Many people adore their four-legged companions and don't want to believe they could ever be aggressive. Unfortunately, even the most well-behaved canines could be prompted to act out, and bites are a common source of many injury lawsuits. If you've received an injury, you may be wondering what conditions need to be present to file a dog bite lawsuit; here are three scenarios that shed further light on this issue.

3 Scenarios in Which You Could File a Dog Bite Lawsuit

1. Your Injuries Are Severe

If your dog bite was severe enough to draw blood and warrant medical attention, you likely have enough evidence to file a lawsuit. A little nip or scrape is rarely reason enough to pursue legal action, but anything beyond that will often be seen as justification for pursuing a case. Always get checked out by a medical professional after a dog bite, and, if possible, check with the canine’s owner to ensure the animal is current on their shots.

2. You Can Prove the Dog's Owner Was Negligent

If the owner was in any way negligent in corralling their animal, you might be able to file a dog bite lawsuit against them. A pet owner has a legal obligation, however unspoken, to look out for their animals at all times; this is a public safety measure. An owner who violates this obligation could become the object of a lawsuit.

3. The Statute of Limitation Has Not Passed

Every state has a statute of limitations when it comes to filing personal injury lawsuits. In Iowa, you must file your suit within two years of the date you sustained your injury. As long as the incident occurred within that two-year time frame, you should feel confident proceeding with your legal case.

Trust an experienced personal and work injury attorney to protect your interests and safeguard your rights throughout the dog bite lawsuit process. Personal injury attorney Jerry L. Schnurr III of Schnurr Law Firm helps clients throughout the Fort Dodge, IA, area with dog bites, traffic accidents, and medical malpractice. Call (515) 576-3911 today or visit his firm online to schedule your free initial consultation.