Navigating the Legal Terrain: Dog Bite Claims in Indiana

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.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Dog Bite Attorney Near Indianapolis
Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Dog Bite Attorney Near Indianapolis

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.

Related Posts:

How to Claim Compensation After a Dog Attack
The Legal Implications of Owning a Dog That Bites Someone
Does Indiana Use the “One Bite” Rule for Dog Bite Accidents?

How to Get Started On Your Indiana Personal Injury Claim

Were you recently injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence? If so, you are right to fight for the fair compensation you are owed for your pain, suffering, damages, and more. Continue reading to learn exactly which steps to take to get started on your Indiana personal injury claim.

Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700
Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700

In order to document a strong and impactful case identifying your total damages and losses after suffering a serious injury caused by someone else, it is vital to retain proper legal counsel. There are hundreds of personal injury lawyers to choose from, all of whom differ in education, knowledge, experience, ambition, skill, and more. Your first priority when filing a personal injury claim is to hire a seasoned accident attorney who has the necessary credentials and experience to recover the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve.

Simply go straight to the leaders in Indiana accident law. Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover & Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700, right now.

Our knowledgeable and motivated accident lawyers provide the most comprehensive and effective legal representation for seriously injured victims and their families in Indiana. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial stress that follows a catastrophic accident or serious injury. We can clearly guide you through the complex legal issues that surround your personal injury lawsuit in a way that is most comfortable for you. We encourage our clients to heal and recover in their personal lives while we handle all aspects of their personal injury claim.  You have enough to worry about and your attorneys should be taking some of the stress of the entire situation away.

Our personal injury attorneys have for decades successfully recovered fair and generous compensation for personal injury damages, including past, current, and future ones, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, hospital bills, funeral expenses, mental anguish, loss of ability to work, pain medication dependencies, loss of love or companionship, lost earnings, loss of benefits, prolonged rehabilitation, permanent disabilities, diminished quality of life, exemplary damages, and much more.

How to Get Started on Your Claim Today

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to make a personal injury claim in Indiana. Seasoned attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, have a focus on accident law and retain extensive trial and litigation experience. Not only do we offer free initial consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement or judgment for you. Get started by scheduling your consultation, today.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Is it Optional to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for an Accident Claim?

Seriously injured victims are faced with several challenges following an accident. Recovery, treatment, hospital bills, medical expenses, prolonged therapy, lost wages, and funeral expenses are some of the more common economic damages and losses suffered by accident victims. In order to get a fair shot at collecting the full and fair amount of compensation from an insurance company or third party, a victim would require professional legal assistance. However, it is not mandatory in terms of the law. Although it is entirely optional to hire an accident attorney to represent your personal injury claim, it the key to recovering for your losses. Continue reading to find out why.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Attorneys

Not all accident cases require a victim to hire a personal injury lawyer. For instance, if a person lives in a “no-fault” state, they would not have any legal consent to sue, so instead, victims would have to collect coverage from their own third-party Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIP). In another example, if a person’s insurance company is already paying the maximum benefits available they wouldn’t necessarily need a lawyer either.

But in all other accident cases, it is in the best interest of the victim (or the bereaved) to hire a personal injury lawyer for their claim. Even if injuries are minor, it is still helpful to retain the services of an experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve after being seriously injured in an accident. Keep in mind that minor injuries can turn into major ones later on, while other injuries might take days or weeks to appear.

Indianapolis Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700


Esteemed Attributes of Accident Lawyers:

Drive and Motivation – Most personal injury law firms operate on a contingency-fee basis, which means they do not get paid unless they recover compensation for their clients. This also means that accident lawyers are highly-driven and motivated to represent victims to the best of their abilities.

Knowledge and Experience – Personal injury lawyers are knowledgeable of the law, and have experience investigating and litigating accident claims. This gives victims an immediate advantage when negotiating for a settlement.

Dependability – Personal injury lawyers know what it takes to win an accident case. Their knowledge of the law combined with their extensive litigation and trial experience, makes them a dependable resource for recovering compensation for your losses.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Attorney Indianapolis

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call the law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of their seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyers, today. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Kieth Blazek are experienced personal injury litigators with a passion for helping victims of serious accidents. We never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to learn your options from a licensed accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana.