multiple strains of antibiotics.
  • Tetanus : This type of bacteria can cause paralysis if you haven’t received the tetanus vaccine.
  • Amputation : Serious animal bites may require limbs to be amputated

How a Dog Bite Attorney Can Help

If you suffer an injury in an animal bite attack, you may have a claim against the owner. Pet owners are held liable if their animal attacks another person, and a lawsuit can be filed. Our animal bite attorney will need to prove liability in order to get you compensation. This involves proving who owned the dog, proving that the victim had the right to be in the location where they were attacked, and then proving that the victim did not provoke the attack.

Siouxland Personal Injury Attorneys

At Fitch & Stahle Law Office, our attorneys have decades of experience working animal bite cases and other personal injury cases. We are licensed to practice in both Iowa and Nebraska, so contact us at (402) 494-3012 for representation.

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.