Iowa Dog Bite Settlement Calculator & Compensation

What Is the Iowa Dog Bite Settlement Calculator?

The Iowa Dog Bite Settlement Calculator is an interactive tool that estimates how much compensation you may be entitled to after a dog bite. It factors in things like:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent physical or psychological damage
• Dog owner negligence
• Your own actions (fault or provocation)

It’s based on Iowa’s Strict Liability rule and Modified Comparative Fault system (51% bar rule under Iowa Code § 668.3). That means you can get compensation unless you’re found to be more than 50% at fault.

How the Calculator Works (In Simple Terms)

The calculator runs on a mix of math, legal standards, and logic. Here’s a quick breakdown of how it estimates your potential payout:

1. Your Expenses (Economic Damages)

You input the dollar amounts for:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Property damage (e.g., broken glasses, ripped clothes)

These add up to your economic damages.

2. Pain and Suffering (Non-Economic Damages)

This is calculated using:

• Severity of the bite (based on the Dunbar Scale)
• Where the bite happened (face, hand, leg, etc.)
• Injury type (nerve damage, fractures, scarring)
• Long-term effects (disability or PTSD)
• Victim’s age and gender
• Dog’s history and owner’s behavior

These factors create a multiplier that adjusts your pain and suffering payout.

3. Fault Reduction

If you were:

• Trespassing
• Teasing the dog
• Acting carelessly

…the tool reduces your settlement based on your share of the fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you get nothing (per Iowa law).

4. Insurance Cap Check

If the dog owner’s insurance has a limit (say $300,000), that cap may reduce your payout even if your total damages are higher.

Understanding Iowa’s Dog Bite Law

Under Iowa Code § 351.28, dog owners are strictly liable—which means they’re responsible for their dog’s actions, even if the dog never bit anyone before.

But under Iowa Code § 668.3, if you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t collect damages. This is called Modified Comparative Fault.

So, What Hurts Your Claim?

• You were trespassing or breaking the law
• You provoked the dog
• You ignored warning signs

What Strengthens Your Claim?

• You were in a public place or invited
• The dog had a history of biting
• The owner was negligent (e.g., no leash or bad fence)
• The injury was serious or caused long-term damage

Example: How Your Settlement Is Estimated

Let’s say:

• You had $10,000 in medical bills
• You lost $2,000 in wages
• The dog bit your face, causing scarring
• The owner let the dog roam without a leash
• You didn’t provoke the dog and were lawfully on the property

The calculator might show:

• Economic Damages: $12,000
• Pain & Suffering: ~$30,000 (after multiplier)
• Subtotal: ~$42,000
• Fault Reduction: $0
• Final Settlement: $42,000

But if you were 25% at fault, your payout would be reduced to around $31,500.

What If You’re Over 50% At Fault?

The calculator will alert you that you’re not eligible for any compensation. This is a hard stop under Iowa law.

Pro Tips for Using the Calculator

• Be honest with your inputs. The tool is only as accurate as the data you enter.
• Use real numbers from medical bills and work records.
• Don’t forget about future costs—like rehab or plastic surgery.

Disclaimer

This calculator is not a substitute for legal advice. It provides a rough estimate, not a guaranteed result. Always consult a qualified Iowa dog bite attorney to evaluate your case fully.

When to Call a Lawyer

If your injuries are serious or your claim is being disputed, it’s smart to talk to an attorney. A lawyer can help:

• Prove fault
• Negotiate with insurance
• Maximize your compensation