Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional injuries. From puncture wounds to scarring and infections, the consequences of a dog bite can be life-changing. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Indiana, it’s important to understand your legal rights and the steps you should take to seek compensation for your injuries.

Indiana has specific laws regarding dog bites, and navigating these legal complexities can be overwhelming without the help of an experienced dog bite attorney in Indiana. In this blog, we will cover the key aspects of Indiana dog bite laws, explain what to do after a dog bite, and highlight how an attorney can assist you in pursuing justice.

Understanding Indiana’s Dog Bite Laws

Indiana operates under what is often referred to as a “one-bite rule.” This law is based on the principle that a dog owner may not be held liable for the first time their dog bites someone, as long as the owner had no prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior. However, once a dog has bitten someone or shown signs of aggression, the owner can be held legally responsible for any future bites or attacks.

• Strict liability for certain situations: Indiana law does impose strict liability in some cases, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior. For example, if a dog bites a person who is carrying out their lawful duties, such as postal workers or delivery drivers, the owner is automatically liable for the injuries.
• Negligence claims: Even if the dog has no previous history of aggression, a victim can pursue a claim based on the owner’s negligence. This means that if the owner failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent the attack, they can still be held liable for the resulting injuries.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Dog Bite in Indiana?

In Indiana, dog bite liability typically falls on the dog’s owner. However, there are certain circumstances where other parties may also be held responsible. For example, if the bite occurred on a rented property and the landlord was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies, the landlord could potentially be held liable for failing to address the dangerous situation.

In some cases, third parties such as dog walkers or caretakers who had control over the dog at the time of the bite may also be held accountable. Determining liability can be complex, which is why consulting with a dog bite lawyer in Indiana is crucial to ensure that all responsible parties are identified and held accountable.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

After a dog bite, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your health and legal rights. Follow these steps to strengthen your potential dog bite claim:

1. Seek medical attention: Even if the bite seems minor, you should seek medical treatment right away. Dog bites can lead to infections such as tetanus and rabies, and having documentation of your injuries will be important for your legal claim.
2. Identify the dog and owner: Try to identify the dog that bit you and locate its owner. If possible, obtain the dog’s vaccination records to determine if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies.
3. Report the incident: File a report with your local animal control or law enforcement agency. This report can serve as critical evidence in your case and may also prevent the dog from harming others in the future.
4. Gather evidence: Document the scene of the attack by taking photos of your injuries, the location of the incident, and any visible signs such as “Beware of Dog” signs. If there were any witnesses to the attack, collect their contact information as well.
5. Contact a dog bite attorney: A knowledgeable dog bite attorney in Indiana can guide you through the legal process, help gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries from Dog Bites

Dog bites can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may require extensive medical treatment. Common injuries include:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations: These are often the most immediate injuries and can vary in severity depending on the force of the bite.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Dog bites can leave permanent scars, especially on the face, neck, and arms, which can lead to emotional trauma in addition to physical pain.
• Infections: Dog bites are prone to infections, including rabies, tetanus, and cellulitis, which may require antibiotics or other medical interventions.
• Broken bones: In severe cases, the force of a dog bite may cause broken bones, particularly in children or elderly victims.
• Psychological trauma: Victims of dog bites often suffer from psychological effects such as fear of dogs, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How Indiana’s “One Bite” Rule Impacts Your Case

Indiana’s “one bite” rule can complicate dog bite claims. If the dog has never bitten anyone before or shown aggressive tendencies, the owner may argue that they were unaware of the danger the dog posed. However, this doesn’t mean that you’re left without legal options.

If the owner was negligent in controlling or restraining the dog, or if the bite occurred while the dog was off-leash in a public area, you may still have a strong claim. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, strict liability applies if the victim was performing a lawful duty, such as delivering mail.

A skilled dog bite lawyer in Indiana will know how to investigate the dog’s history, gather evidence of negligence, and build a compelling case to hold the dog owner accountable.

Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Dog Bite

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:

• Medical expenses: Compensation for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any necessary rehabilitation.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for the income you’ve lost as a result of the attack.
• Pain and suffering: Dog bite victims often experience significant physical pain as well as emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering covers the impact the injuries have had on your quality of life.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Victims who suffer permanent scars or disfigurement can pursue additional compensation to account for the long-term effects of the injury.

Why You Need a Dog Bite Attorney in Indiana

While Indiana’s dog bite laws are designed to protect victims, pursuing a claim can be challenging without the help of an experienced attorney. A dog bite lawyer in Indiana can help you:

• Evaluate your case: An attorney will review the details of the attack and advise you on the best course of action.
• Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to offer low settlements, but a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Investigate the incident: Your attorney will gather evidence such as witness statements, medical records, and any history of aggression from the dog involved.
• Represent you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial to fight for your rights.

Conclusion: Trust Habig Injury Law with Your Dog Bite Case

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Indiana, the team at Habig Injury Law is here to help. We understand the trauma that a dog bite can cause and are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress, our compassionate attorneys will fight for your rights every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you on the road to recovery.