Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite?
While dog owners have a duty to protect people from bites and attacks, they’re not the only ones who can be held liable for a dog bite injury. In Indiana, you might have a dog bite claim against negligent:
- Dog owners
- Landlords who are aware of a tenant’s dangerous or aggressive dog
- Facilities that are caring for and controlling a dog, such as a veterinarian, groomer, kennel, or dog daycare
While neither the state of Indiana nor the cities of Lafayette or West Lafayette have breed-specific bans, a jury will sometimes take a dog’s breed or training into consideration when assessing an owner’s negligence. All dogs carry some danger, but certain types of dogs require more monitoring and caution than others.
At the Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC, we carefully investigate dog bite claims, looking for evidence of past aggression and behavioral problems. To assess these legally complex claims, request an appointment with a dog bite lawyer at our office.
Dog Owners Are Responsible for Bites on Both Private and Public Property
Whether a dog owner is at a dog park, taking a walk, or at home, that person has a duty to protect you from an aggressive animal. However, sometimes a dog owner thinks he should not be responsible for injuries caused by his dog. A lawyer can assess the unique circumstances surrounding your claim.
What If My Community Has a Leash Law?
Many cities and communities impose leash laws. These laws require all dogs to be restrained while outside. For example, the city of Lafayette requires dog owners to use a leash when they walk their dogs, as does the city of West Lafayette. If a dog owner ignores these rules and his pet bites you or a loved one, the violation may be powerful evidence in your claim.
In Indiana, when someone violates a law or ordinance, it is considered negligence per se. Since the owner violated the leash law or other ordinance you were bitten and suffered damages.
Dog bite claims are nuanced and complicated. It’s always best to consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. You can be sure that the insurance company will begin preparing a defense to any claim immediately. A lawyer can help you understand the law as it applies to the facts of your case and and make sure that your rights are protected. Contact the Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC today for your free consultation.
Is an Electronic Pet Containment System Enough?
Many homeowners and housing developments prefer “invisible” dog containment systems. Rather than a physical fence, these system deliver a brief shock to a dog if they attempt to leave a yard. These systems are imperfect at best. For example:
- Electronic pet containment systems do not stop children and other vulnerable individuals from entering a yard with a dangerous dog
- The shock does not deter all dogs from leaving the yard, even with training
- Dog owners must regularly check their system’s maintenance and collar batteries
If you or a loved one were injured by a dog behind an electronic fence contact a dog bite lawyer at the Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC for more information and a complimentary evaluation.
What Should I Do If I’m Bitten by a Dog?
It’s important to get prompt attention for a dog bite. No matter the breed, dogs exert a lot of force and pressure during a bite. The trauma can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, lacerations, and nerve damage. In the most serious cases, a dog bite victim can face life-threatening injuries and disfigurement.
After a dog bite, you or your loved one should take the following steps:
- Call 911 or animal control and report the incident
- Cooperate fully with the police or animal control investigation
- Seek appropriate medical care
- Take pictures of the dog bite and the scene of the bite
- Obtain information from the dog owner, including the person’s name, address, and other contact information
- Collect the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses
- Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer.
Sometimes, a dog owner will plead with you not to call 911. If there is no proof that the dog has had its rabies vaccine some communities require a dog to go into quarantine after biting someone. However, it’s always in your best interest to call the authorities after a serious dog bite. Your report will serve as valuable evidence in your dog bite claim — and it might protect other people from harm.
Having a dog attack you is terrifying. Unfortunately, a visit to the ER does not bring as much reassurance as you would hope because dogs’ mouths are so full of all kinds of potent bacteria. Wounds that would normally be stitched often are not because doctors fear increasing the risk of infection. Even a small bite can result in a serious infection requiring repeated surgeries. Statistically, most dog bite victims are children. Whether you are an adult or a child the emotional, physical, and financial impact of a dog bite can be significant. If you or a loved one has been wounded by a dog, it’s important to know your legal rights.
