Dog Bites

Although most dogs make great pets, there is always the chance that an animal can be unpredictable and act out, even when unprovoked. Indiana dog bite laws are meant to protect individuals who have suffered injuries due to a pet owner’s negligence.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of an animal attack, our personal injury attorneys can help assess the validity of your claim. Then by taking your case, we can handle the settlement negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf.

Duepner Law offers free consultations for personal injury cases. There is no fee unless we recover a settlement for your claim.

Call Now for Your Free Consultation: (317) 886-4304

Indiana Dog Bite Injury Claims

At first, a dog bite might appear to be minor. Closer examination, however, could reveal deeper injuries, such as damage to the muscle, bone, and nerves. The severity of injuries can also lead to permanent scarring, or perhaps even require a plastic surgeon. In addition to the physical effects, an animal attack injury can also potentially have lasting psychological effects, or even cause death.

According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 people who have been bitten by a dog require medical attention.[1]

Even worse, children are often on the receiving end of dog bite attacks; and beyond the physical injuries, a child’s recovery after an animal bite is often accompanied by pain and suffering, including the fear of dogs. It’s only natural to worry that an attack might happen again. Living with this type of trauma is something that no child should ever have to endure.

While the certain breeds are statistically more likely to bite, it’s best to remember that the risks are ultimately connected to a dog’s specific history and individual temperament, not the breed as a whole or even dogs in general. But of course, this can be hard for someone to accept after a dog bite incident, especially for a child.

Tragically, pit bull breeds, malamutes, chows, Rottweilers, huskies, German shepherds and wolf hybrids have been historically known for their roles in fatal dog bite attacks.[2]

Responsible pet ownership often includes regular socialization for dogs. There’s also the matter of avoiding rough play and simply using a leash in public. All of these factors can play into whether the dog owner could be held liable for the victim’s injuries. If you have questions about the legal ramifications and your rights as a victim, our attorneys can help.

Working with us is completely free if we don’t win. By taking on your case, we can help you and your loved ones secure what you’re owed.

Call Duepner Law for Your Free Consultation: (317) 886-4304

Can the Dog Owner Be Held Liable?

For the majority of dog bite instances, the victim is familiar with the dog that initiates the attack. Dog attacks also tend to occur while people are engaging in normal, everyday activities. Yet this isn’t always the case. Not all dogs belong to a friendly neighbor or a close family member, so in the event of an attack, it’s important for everyone to take appropriate action.

In Indiana, any animal bite to a person must be reported to the local health department to help ensure that dangerous behavior from both pets and wild animals will be recorded.[3]

This documentation is of the utmost importance for personal injury claims and preventing future harm from coming to other individuals. With dog bites, there are higher risks of infection, as well as a risk for rabies if a dog has not been properly vaccinated. Even ignoring those dangers, the immediate impacts from a dog bite can be devastating in nature. Why should anyone have to suffer those damages and pay the price if someone else was at fault?

The injuries you have suffered could entitle you to significant compensation. More than 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs every year.[4]

Often when a dog owner is found to be liable the compensation for the victim will be collected from the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. A careful review of the circumstances with an experienced attorney can help you and your loved ones determine whether anyone can ultimately be held responsible for the accident.

Legal Guidance for Your Personal Injury Claim

Building a successful case to present to the court is a nuanced process and happens in stages. Dog bite victims will first need to provide notes for their attorney about the location of the attack, as well as the date and approximate time of the event. These details lay the groundwork for a personal injury claim; but obviously this is only the beginning.

Some of the most pertinent pieces of evidence for dog bite claims are photos of the injuries, eyewitness statements, and medical records.

Victims and family members should also keep all documentation and receipts for any expenses incurred related to the accident, whether it be a healthcare visit or another service or medical product you need to pay for out of pocket. It can also be beneficial to create a personal log regarding you or your loved one’s recovery process, pain levels, and any ongoing symptoms.

Although every situation is unique, the court will typically respond best to parties who can provide as many details as possible for their claim. That’s how our personal injury attorneys can help. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, call now for a free consultation.

Working with us is completely free if we don’t recover an injury settlement on your behalf. Please contact our attorneys to learn more about your options.

Call Duepner Law for Your Free Consultation: (317) 886-4304

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/connect/newsletter/dog-bite-prevention-week.html

[2] https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2001/0415/p1567.html#afp20010415p1567-b1

[3] https://www.in.gov/rabies/report-an-animal-bite/

[4] https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention