Dog Bite Lawyer in Anderson, IN

Exploring the Lasting Impact of Dog Bite Incidents

Being attacked by a dog can take a serious toll on someone’s physical and mental health. Bodily injuries may include:

• Puncture wounds with possible nerve damage
• Lacerations requiring stitches
• Infections transmitted from the animal
• Bruising
• Scarring

In addition to physical injuries, many victims sustain psychological trauma from the attack. It’s common to develop severe anxiety around dogs or experience flashbacks to the event. 

What Damages Can You Pursue After a Dog Bite?

Depending on the scope of your injury, you may claim both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are much easier to calculate, as they have a measurable value. Medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage related to the incident may all be part of your injury claim. 

Some victims pursue non-economic damages as well. These often refer to the pain and suffering that come with an injury or the emotional distress that follows a dog attack. Our dog bite lawyers in Anderson, IN, may use medical records, testimony from expert witnesses, and statements from the victim’s loved ones to support their emotional distress claim. 

Indiana’s Rules of Liability for Dog Attacks

It’s easy to blame the dog’s owner for the attack. However, local laws outline what constitutes a negligent dog owner. 

If the animal has a history of aggressive behavior or has bitten people before, the owner should take reasonable steps to prevent harm. Owners may not be deemed automatically liable if they have no reason to believe the animal could bite others and they experience this situation for the first time. If the owner fails to prevent foreseeable harm, they may be liable. 

There are laws of strict liability for dog bites involving government officials, such as postal workers. Any incident involving an on-duty government worker typically makes the dog’s owner liable for their injuries. 

Consult a Dog Bite Lawyer in Anderson, IN, About Your Legal Options

A dog bite incident can be scary and have a lasting impact on your life. If you’d like to pursue compensation from a negligent dog owner, reach out to Stewart & Stewart Attorneys. Our personal injury lawyers will review your case and determine whether you’re eligible to seek damages. 

Your first consultation is free, so why not meet with a dog bite lawyer in Anderson, IN? Submit our online request form or call our Anderson office at (765) 232-3699 to get started. 

Frequently Asked Questions

We receive a lot of questions about dog bite injury claims. Learn more about the topic below, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have other unanswered questions. 

Is a Dog Owner Always Liable if the Animal Bites Someone in Indiana?

Not necessarily. Indiana law states that dog owners may not be held liable if they are not aware of the animal’s aggressive tendencies.

My Child Was Bitten by a Neighbor’s Dog. Can I File a Claim on Their Behalf?

Yes, parents are allowed to file personal injury claims for their children if the victim is a minor. 

Is Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer Worth It?

Every case is different, but many victims find that hiring a dog bite lawyer in Anderson, IN, is worthwhile. With the appropriate legal representation, you can navigate the claims process with confidence.