Christie Farrell Lee & Bell
  • About
    • Our Blog
    • Indiana Injury Case Co-Counsel
    • Firm News
    • Video Center
    • Giving Back
  • Practice Areas
    • Personal Injury
    • Truck Accidents
    • Birth Injury
    • Car Accidents
    • Catastrophic Injury
    • Dog Bites
    • Medical Malpractice
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Premises Liability
    • Product Liability
    • Traumatic Brain Injuries
    • Wrongful Death
  • Areas Served
    • Indianapolis
    • Fort Wayne
    • Evansville
    • South Bend
    • Bloomington
    • Gary
    • Lafayette
    • Muncie
    • Terre Haute
    • Lawrenceburg
    • Kokomo
    • Richmond
    • Crown Point
    • Carmel
  • Reviews
  • Attorneys
  • Results
  • Contact Us
Call Us Today! CTA Icon 317-488-5500

Blog Indiana Dog Bite Laws

Indiana Dog Bite Laws

May 23, 2023
By Lee Christie
YouTubeLinkedInFacebookGoogle BusinessYelp
Prev Post Next Post

The state of Indiana, much like the rest of the country, wrestles with a significant number of dog bite incidents each year, and we hear a lot of these cases at our law firm. Such accidents, whether with familiar pets or unfamiliar animals, can result in serious injuries, emotional trauma, and occasionally, tragic fatalities that also represent a significant economic burden. 

But to protect its citizens, the state of Indiana has enacted laws specific to dog bites that can help you hold dog owners accountable if they suffered injuries in an attack. 

Today, we’ll share the most important aspects of the dog bite laws to help you protect your right and seek economic compensation as you deserve.

The Basics: Indiana’s Dog Bite Statute

Indiana’s primary law concerning dog bites is outlined in Indiana Code § 15-20-1-3. This statute says that if a dog, without provocation, bites a person who is acting peaceably and is in a location where they’re legally allowed to be, the dog’s owner could be held liable for any damages suffered by the person bitten.

Interestingly, Indiana’s law on dog bites is a “strict liability” statute. This means that the dog’s owner may be held liable for injuries even if they were not aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies or didn’t show negligence in controlling the animal.

For answers to your questions, call:
317-488-5500

Exceptions and the Scope of Liability

While the Indiana dog bite law provides protection, there are notable exceptions. The law primarily applies when the dog is not confined or restrained, and the bite causes injury. 

It is also important to note that if the victim was provoking the dog or unlawfully on the owner’s property, the owner may not be held responsible for the damages. For a comprehensive understanding of your case, seeking guidance from a local dog bite lawyer can help you determine negligence.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

Landlord Liability in Dog Bite Cases

In some circumstances, Indiana law extends the liability of dog bite incidents to landlords. A landlord could potentially be held liable if they were aware of a tenant’s dog being a danger to others and did nothing to mitigate the threat. 

This legal responsibility is particularly applicable if the landlord maintains control over the area where the dog bite incident transpired. Such intricacies can be essential for individuals residing in rental properties and are further enclosed within the scope of premises liability laws in Indiana.

Click to contact us today

Comparative Fault in Dog Bite Incidents

In personal injury cases, including dog bites, Indiana employs a “comparative fault” system as per the Indiana Comparative Fault Act. If the injured party is partially responsible for the incident, such as by provoking the dog, any compensation awarded could be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

Implications of Severe Injuries and Wrongful Death

Regrettably, some dog bite incidents can cause severe injuries or even be fatal for the victim in the worst situations. 

In such cases, families may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Indiana’s wrongful death statutes (Indiana Code § 34-23-1-1). 

This statute enables a representative of the deceased, typically a close family member, to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of the deceased person’s earnings, and the emotional trauma associated with such a tragic loss.

Understanding Indiana’s dog bite laws is essential when dealing with a dog bite incident, especially if you plan to file a dog attack claim to seek compensation. 

If that’s your case, consulting with a local personal injury attorney is often the best course of action when navigating the complexities of Indiana’s dog bite laws. At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we’re committed to offering guidance and support to those affected by such incidents. Get in touch with our team and receive the legal advice you need to pursue a successful claim.

Call 317-488-5500 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Categories

  • Personal Injury

Related Posts

May 12
Legal Options for Truck Accident Victims in Multi-Vehicle Collisions
Truck accidents, particularly those involving multiple vehicles, can be incredibly complex. These collisions often lead to serious injuries and extensive...
View Article
May 12
How Wrongful Death Settlements Are Calculated in Truck Accident Cases
Losing a loved one due to a truck accident is an incredibly painful and challenging experience. While no amount of...
View Article
May 06
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Indiana?
Missing Indiana's personal injury filing deadlines means permanently losing your right to compensation, even if you have an ironclad case....
View Article
Christie Farrell Lee & Bell
317-488-5500

Local Office

951 N Delaware St
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Map & Directions [+]

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Our Team
  • Practice Areas
  • Blog
  • Firm News
  • Video Center
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy

Practice Areas

  • Truck Accidents
  • Car Accidents
  • Catastrophic Injuries
  • Dog Bite Injury
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Nursing Home Abuse
  • Personal Injury
  • Premises Liability
  • Product Liability
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Wrongful Death
  • CooperSurgical Embryo Loss Lawsuit

Follow Us

YouTubeLinkedInFacebookGoogle BusinessYelp
Us News Logo Us News Logo 2025

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

© 2025 All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer | Terms of Service

Phone Icon