Lafayette Dog Bite Lawyers

Americans love dogs. In fact, a pet owners survey reported that there are over 90 million dogs owned in the United States. Dog ownership can have a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families. People who own a dog are more likely to take walks and stay active.. The unconditional love a dog provides can decrease loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Many of us at Hensley Legal Group are dog owners and support our local pet adoption agencies.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that in the United States, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur every year. Dog attacks and bites can leave a dog’s owner financially liable for the damage that their dog causes. According to the Insurance Information Institute, homeowners insurance paid $854 million in claims connected with dog bites and dog attacks. Of course the consequences of an animal attack run far deeper than the financial costs. Dog bite injuries can cause permanent disfigurement, life-long emotional trauma and tragically, a dog attack can lead to death.

Unfortunately, the state of Indiana is not immune to these grim dog bite statistics. Indiana is ranked 17th on a MoneyWise, State Farm Insurance Report of states with the most dog bites. While 17th is better than being first, it’s alarming that Indiana is numbered among the top twenty highest dog bite states in the nation. If you have suffered a dog bite in Lafayette, get medical treatment immediately and then contact a Lafayette dog bite lawyer. Every dog bite case is different and no outcome is guaranteed but a Lafayette dog bite lawyer is your best chance to receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Hensley Legal Group’s team of injury lawyers and support staff have the experience necessary to successfully litigate your animal bite case. Serving Lafayette and the surrounding area, Hensley Legal Group is a dog bite lawyer you can trust. Call today for a free consultation at (317) 472-3333

Lafayette Dog Bite Laws

Indiana has separate statutes regarding dog bites depending on whether the injury was to a regular citizen or to a person who is carrying out a duty within the laws of Indiana. Examples of the latter would be a policeman, postal worker, utility worker etc. In the case of someone on the job and being attacked by a dog, Indiana law holds the animal owner strictly liable if:.

The dog is not intentionally provoked
The worker is acting peaceably
The worker is in a location required to perform his or her duties

In addition, the owner is liable for damages caused from a dog bite even if the dog has not shown any previous aggressive or vicious behavior or the owner has no knowledge of such behavior previously.

Indiana’s One-Bite Rule

If a dog has never shown any aggressive tendencies and has no history of vicious behavior, is not provoked and the owner isn’t negligent in any way, then the dog owner may not be liable for injuries caused by a dog’s first bite. The One-Bite Rule protects dog owners who are truly innocent of any wrongdoing. However, once the dog has shown aggression, any future dog bite incident would allow the dog owner to be held liable for a bite injury and any damages caused.

Dog Owner Negligence in Lafayette

The One-Bite Rule has no bearing on a case if there is any proof of negligence by the animal’s owner that led to a person being injured by a dog. Typical instances of an owners negligence includes:

Dogs off leash in an on-leash area
Dogs escaping a confined area, such as a yard or kennel and running at large
Allowing a dog with known aggressive tendencies to be around people
Failing to supervise a dog around children, even if the dog has no history of being dangerous.
Lack of signage indicating an aggressive dog is being kept.

Dog owner negligence is a common cause of serious injuries from a dog bite. Dog owners have a right to the enjoyment and companionship of an animal as long as they follow the regulations regarding dog ownership. Violation of the city statutes regarding dog ownership is considered negligence. A dog bite lawyer can help victims understand dog bite laws and how the violation of the law can help prove negligence.

Lafayette Animal Regulations

It is unlawful to own a dangerous animal.
It is unlawful to own more than three dogs and three cats.
Owners shall not permit their animals to become a nuisance.
Owners are required to pick up after their dogs.
Female animals in heat must be confined.
Dogs over 5 months of age must be registered and wear a dog tag.
Rabies vaccination is required for all dogs over 3 months old.
Rabies tag must be worn.
Dogs must be on a leash when outside of a closed private yard and in control of the owner at all times.

If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a dog attack, you may be eligible for compensation. A Lafayette dog bite lawyer can help you through the legal process of filing a claim and proving negligence. Victims injured by a dog deserve competent legal representation regardless of their financial status and should seek help from an attorney as soon as possible.

Hensley Legal Group believes all victims of dog bite injury should have access to sound legal advice that doesn’t put them in a financial bind. The attorneys at Hensley encourage victims of dangerous dogs to take advantage of their free consultation where injury lawyers can answer any questions they may have about filing a claim. This no obligation consultation is a good opportunity to find out if you have a case worth pursuing, and if Hensley Legal Group is the right team for you. Don’t settle for less than your claim is worth. Call (317) 472-3333 to set up your free consultation.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

The kinds of injuries resulting from a dog attack can vary depending on the size of the animal and the size of the victim. Some common injuries include:

Puncture wounds
Skin tears
Abrasions
Head Injuries from being knocked down
Infections
Rabies and other disease exposure
Facial disfigurement
Loss of fingers or limbs
Nerve damage
Bone fractures
Torn ligaments
Fatal wounds

Extensive damage from a dog bite may not be immediately known. Often a dog bite will become infected leading to prolonged healing and tremendous pain. Some injuries reveal themselves over time, and only later does a victim realize how badly they are hurt. Even a simple dog bite injury can be painful and expose the victim to rabies and other diseases. Attorneys with experience filing a dog bite claim understand the complexity of dog bite injuries and know that a small bite can lead to a large medical problem.

Hensley Legal Group is a Lafayette, IN dog bite law firm that believes victims of dog bite injuries deserve to be fairly compensated for their losses. Victims not only suffer physically but emotionally. The Hensley injury lawyers believe an animal’s owner should be held responsible if they are negligent. If you or a loved one have been injured by a dog, you need a dog bite lawyer with the experience and resources to negotiate with insurance companies and take your case to court if that’s what it takes to get justice. Call the award-winning Lafayette injury lawyers at Hensley Legal Group for help with your case at (317) 472-3333.

Compensation For Dog Bite Injuries

A dog bite compensation claim can include both economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages include:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Future lost wages
Rehabilitation costs
Surgery fees
Hospitalization expenses

Non-economic damages include:

Pain and suffering
Disfigurement
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment

The total amount of a dog bite claim is best determined by consulting an attorney who specializes in dog bite law. A dog bite lawyer with experience will have information regarding dog owners and the law that pertains to their negligence. If you or a loved one have suffered a dog attack, contact a lawyer immediately. Lawyers can ensure that your rights are protected through the claim process.

The lawyers at Hensley Legal Group know that suffering a dog attack can be traumatic and expensive. The last thing victims need is to worry about legal fees. In order to ensure that victims have access to legal representation, regardless of their financial status, Hensley Legal Group offers a free consultation along with a no upfront fee policy. In fact, at Hensley Legal Group, you only pay if we win your case. Contact us today at (317) 472-3333