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.

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.

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.

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.

Each experienced Lafayette, IN dog bite lawyer at our firm has handled numerous cases and knows that dog bite attacks can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scratches to severe, life-altering trauma. The severity often depends on the dog’s size, breed, and temperament, as well as the circumstances of the attack. If you have suffered dog bite injuries, call Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC to discuss your legal options.

Puncture Wounds

Puncture wounds are among the most common injuries from dog bites. Dogs have powerful jaws and sharp teeth that can penetrate the skin and underlying tissues easily. These wounds can vary in severity:

• Superficial punctures: Small but painful wounds that affect the skin.
• Deep punctures: These can damage muscles, tendons, nerves, and even bones.
• Puncture wounds are particularly dangerous because they often seal quickly, trapping bacteria inside and creating an environment for infections. Left untreated, these infections can lead to complications such as cellulitis, abscesses, or systemic infections like sepsis. Victims should seek immediate medical attention to clean the wound and may require antibiotics to prevent infection.

Lacerations And Tearing Injuries

Lacerations occur when a dog’s teeth rip through the skin and underlying tissue, causing jagged wounds. In some cases, dogs may shake their heads or pull at their victim, resulting in tearing injuries that cause more extensive damage. These injuries can affect:

• Skin and soft tissues: Deep cuts may require stitches, skin grafts, or reconstructive surgery.
• Muscles and tendons: Severe lacerations can impair mobility or lead to long-term physical disabilities.
• Nerves: Damage to nerves can cause chronic pain or permanent loss of sensation in the affected area.
• Scarring is a common outcome of lacerations, especially on visible areas such as the face, neck, or arms. Victims may also require cosmetic surgery or physical therapy to recover fully.

Infections

Dog bites are notorious for causing infections due to the bacteria in a dog’s mouth. Common infections include:

• Rabies: Although rare in many developed countries due to vaccinations, rabies remains a serious concern in untreated or wild dog bites. It is almost always fatal if not treated promptly with post-exposure prophylaxis.
• Capnocytophaga infection: This bacterial infection can spread rapidly in bite victims, especially those with weakened immune systems.
• Pasteurella infection: This is the most common bacterial infection following a dog bite, causing pain, redness, swelling, and potential abscesses.

Infections can escalate quickly, leading to complications such as tetanus, gangrene, or sepsis. Medical professionals often administer antibiotics, clean the wound thoroughly, and recommend rabies or tetanus shots when necessary.

Emotional And Psychological Trauma

While physical injuries are the most apparent consequences of a dog bite, the emotional and psychological impact can be just as significant. Victims may experience:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and a persistent fear of dogs or similar situations.
• Anxiety or depression: The trauma of the attack, combined with potential scarring or disfigurement, can lead to long-term emotional distress.
• Fear or phobia: Many victims develop a lasting fear of dogs, which can interfere with their daily lives or social activities.

Psychological injuries are prevalent in children, who may struggle to process the attack or regain trust in animals. Therapy, counseling, or support groups can help victims cope with these challenges. A Lafayette dog bite lawyer can include damages for emotional injuries in your injury claim.

Call Our Personal Injury Law Firm For Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the losses those injuries have caused. Call Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a seasoned Lafayette dog bite lawyer. Do not delay. Indiana has imposed a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, and if you wait too long, you will lose your right to recovery.