Understanding Liability in Dog Bite Cases

In the state of Indiana, the laws governing dog bites are laid out in the Indiana Code § 15-20-1-3. The code places the liability on the dog owners if their pet attacks someone acting peaceably and situated where they have legal permission to be. 

Yet, navigating this law can be intricate, necessitating an in-depth comprehension of the legal system in Indiana.

 To establish liability in a dog bite case, several key factors must be demonstrated:

  • The victim didn’t provoke the dog. Understanding what constitutes provocation can be complex without the guidance of an attorney.
  • The person bitten was behaving peaceably. This excludes any aggressive or disruptive behavior.
  • The person bitten was in a location they were legally allowed to be. This could be a public area or private property with consent.

Establishing liability involves demonstrating various key factors, such as proving that you did not provoke the dog, you were behaving peaceably, and you were in a place where you had the legal right to be. 

Each of these factors is subject to interpretation and requires supporting evidence to build a strong case.

Injuries Related to Dog Attacks

Dog attacks result in physical injuries that can sometimes have long-term repercussions. The victim might suffer from puncture wounds, amputations, fractures, nerve damage, scarring, or even psychological trauma.

That’s why it’s crucial to take immediate steps after an attack, such as seeking medical attention, reporting the incident, and gathering information, which our guide on what to do after a dog attack discusses in detail.

Who Must Be Held Responsible for a Dog Bite Attack in Gary?

Under Indiana law, the owner of a dog is primarily responsible for a dog bite attack, including anyone who is temporarily taking care of the dog. 

However, there might be other parties also responsible, like a landlord or a property owner, particularly if they were aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.

Determining Responsibilities

The determination of responsibility in these cases is not a straightforward process. Various factors such as the location of the incident, the circumstances leading to the attack, and the known behavior of the dog can all play crucial roles in shaping the course of a legal proceeding.

Therefore, having a legal team by your side can greatly facilitate the process of identifying all parties that should be held accountable for a dog bite attack. 

Our team is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to navigate these complexities, ensuring that all relevant parties are held to account for their role in your unfortunate incident.

How a Gary Dog Bite Attorney Can Help You File a Claim in Indiana

Our lawyers can provide you with critical legal counsel and represent your best interests in a dog bite case, enabling you to focus on recovery and healing.

We offer various services to help you navigate the complexities of filing a dog bite claim, including but not limited to:

  • Evaluating Your Case: Our attorneys will conduct a thorough assessment of your case, taking into account the specifics of the incident, the extent of injuries, and applicable laws.
  • Gathering Evidence: We will help collect vital information about the dog, its owner, the location of the attack, and any witnesses.
  • Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. Our attorneys will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
  • Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: If negotiation fails, we’re prepared to take your case to court.

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we’re dedicated to offering legal support that is as compassionate as it is comprehensive, emphasizing our commitment to you and your recovery.

FAQs Related to Dog Bite Cases in Gary

Dog bite laws in Indiana can be a bit of a maze, and if you or someone you know has been bitten, you’ve probably got quite a few questions about how to proceed. We’ve answered some of the most common ones below to give you a clearer picture:

How Do I Negotiate a Dog Bite Settlement?

Negotiating a dog bite settlement can be tricky, especially when you’re up against insurance companies. That’s where having a lawyer can really help to calculate a fair amount of money to claim.

They’ll be able to work out what your claim’s worth, gather the necessary evidence, and negotiate hard on your behalf. And don’t forget, according to the Indiana Code, you’re entitled to fair compensation for all your injuries, so you don’t have to settle for less than you deserve.

How Long Does It Take to Get Money from a Dog Bite?

The time it takes to get money from a dog bite claim can vary quite a bit. It all depends on how complex your case is, whether it goes to court, and how quickly the responsible party or their insurance company processes the settlement.

How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Dog Bite?

The compensation for a dog bite can depend on several factors like how severe your injuries are, how much your medical treatment costs, any lost wages, and the emotional impact of the attack.

Each case is unique, so it’s challenging to give a precise amount without knowing all the details. A lawyer can guide you through this and help you understand the possible range of compensation for your particular case.

Our lawyers that handle these types of cases

Kyle L. Christie

Kyle L. Christie

Katherine M. Marshall

Katherine M. Marshall