Navigating the Legal Terrain: Dog Bite Claims in Indiana

Posted on October 17, 2023 by admin

Dog bites can lead to serious injuries and emotional trauma. When such an unfortunate incident occurs, knowing the legal landscape can be crucial. Welcome to our dive into the world of dog bite claims in Indiana.

This comprehensive guide aims to equip victims and their families with the necessary knowledge to navigate the legal terrain in the aftermath of a dog attack. Whether you’re considering a dog bite lawsuit, seeking the assistance of a dog bite lawyer, or just trying to understand your rights, this post aims to be a valuable resource for you. Join us as we explore the intricacies of dog bite claims in the Hoosier State.

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Understanding Indiana’s Dog Bite Laws

Each state in the US has its own set of laws governing dog bites, and Indiana is no exception. The Hoosier State follows, in general, a negligence liability rule when it comes to dog bite claims. This means that dog owners are held responsible for any injuries or damages caused by their dogs if they knew about the dog’s aggressive tendencies. Breed of dog can also play a factor.

Additionally, Indiana does not have a specific statute addressing dog bites in most scenarios. Instead, it falls under the state’s general negligence laws. As such, victims must prove that the dog owner was negligent in handling their dog, resulting in the injury. This could include proving that the owner failed to properly restrain or control their dog or failed to warn others of their dog’s aggressive behaviors. Some cities and counties or other municipalities do have their own dog bite laws in some circumstances though.

The Importance of Seeking Legal Representation

Navigating the legal terrain of a dog bite claim can be complicated and overwhelming, especially for those who have suffered physical and emotional trauma. In such cases, seeking the assistance of an Indianapolis dog bite lawyer is crucial. An experienced attorney in this field will help victims understand their rights and guide them through the legal process, from filing a claim to negotiating a settlement and representing them in court.

Moreover, having legal representation can also increase the chances of receiving full and fair compensation for damages such as hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A knowledgeable dog bite attorney will be able to assess the extent of the damages and fight for the maximum compensation that the victim is entitled to under Indiana law.

Time Limitations for Filing a Dog Bite Lawsuit

It’s important to note that there are time limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit in Indiana. According to Indiana Code section 34-11-2-4, victims have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim. If the lawsuit is filed after this time period, it is likely that the court will dismiss the case but again, all cases are fact specific.

However, there are exceptions to this statute of limitations. For instance, if the victim is a minor or was incapacitated at the time of the attack, then the two-year time period may be extended. Additionally, if the dog’s owner was charged with a crime related to the attack, then the victim may have up to six years to file a civil claim.

Final Thoughts

Dog bites cause physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain. As such, it is important for victims to understand their rights and options when it comes to seeking compensation for damages. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a dog bite in Indiana, it is crucial to seek legal representation and guidance from an experienced dog bite lawyer in Indianapolis as soon as possible. By understanding the Indiana dog bite laws and seeking the necessary assistance, victims can navigate the legal terrain and obtain the justice they deserve. Stay informed and stay safe! So, always be vigilant when dealing with dogs, especially unknown ones.

Would you like to learn more about your rights to pursing compensation after being attacked or bitten by a canine? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with an experienced dog bite attorney in Indianapolis. We represent injured victims all across the state, Indiana residents injured in other states and residents of other states injured in Indiana. In addition, we offer the option to hold meetings either by phone, at your residence, online, or at the hospital if necessary.

How to Claim Compensation After a Dog Attack

Posted on June 16, 2023 by admin

No one ever expects to be attacked by a dog, but unfortunately it does happen. If you’ve been bitten or otherwise injured due to someone else’s pet, the law allows you to seek compensation for your medical bills and other damages. The process of claiming compensation can seem daunting at first, but with the right information, you can make sure that justice is served and get the financial help that you need. In this blog post, we will discuss how to claim compensation after a dog attack and provide tips on finding an experienced personal injury lawyer who can assist in filing your case.

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Common Complications Associated With Dog Bites and Attacks

Dog attacks are a serious issue that can result in various injuries. Dog bites are the most common injury caused by these attacks, and they can be severe and deep. Injuries can also include puncture wounds, lacerations, broken bones, and nerve damage. However, physical injuries are not the only consequences of dog attacks. Many victims may experience psychological trauma, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues. It is essential to understand the risks associated with dog attacks and to take steps to prevent them to avoid such injuries and their aftermath.

If you have been involved in a dog assault, you may have sustained a wide range of damages and losses. These can include physical injuries, emotional trauma, lost wages, and medical bills. Fortunately, compensation may be available to help cover these costs. You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, hospital bills, loss of income, prolonged physical therapy, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. In order to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible, it is important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights under the law.

How to Get Started on a Dog Attack Personal Injury Claim:

>Retain All Evidence

The first step to claiming compensation is gathering evidence. After the canine attack, you should take pictures of your injuries and document any medical treatment that was required as a result. Take a picture of the scene and the dog. You should also make sure to get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the incident happen. This will be helpful in proving your case if it goes to court.

>Connect With a Personal Injury Lawyer

Next, you will need to find an experienced personal injury dog bite lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system and handle your claim for damages. When choosing an accident attorney, make sure they are knowledgeable about canine attack cases and have a proven track record of success in such matters. Ask for references or read reviews online so that you can select the best possible candidate for your case. The more qualified they are, the better chance you have of receiving a fair settlement.

>Be Patient With the Legal Process

Finally, it is important to remember that dog bite cases can be complicated, so patience and perseverance are key. Your lawyer will work hard to get you the compensation that you deserve, but it may take time for your case to be resolved. Keep in mind that due to the nature of such cases, settling out of court is often the best route as going through a lengthy trial can be expensive and emotionally draining for all parties involved. However, if the defendant’s insurance carrier is not willing to settle the case fairly, you should be prepared to take the case to a jury trial.

Do Not Let a Dog Attack Put Your Life Off Track

In conclusion, if you have been attacked by someone’s pet or been injured due to a dog bite then you do have legal options available to seek compensation. By gathering evidence, finding an experienced Indianapolis dog bite lawyer, and being patient, you can make sure that justice is served and you receive the financial help that you need.

Are you ready to take the next step toward obtaining compensation for your injuries and losses after a canine attack? Contact Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 today to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can help you with your dog bite accident lawsuit in Indianapolis. We represent clients all throughout the state of Indiana, and Indiana residents injured in other states.

The Legal Implications of Owning a Dog That Bites Someone

Posted on March 27, 2023 by admin

Having a dog can bring lots of joy and companionship, but it also comes with responsibilities. One of the most serious legal implications is if your pet bites someone. Dog bite accidents are quite common in the United States, with an estimated 4.5 million incidents occurring every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This means that you have a 1-in-73 chance of getting bit by a dog in the states!

In this blog post, we’ll explore what happens when a dog bites someone and how you can protect yourself from potential legal action. We will also give information on what to do if you are injured by a canine in a dog attack accident.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Dog Bite Attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dog Bite Laws

In most states, dog owners are legally responsible for their pet’s behavior and can be held liable if the animal bites someone. This means the dog owner could face a civil lawsuit from the victim or even criminal charges in some cases. Depending on the situation, damages awarded to the victim could include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs associated with the injury. Make sure you have insurance to protect yourself should your dog attack anyone.

Indiana Laws Regarding Dog Bites and Attacks

Here in Indiana, our state enforces the Strict Liability rule for dog bites. Indiana Code 15-20-1-3 decrees that, regardless of a dog’s history, if it attacks or bites another person, the dog owner and thus, their insurance carrier, is wholly responsible for the accident, making them liable for the injured person’s damages (medical bills, disfigurement, PTSD, etc.) if a person is on the property discharging a duty owed under law, for example, a postal worker delivering mail. Indiana law also states that any owner who fails to disclose the dangerous nature of their dog can face a lawsuit if their pet bites someone else. There are also other ways in which a dog owner might be held liable for actions by their dog. Again, make sure you have insurance!

Dog owners in Indiana should familiarize themselves with Indiana’s laws and make sure to take appropriate measures to prevent incidents from occurring as lawsuits can be both costly and damaging for all parties involved. When a serious dog bite incident occurs, it’s important to consult an experienced attorney who can advise you on your legal rights and obligations. A lawyer can also help you understand any laws in your state that might affect your case.

In addition to protecting yourself legally, here are some steps you can take to help prevent dog bite injuries:

– Make sure your pet is adequately trained and socialized.

– Ensure that your dog is always under supervision when around people.

– Make sure your dog stays appropriately restrained and confined,

– Never leave young children alone with any animal, regardless of their size or temperament.

– Spay or neuter your pet to reduce the risk of aggressive behavior.

– Check for signs of aggression in your pet such as chasing, growling, barking, or lunging at people.

Protect Yourself Against Dog Bite Lawsuits and Accidents

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure the safety of everyone in your home, guests, neighbors and minimize the chances of a dog bite accident occurring. Of course, no one can predict when an incident might occur or what mood your dog is in on a particular day, so it’s important for the owner to take the proper precautions and to be aware of the legal implications if your dog does injure someone.

What To Do if You are Bit By a Dog

Dog bites are no fun, and if you find yourself injured by another person’s dog, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do next. First, you should call the police or animal control and make sure the appropriate procedures are followed. Second, seek medical attention for any physical injury or emotional trauma because of the dog bite accident. Depending on your specific situation and individual needs, an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer who is well-versed in dog bite cases may be able to provide additional help for your claim. A seasoned Indiana dog bite attorney can help advise you of your legal rights and options, advocate on your behalf, and work to ensure that the pet owner and their applicable insurance carrier is held liable for their negligence and any damages caused by the dog bite incident.

Are you or a loved one a recent victim of a serious dog attack in Indiana? Contact Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury consultation with an experienced dog bite lawyer in Indianapolis, today. We represent victims all throughout the state, as well as Indiana residents injured in other states and persons from other states injured in Indiana.

Are Dog Bite Claims Covered Under Homeowners’ Insurance?

Posted on February 1, 2019 by admin

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that more than 4.5 million dog bite accidents occur in the United States every year. They also report that an average of 800,000 of those incidents require medical attention, most of which are children between the ages of 5 and 9 years old. When a dog attacks or bites a person, the question of liability is bound to come up, especially when medical care is needed.

That is because there are several economic and non-economic damages that dog bite victims might incur, including hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, permanent scarring, PTSD, and more. As a result, victims generally make a personal injury claim for compensation against the dog owner. This leads many dog bite owners to wonder, “Will my insurance cover this? Or do I have to pay for this out-of-pocket?”

Continue reading to learn the key facts regarding dog bite liability laws, including whether or not homeowners’ insurance policies cover the damages and losses that result from a dog bite accident.

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Dog Bite Statutes

The laws surrounding dog bites and animal attacks vary from state to state, but primarily, there are two kinds of statutes that govern such cases: strict liability and standard rule of negligence. Under the principle of standard rule of negligence, if a dog owner was aware of their pet’s potential for aggression or danger, then they are liable for any damages and losses caused by a dog bite. This is often referred to as the “one bite rule” and is applied in cases in which there was never reason to believe a dog was a danger to anyone. However, case law on this topic is very fact specific.

Other states operate on strict liability, which holds a dog owner fully responsible for all damage and losses caused by their dog biting someone, even if the dog has never acted aggressively or attacked before. Under strict liability, circumstances like trespassing and provocation do not usually influence or relieve a dog owner’s liability. There are some states that do not apply any laws to dog bite attacks, and leave all burden of proof on the plaintiff party. To learn your states’ dog bite liability laws, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who specializes in such cases.

Indiana Dog Bite Liability

Here in Indiana, we use “strict liability” in dog bite and attack cases in certain cases and a negligence standard in other cases.

Homeowners’ Insurance Coverage

Whether or not a dog bite owner is covered in the case of a dog bite or attack depends on various factors, including the type of insurance they have and their dog’s breed. Homeowners’ insurance policies, as well as renters’ insurance policies, typically cover dog bite liability legal expenses, but only up to a certain amount. In the average policy, the legal liability limit can range from $100,000 to $300,000. But if the claim expenses exceed a dog owner’s liability limit on their insurance policy, they have to pay the remainder themselves.

In contrast, some insurance policies will not insure homeowners who have a breed of dogs that is innately prone to aggression or danger, such as German Shepherds, Doberman Pincers, Dalmatians, Great Danes, Rottweilers, Pitt Bulls, and similarly categorized species. For those who are insured, they can expect their premiums may increase after their dog attacks someone.

How to Make a Dog Bite Claim in Indiana

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

If you or someone you love is a recent victim of a dog bite or attack, contact an Indiana dog bite attorney as soon as possible to learn your rights. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses. Act fast before your state’s statutes of limitations runs outs. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your workplace accident with an experienced Indiana dog bite lawyer you can trust. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement for you.

Craven, Hoover, & Blazek P.C.

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