Dog Bite Attorney Indianapolis, IN
When you’ve been bitten by a dog, trust Alex Mendoza Law to fight for your rights and provide you with the legal support you need. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the complexities of dog bite cases in Indianapolis, IN
Get an Attorney
Understanding Indiana’s Laws Regarding Dog Bites
In the event of a dog bite incident in Indianapolis, IN, whether you’ve suffered a dog bite or your dog has bitten someone else, it’s crucial to grasp your legal rights as defined by the state. Given that personal injury regulations vary from one state to another, having knowledge of the statutes that pertain to your situation can significantly impact your ability to recover the compensation you are entitled to.
Certain circumstances may disqualify you from pursuing compensation, while in other instances, eligibility may not hinge on the dog’s prior behavior. Irrespective of the specific circumstances surrounding your case, engaging a skilled attorney specializing in dog bite or animal attack cases can enhance your prospects for a favorable outcome.
Should you have any further inquiries regarding dog bite incidents in Indianapolis, IN, we recommend reaching out to the legal team at the Law Office of Alex Mendoza.
Dog Bite Regulations
in the State of Indiana
In the United States, various states employ either the doctrine of strict liability or the one bite rule when determining liability in cases involving dog bites. Strict liability imposes responsibility on a dog owner for any bite, regardless of the dog’s prior history. Whether the dog has displayed aggression before or not, the owner is held accountable when a bite occurs.
Conversely, the one-bite rule offers some leniency, holding an owner liable only if they had reason to believe their dog had violent tendencies. If a dog has never exhibited aggressive behavior previously, they may be exempted after a single bite. However, once a dog has bitten someone, the owner assumes responsibility for the dog’s future actions due to the display of violent behavior.
In the majority of dog bite cases in Indianapolis, IN, the one-bite rule tends to be applied. This means that victims cannot pursue damages if the dog had no known history of unprovoked attacks.
Indiana’s one-bite law is often regarded as a negligence law because it aids the court in establishing fault. If the owner failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent an injury, they may be held responsible. However, if the owner acted in accordance with their understanding of the dog’s behavior at the time, a case may not be established.
An instance of negligence may involve an owner who knows their dog is prone to biting without provocation but fails to use a muzzle or who takes their dog to a crowded area knowing they cannot control it and have observed prior aggressive incidents. Owners who allow aggressive dogs to roam without a leash may also face liability if the dog attacks someone near their property.
While Indiana primarily follows the one-bite rule in typical cases, situations involving government workers adhere to strict liability. An owner will be strictly liable for a dog bite if the victim meets both of the following criteria:
The victim was acting peacefully.
The victim was legally obligated by state or federal law to perform the actions they were engaged in at the time of the bite.
Examples of this include postal workers and police officers. If a dog bites an officer during an arrest or interaction, the owner will be strictly liable, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior.
Similarly, if a U.S. postal worker is bitten by a dog in Indianapolis, IN, strict liability applies to the owner for the resulting injuries.
Free Consultation
Free Consultation
Key Factors in Animal Attack Cases: Strict Liability, the One-Bite Rule, and Holding Negligent Dog Owners Accountable
Understanding Indiana’s Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawsuits In Indiana, the statute of limitations for dog bite and animal attack lawsuits stands at two years, aligning with the timeframe for all other personal injury cases.
A statute of limitations defines the window of time within which a victim can initiate a lawsuit to seek damages from the responsible party. This timeframe ensures that evidence remains fresh during legal proceedings and prevents retroactive claims. Indiana presumes that if a victim exceeds the statute of limitations, the harm from the initial incident may not have been substantial enough to warrant compensation truly.
Let’s Fight Together
Recovering Damages in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bites and animal attacks fall under the category of personal injury incidents, allowing victims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. The economic damages that a victim may be entitled to include:
When pursuing compensation for a dog bite injury, it’s crucial to consider the potential long-term consequences. A seasoned dog bite injury attorney will ensure that the awarded compensation takes into account any future issues that may arise from the incident.
Non-economic damages that a victim may pursue encompass:
animal attack injury case
In some cases, landlords may face liability for injuries caused by a tenant’s dog if they demonstrate extreme negligence or lack the appropriate insurance to cover dog bite injuries.
Numerous factors come into play in any dog bite or animal attack injury case. Familiarizing yourself with the laws that pertain to your specific circumstances can be instrumental in securing the necessary compensation or safeguarding against unwarranted legal actions.
At the Alex Mendoza Personal Injury Law Firm, our proficient team of attorneys specializes in various accident types. We have successfully handled a wide range of dog bite cases and possess the skills needed to navigate Indiana’s relevant legal statutes.
If you have been involved in a dog bite incident in Indianapolis, IN, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can reach out by phone or complete the contact form on our website to connect with our team and obtain legal guidance. We are committed to shouldering the burden of pursuing compensation on your behalf, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery while ensuring you receive the monetary benefits you are rightfully entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite and Animal Attack Laws
Got Questions? We're Answering Your FAQs Here!
Indiana’s dog bite laws are applicable exclusively to people. If one dog bites another, you must demonstrate the other owner’s negligence to seek compensation. This may include veterinary costs and damages related to emotional distress, though recovery can be more challenging.
If you sustain injuries from another person’s pet, you can still file a negligence lawsuit against the owner. However, the specific dog bite statutes won’t apply, necessitating the proof of the owner’s fault. This could arise from incidents like a dog scratching or knocking you down, resulting in significant injury.
In Indiana, prompt reporting of dog bites is highly important. Prioritizing the victim’s safety often involves calling emergency responders, frequently leading to an official police report. Additionally, you are obligated to report all animal bites to the local health department. This is crucial, as it can aid the health department in managing potential disease outbreaks stemming from the bite. Physicians in Indiana are also mandated to report all animal bites.
Mandatory reporting serves the purpose of helping the state monitor the occurrence and circumstances of incidents while providing valuable evidence for dog bite claims or lawsuits. Having an official record strengthens the legitimacy of a personal injury case and provides a solid foundation for arguments.
The fate of the dog involved hinges on the severity of the incident and the animal’s history of behavior. In severe cases, animal control may quarantine the dog, remove it from the owner’s custody, or euthanize it, especially if the animal has a prior history of aggression. In the case of a first-time dog bite by a non-violent dog, no immediate action is taken until the circumstances are clarified. Questions about shared responsibility, the owner’s preventative measures, and the extent of the injury are all considered before making significant decisions.
If you are a landlord renting to dog owners, you are unlikely to be solely liable for the dog’s actions. However, you may share partial liability in certain situations:
If you were aware of the dog’s violent tendencies and failed to take action, OR If you assumed a caretaker role for the dog.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Related Services
Injury Law
Whether injured by negligence or intentional acts, our attorneys possess the skill to champion your case.
Car Accidents
Our skilled team offers relentless support and legal acumen in the wake of accidents, ensuring your voice is heard.
Criminal Mischief
Facing criminal mischief charges? Don't underestimate—reach out to attorney Alex Mendoza Law for guidance.
