Dog Bite Attorney Indianapolis
A knowledgeable lawyer handling injury claims throughout the Hoosier State, including Avon, Plainfield, Greenwood and Noblesville
Has a dog bit you or a loved one in Indiana? Dog bites can result in serious personal injuries which require emergency medical care or even surgery. In some extreme cases, dog bites can even result in death, especially when dog attacks involve small children. Unfortunately, children in Indiana are attacked by dogs at an alarming rate. National statistics reveal nearly 5 million people each year are bitten by dogs across the United States, and many of them are youngsters.
Knowing what to do after a dog bite can be confusing. This is especially true if you or a loved one was attacked by a dog owned by a friend or neighbor. Dog bite victims are often reluctant to take legal action against people they know. But you also shouldn't have to pay for expensive medical procedures due to the violent behavior of a dangerous dog.
At Indianapolis law firm Hocker Law, LLC, we have years of experience handling serious dog attacks in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana. Our attorneys know Indiana's dog bite laws inside out and can explain all the legal options available to you. We will be your advocate, whether you or a loved one was injured through no fault of your own.
What should I do if I'm bitten by a dog in Indiana?
The following is a guide for anyone who is attacked by a dog:
- Contact the police. While you might not think it's necessary to get the police involved, it's important to have their report as evidence that you were attacked.
- Seek immediate medical treatment.
- Write down the dog owner's name, address and phone number if possible.
- Do not engage in a debate with the dog owner.
- Talk to witnesses of your dog attack and get their names, addresses and phone numbers.
- Take photographs of your injuries and the dog if possible.
- Contact our law firm as soon as possible.
Can I file a dog bite lawsuit in Indiana?
In most cases, you can file a lawsuit in Indiana to obtain compensation for your dog bite. Getting the money you rightfully deserve for your dog bite should be your top priority because the expenses associated with dog attacks can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. While you may be able to obtain a fair settlement without litigation, sometimes a lawsuit is necessary to secure the compensation you need.
Depending on the nature of the attack, you may be entitled to receive damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering and other dog-bite-related expenses. A victim may need plastic surgery as well as compensation for psychological counseling.
Like many other states, Indiana's dog bite laws include a "one bite rule." Under this rule, a dog can bite a person one time without repercussions to the dog owner in most cases. After the first dog bite, the dog's owner will then be held legally responsible for any injuries caused by the same dog.
Many other laws in Indiana govern dog bites. Each of these laws can have a dramatic impact upon how much money you receive for your attack. That's why it's critical that you have a dog bite lawyer who understands Indiana's legal system working for you.
How can an Indiana dog bite attorney help me with my case?
If you don't have a lawyer working for you who thoroughly understands Indiana's dog bite laws or how the legal system works in our state, you could cost your family thousands of dollars, money that could be used to pay your medical bills and make up for lost income.
At Hocker Law, LLC, we understand the seriousness of such cases. That's why take an aggressive approach toward investigating every dog bite attack we handle at our law firm. We realize that a dog attack can have serious financial consequences.
But your case is about more than just money. It's about holding dog owners responsible for their dog's behavior. It's about protecting other people from future dog attacks. It's about justice. Find out how we can help you. Contact us. Call (317) 578-1630. We offer a free consultation to all potential clients.