Tag Archives: dog bite personal injury lawyer Indianapolis

How to Claim Compensation After a Dog Attack

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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.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With an Experienced Dog Attack Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With an Experienced Dog Attack Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana

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.

Related Posts:

The Legal Implications of Owning a Dog That Bites Someone
Does Indiana Use the “One Bite” Rule for Dog Bite Accidents?
Advice for Victims of Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Are Dog Bite Claims Covered Under Homeowners’ Insurance?

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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.

Indianapolis Dog Bite Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Dog Bite Lawyers 317-881-2700

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
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.