Goshen Dog Bite Lawyers

Besides serious physical injuries, dog bites can cause emotional trauma that may affect your daily life for weeks, months, or even permanently. Few things are as frightening and potentially as harmful.

After a dog attack, you need representation from attorneys who comprehend the specific local laws governing these cases. The Goshen dog bite lawyers at Wilson & Kinsman, LLC have assisted numerous clients in obtaining the compensation they deserve after being harmed by someone else’s pet.

Indiana law provides certain protections for individuals who have been bitten by dogs, but the legal process can be difficult to handle alone, particularly when you are recovering from injuries. Our legal team gives you the advantage of having professionals who understand state regulations and local ordinances that may impact your case. Our attorneys can guide you through each step of the legal process while you focus on healing.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Dog Bite?

If you have been bitten by a dog, your first priority should be seeking medical attention, even if the wound appears minor. Dog bites can lead to infections, and proper documentation of your injuries will be important for any future legal action. After addressing your medical needs, report the incident to local animal control or police departments to create an official record.

Take photographs of the dog, the accident scene, and your injuries before treatment, if possible, and continue documenting your recovery process. Collect contact information from the dog owner and any witnesses present during the incident. Do not discuss fault or accept any settlement offers from the owner or their insurance company before consulting with our Goshen dog bite lawyers, who can evaluate the true value of your claim.

How Does Indiana Law Apply to Dog Bite Cases?

Indiana has a “one bite rule” with some modifications. That rule states that dog owners should not be held responsible for attacks when they do not have knowledge of their pet’s capacity for aggressiveness or violence. However, that does not mean that the dog’s first bite will not have consequences. Their owners can still be held liable under the circumstances.

Indiana also has a strict liability statute that applies in certain circumstances, particularly when the bite victim is carrying out a duty imposed by state or federal laws, such as mail carriers, police officers, and federal offices.

What Are the Penalties for Dog Owners Whose Dogs Bite People?

A dog owner might face criminal liability for negligence or an intentional act. They can face up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail if they knowingly or recklessly fail to restrain their dog or if the dog goes onto someone else’s property and bites them with no provocation, causing an injury. That is a Class C misdemeanor.

The charge could rise to a Class B misdemeanor with $1,000 in fines and up to 180 days in jail if the pet owner was previously convicted of a dog attack. Should the dog attack cause a death, the pet owner faces a Level 6 felony, with up to $10,000 in fines and two-and-a-half years in jail.

Who Is Liable for My Dog Bite Injuries?

Liability in dog bite cases usually falls on the dog owner, but other parties might share responsibility depending on the circumstances. If the attack occurred on a rental property, the landlord might be partially liable if they were aware of a dangerous dog on the premises. Similarly, if someone other than the owner was temporarily responsible for the dog, such as a pet sitter or boarding facility, they might be held accountable.

Insurance policies often cover dog bite claims. Homeowners insurance or renter’s insurance typically includes liability coverage for injuries caused by pets. Your Goshen dog bite lawyers will identify all potentially responsible parties and applicable insurance policies to maximize your potential recovery.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Indiana?

Indiana has a statute of limitations that requires personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, to be filed within two years from the date of the injury. If you do not file within this timeframe, you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation, regardless of how strong your case might be.

This time restriction makes it imperative to consult with our legal team as soon as possible after an incident. The attorneys at Wilson & Kinsman, LLC can help you understand these deadlines and make sure all necessary documentation and filings are completed properly and on time.

What If the Dog Owner Claims I Provoked the Dog?

Dog owners frequently defend themselves by claiming the bite victim provoked the animal. Indiana law does consider comparative fault, which means your compensation could be reduced if you are found partially responsible for provoking the dog. However, what constitutes “provocation” is not always clear-cut.

Our Goshen dog bite lawyers can gather evidence like witness statements, previous reports about the dog’s behavior, and expert testimony, if needed, to counter claims that you provoked the animal. They will work diligently to protect your right to fair compensation by presenting a complete picture of the incident that led to your injuries.

How Do I Prove My Dog Bite Case?

Proving a dog bite case requires establishing several key elements, including the identity of the dog owner, that you were lawfully present where the bite occurred, and that you did not provoke the dog. You must also document the extent of your injuries and demonstrate how they have affected your life.

Other evidence, like medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, animal control reports, and documentation of any previous incidents involving the same dog, can help build your case. Our legal team at Wilson & Kinsman, LLC has experience gathering and presenting evidence effectively to support client claims.

What Compensation Can I Receive for a Dog Bite Injury?

Compensation in dog bite cases typically covers medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgeries, follow-up care, medication, and physical therapy. If your injuries prevented you from working, you may also recover lost wages for that period. Additionally, you might receive compensation for pain and suffering, which addresses the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the attack.

In cases involving severe scarring or permanent disfigurement, especially on visible areas like the face or hands, additional compensation may be available. Your Goshen dog bite lawyers will carefully calculate all these damages to determine an appropriate settlement amount that reflects the full impact the injury has had on your life.

Goshen Dog Bite Lawyers at Wilson & Kinsman, LLC Offer Free Consultations

The physical and emotional aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. Our experienced Goshen dog bite lawyers at Wilson & Kinsman, LLC are ready to evaluate your case and help you understand your legal options. To learn more, call 574-522-1900 or complete our online form. Located in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, we skillfully handle personal injury claims in St. Joseph County and throughout the state.