Fort Wayne Dog Bite Lawyers

It seems like you come across a dog wherever you look in Indiana, which has the sixth highest rate of dog ownership in the country and at least one dog residing in almost half of the state’s households.  No matter if they are walking on leashes down the streets of Fort Wayne or roaming freely through Pawster Park, dogs obviously hold a special place in the hearts of Hoosiers. 

But while dogs can give us unconditional love and companionship, they are often unpredictable as well, with the slightest irritation sometimes triggering a brutal response.  In fact, about 4.5 million Americans are attacked by dogs annually, while Indiana rank ninth in per capita dog injury claims.   

And though you may have grounds for a personal injury case if a dog senselessly attacks you, Indiana law could keep success beyond your grasp.  To tip the odds in your favor, consider reaching out to the Fort Wayne dog bite lawyers at Hensley Legal Group, where we have been fighting for the rights of the wrongfully injured since 1998.  

You can schedule a no-cost consultation with a seasoned Fort Wayne dog bite attorney by calling or texting us at (317) 472-3333, chatting with us online, or filling out our contact form at your earliest convenience.  

Who Can Pursue a Fort Wayne Dog Bite Case? 

Dog bite cases are very common in Indiana, even though the state imposes numerous restrictions on these kinds of claims.  Who can pursue a Fort Wayne dog bite case?  The reality is that a host of factors can impact your eligibility, including your employment, the dog’s prior conduct, and the specific circumstances of the incident. 

The State of Indiana gives police officers, firefighters, postal workers, and other state and federal workers wide latitude to take civil action when they are attacked by a dog on the job.  If a dog bites someone “without provocation” while that individual is  

• behaving peaceably; and  

• in a location where he or she needs to be in order to perform a duty imposed by:  

• • Indiana law;  

• • United States law; or  

• • U.S. postal regulations  

then “the owner of the dog is liable for all damages suffered by the person bitten,” according to Title 15, Article 20, Section 3 of the Indiana Code.  This liability exists even if the owner “has no knowledge of prior vicious behavior by the dog” or a dog “has not previously behaved in a vicious manner.”  

Unfortunately, all other potential dog bite plaintiffs are subject to a completely different standard.  Thanks to the state’s “One-Bite Rule,” an Indiana dog owner might not be liable for an attack on someone who is not a government employee if the owner was not aware of the dog ever acting aggressively before the attack. 

Basically, the One-Bite Rule gives dog owners a pass the first time their dogs bite private citizens, though it may not help them with subsequent attacks – which is cold comfort if you happen to be a dog’s first victim. 

Leading Dog Bite Injuries  

And make no mistake: you could endure grievous bodily harm if you are a victim.  While 48 Americans were killed by dogs in 2019, even non-fatal animal attacks can inflict lasting damage.  Some of the leading dog bite injuries include:

• Cuts, tears, and punctures of the skin  

• Severed nerves 

• Ruptured ligaments and muscles 

• Scarring 

• Facial disfigurement 

• Fractures  

• Loss of fingers and limbs 

• Cranial trauma 

• Hematomas  

• Infections 

• Rabies  

• Mental and emotional impairment 

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)  

Moreover, the long-term consequences of dog-based injuries may emerge only gradually, so it is critical to partner with a skilled Fort Wayne dog bite lawyer who can accurately assess your case and even overcome the One-Bite Rule. 

How to Overcome the One-Bite Rule 

But can the One-Bite Rule actually be overcome?  While this defense could make dog bite cases in the state much more difficult, a plaintiff may be able to counter it by showing that a dog attacked as a result of the owner’s negligence, which could be indicated by: 

• Unleashing a dog in an area where leashes are mandatory 

• Not posting signs warning that an ill-tempered dog is on site 

• Failing to contain a dog within a yard, kennel, or confined space 

• Letting a hostile dog interact with the public 

• Allowing an unsupervised dog to be near children 

If there is proof of a dog owner’s negligence, Hensley’s Fort Wayne dog bite attorneys will work tirelessly to find it. 

Steps to Take Following a Dog Attack  

It can be tough to think clearly following a dog attack, but there are certain steps that you should remember to take to better protect yourself and any case you might have, such as:  

• Seek treatment – Because delays in medical care could hinder your recovery and cast doubt on the relevance and extent of your personal injuries, seek treatment promptly. 

• Get owner and witness information – Obtaining the owner’s contact information is essential if you hope to hold him or her accountable.  Get the names and numbers of any witnesses too, since they could provide independent verification of what occurred.  

• Confirm the dog was vaccinated – Confirming that the dog was recently vaccinated could spare you an excruciating series of shots for major diseases like rabies.  If possible, try to get in touch with the dog’s veterinarian about its vaccination status because this issue may be too important to simply take the owner’s word. 

• Notify the authorities – Let animal control know about the attack as soon as you can, giving them a comprehensive version of events to ensure that an accurate report is produced.  You could also check whether the agency has any records of previous misconduct by the dog, as it could be invaluable in disputing challenges by its owner.   

• Stay away from the insurance company – If the dog owner has applicable insurance coverage (typically a homeowner policy), representatives from that insurance company may be eager to speak with you.  However, even an innocuous comment could be used against you, so it might be preferable to stay away from them until you… 

• Talk to a lawyer – A veteran Fort Wayne dog bite lawyer can answer your questions and determine how to proceed if you are contemplating a case.  

What Our Fort Wayne Dog Bite Attorneys Can Do  

In an instant, man’s best friend can become your worst enemy, forcing you to deal with mounting medical bills, dwindling finances, and unsightly scars that may not be easy to conceal. 

You need attorneys with the compassion to stand by you during this troubling period and the wisdom to guide you through it, like the Fort Wayne dog bite attorneys at Hensley Legal Group, who are committed to advocating for the hardworking men and women of Indiana. 

If you hire Hensley, we will launch a thorough investigation into the dog attack and everyone who shares blame for it, moving swiftly to secure evidence that could neutralize the One-Bite Rule, such as a history of violence by the dog or recklessness by its owner. 

After putting together an airtight case against all of the defendants, our Fort Wayne dog bite lawyers will endeavor to get you compensated for the entirety of your losses, including your:  

• Medical expenses  

• Lost wages  

• Pain and suffering  

• Psychological trauma 

• Diminished quality of living 

• Mobility limitations 

• Loss of consortium  

• Punitive damages (if warranted)  

And if we do not receive a settlement offer that is worthy of your case, we are not afraid to go to trial for a verdict that is, unlike many of our competitors, who rarely, if ever, venture into a courtroom.  

You might be reluctant to agree to more expenditures at this moment, but you should know that our firm works on a contingency basis, so you won’t have to pay us anything unless our Fort Wayne dog bite attorneys win your case.  

We believe in our clients, and we are willing to shoulder every burden involved in making them whole again. 

Turn to Our Dedicated Fort Wayne Dog Bite Lawyers Today  

If you have been hurt through no fault of your own, Hensley Legal Group will be here for you, so turn to our dedicated Fort Wayne dog bite lawyers today to explore your legal options. 

To arrange a complimentary case review with an accomplished Fort Wayne dog bite attorney, please call or text us at (317) 472-3333, chat with us online, or fill out our contact form.