Were you or a loved one bitten by a dog in Indianapolis, IN? You could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
At Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers, we have 40 years of combined experience providing legal services for personal injury victims, and we’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars over the years. Our firm is here to help ensure you receive every dollar you deserve after a dog bite incident.
Call our Indianapolis dog bite lawyers at (317) 916-0000 today to book a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe no attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for you.
How Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers Can Help With Your Dog Bite Case in Indianapolis, Indiana
A dog bite in Indianapolis, Indiana can leave you with expensive treatments, time off work, and psychological trauma. However, the process of pursuing a personal injury claim can be complicated, especially if the dog owner denies liability or the insurance carrier tries to reduce their payout. Let our legal team be your advocate.
At Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers, we have a proven track record of successfully handling complex personal injury cases. Some of the ways our Indianapolis personal injury attorneys can help include:
- Investigating the incident
- Identifying who is liable
- Negotiating a full settlement
- Collecting and organizing evidence
- Protecting you from blame
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary
Our Indianapolis dog bite attorneys are ready to put our resources and experience to work for you. We’ll do everything possible to secure the compensation you need while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Our attorneys have been recognized by Avvo, The National Trial Lawyers, and Super Lawyers for their achievements. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Indiana
Dog bite laws vary across the United States. In Indiana, statutes and court decisions often guide whether an owner is liable for a dog bite. While Indiana does not have a specific statewide “dog bite” statute that imposes strict liability in all circumstances, owners can still be held legally responsible if they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous and failed to take reasonable steps to protect others.
Here are some important legal principles to know:
- Owner’s Knowledge: If a dog has shown aggression in the past (like biting or snapping), and the owner ignored it, the owner could be considered at fault for not controlling their pet.
- Negligence Per Se: Violating local leash laws or city ordinances requiring dogs to be restrained can support a negligence per se claim, meaning the owner’s legal violation might automatically point to liability.
- One-bite Rule Vs. Strict Liability: Indiana doesn’t apply strict liability in all circumstances; state law has a variation of the “one-bite rule,” so owners aren’t automatically liable for the first bite, but they can be held accountable if certain conditions are met
- Trespassers and Provocation: If you provoked the dog or were trespassing, you might have a harder time recovering damages. However, each situation is unique, and an attorney can assess which laws apply.
In some cases, you might be able to base your claim on a theory of negligence rather than strict liability. Dog bite cases can be more intricate than other personal injury claims, so it’s best to seek legal advice as soon as possible. That way, you can clarify your rights under Indiana law.
Common Injuries From Dog Attacks in Indianapolis
Dog bites can cause severe and even catastrophic injuries, often more serious than people anticipate. Dogs have powerful jaws, and any deep puncture or tear can lead to:
- Lacerations and punctures
- Nerve damage
- Facial injuries
- Broken bones
- Infections
- Emotional trauma
- Brain injuries
Our attorneys can help you pursue compensation for both short-term treatments and any long-term difficulties caused by the attack.
How Much Is My Indianapolis Dog Bite Case Worth?
Dog bite claims can result in widely varying settlements or court awards. Many factors shape your case’s ultimate value:
- The Severity of Your Injuries: Deeper or more extensive wounds usually lead to higher medical costs and more pain and suffering.
- Permanent Scarring or Disability: If your injuries are long-term, that typically increases your compensation.
- Available Insurance: Homeowners insurance or renters insurance may cover some dog bite claims, but coverage limits can restrict the total payout.
- Your Share of Fault: If the defense claims you teased the dog or ignored warnings, your payout may be reduced under Indiana’s comparative fault rules.
- Quality of Evidence: Solid proof, including medical records, photos, or witness statements, can strengthen your negotiating power.
While no lawyer can guarantee a specific amount, we can estimate a fair range once we understand the details of your injuries and the circumstances of the attack.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Dog Bite in Indy?
If you prove the dog owner or another party was at fault, Indiana law allows you to recover:
- Economic Damages: cover tangible costs like past and future medical bills, lost wages, therapy, surgeries, and property damage (like torn clothing or broken glasses)
- Non-Economic Damages: address subjective losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, or disfigurement
- Punitive Damages: intended to punish a defendant whose conduct was particularly reckless or malicious (rarely awarded)
Calculating an accurate settlement or verdict amount involves showing the full extent of your injuries. Our legal team is well-versed in proving both economic and non-economic damages.
What if I’m Partly To Blame for the Dog Bite?
In some dog bite cases, the defense tries to claim you provoked the dog or ignored posted warnings. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault standard. If you’re found partly responsible, your damages may be reduced by your share of fault. But if you’re deemed 51% or more at fault, you might not recover any compensation at all.
We’ll work to demonstrate that you took reasonable steps or that any blame placed on you is unfair. Reducing your share of fault can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Indianapolis?
Many people hesitate to contact a lawyer because they worry about fees. However, dog bite attorneys in Indiana often work on a contingency fee basis. That means:
- No Upfront Retainer: You don’t pay anything at the start of your case.
- No Hourly Billing: You’re not charged for phone calls or office visits by the hour.
- Pay Only if You Win: If we secure a settlement or court award, our fee will be a percentage of what you recover.
If you don’t recover money, you owe nothing in attorney’s fees. This setup ensures you can afford a high-quality legal team regardless of your current finances.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Indiana?
If a dog bite in Indiana has injured you, it’s important to act quickly to protect your legal rights. In Indiana, the statute of limitations for dog bite lawsuits is two years from the date of the injury. Missing this deadline can result in your case being dismissed, leaving you responsible for covering your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
There are exceptions to this time limit, but only for rare cases. Contact our dog bite attorneys in Indianapolis as soon as you can for help filing your claim on time.
Contact an Indianapolis Dog Bite Attorney for a Free Consultation Today
A dog attack can leave you with painful injuries, unexpected bills, and ongoing stress. However, you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers has 40 years of combined experience securing tens of millions of dollars for injured clients throughout Indiana. We know how to fight insurance companies, gather the evidence you need, and pursue maximum compensation.
If someone else’s dog in Indianapolis hurt you or a loved one, reach out for help. Let us review your situation and advise on your best next steps. Call or message us to set up a free consultation. You won’t pay anything unless we recover money for you.
