When a dog attacks you or a family member, your first priority is getting medical attention.
Physical and emotional healing should always be at the forefront, which is why it’s important to have a team of experienced dog bite lawyers to handle all the legal aspects of your case.
Being involved in a dog bite is a terrifying experience, whether you’re a child, parent, or were bitten yourself. Dog bite prevention awareness is on the rise, with everyone from social media influencers to the USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign. Unfortunately, dog bites happen. Data collected by the American Veterinary Medical Association revealed that over 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. Tragically, children make up the majority of dog bite victims.
Understanding Dog Bite Claims in Terre Haute
Until a dog bit you or your family member, you may have never heard of dog bite law or been familiar with the workings of dog bite law in Terre Haute. We hope to explain a bit of the process, and when you’re ready, schedule your consultation with a Team Green Law attorney to discuss the specifics of your case.
Indiana Dog Bite Law
Indiana’s dog bite law (Indiana Code § 15-20-1) says that if a dog bites a person without provocation while that person is lawfully present, a civil claim may be available. For example, the owner of a dog is liable for all damages suffered by a person bitten, so long as the person was not provoking the dog, even if the dog had no prior history of aggression.
What to Do if You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog in Terre Haute
When a dog has attacked you or your child, everything can feel overwhelming. Rushing to medical attention is the first thing you should have done, and probably did. While things may be chaotic, you want to document everything that happened in as much detail as possible. Whether it’s writing it down, recording a video or voice memo, taking photos, do whatever you can to have what happened on file. It can be easy to misremember or forget crucial details even after a short period of time.
You will also want to collect all medical records. These will be necessary to file a dog bite claim. Navigating the complicated system of obtaining medical records can be exhausting, but your attorney can guide you through the process and complete some of these tasks on your behalf.
Mandatory Dog Bite Reporting
After a dog bite, timely reporting of the incident matters. While this won’t be at the top of your mind while receiving medical attention, under Indiana law (Indiana Code § 35-47-7-4), your physician or an administrator from the medical center where you got the care is required to report the bite.
Specifically, the responsible reporting party must report the bite to the Indiana Department of Health within 72 hours after they have treated you. If you are unsure if you or your child’s provider met this requirement, you or your dog bite lawyer should reach out to confirm.
Common Questions We Hear from Our Terre Haute Clients
As we mentioned, the average person isn’t usually experienced in dog bite law, but that doesn’t stop friends, neighbors, and even random people in the grocery store from advising you about your case. With misinformation coming in from all directions, we get many questions from clients about whether they can file a case in their situation and how the process works.
What Damages Can I Recover in My Dog Bite Case?
When we file a dog bite claim on your behalf, we typically request a few types of damages. Of course, what we ask for in your case will depend on the specific facts of your dog bite incident and the following consequences of the bite. Generally, in dog bite cases, we can request compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Loss of income if you miss work
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
What if the dog owner has little or no insurance?
Being underinsured or uninsured isn’t a deal-breaker for bringing a dog bite case. However, this scenario can make things a little more complicated. Our dog bite lawyers explore all available policies (homeowners, renters, umbrella) and identify liable parties. Once we review your case in detail, we can share our views on the likelihood of recovery and the process that would entail.
Can I still make a claim if I was on the owner’s property?
It depends. Yes, Indiana law does not automatically prevent compensation simply because someone was on the property. But liability depends on whether the owner acted reasonably and whether you were there lawfully. If you were trespassing on either public or private property at the time of the attack, you won’t be able to file a dog bite claim.
How long do I have to file a claim?
You have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury claim.
Do I have to pay up front?
No, in fact, whether you retain Team Green Law or not, your initial case review is always free. And you won’t owe attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Why Choose Team Green Law for Your Dog Bite Case?
Indiana is a big state, and having a Terre Haute dog bite lawyer who knows the ins and outs in Terre Haute can make all the difference in your case.
Our Attorneys Know the System
Team Green Law attorneys are well-versed in the Terre Haute court system and how dog bite claims are resolved in the area. From representing countless clients in the area, we are familiar with how each judge operates and what their preferences are.
Our Focus is Serving You
Our firm offers more than just a local focus; we pride ourselves on providing every one of our clients with personal attention. Your Team Green Law attorney will keep you informed at every step. Your case will never be treated as just another file on our desk.
Whenever you call, your lawyer is here to answer any questions or concerns you have. We will always give you our honest advice, explain what action we believe is appropriate, and our strategy to fight for you.
Our Team Fights for You
Fighting with insurance companies in dog bite cases is no easy feat. However, our attorneys have a long history of negotiating with both local and national insurance carriers. When an insurer sends you that first offer and says, “Sign here,” we ask, “Why so little?” and push them for a fair resolution. We will always advise you if we think insurance is giving you a lowball offer.
If necessary, our attorneys are prepared to pursue your case in court. We know what it takes to build a persuasive claim for a dog bite victim. Our goal is to get you the best possible recovery in your case with as little stress as possible.
Get Started with a Team Green Law Dog Bite Attorney Today
If you were bitten by a dog in the Terre Haute area, don’t let time slip by. Contact Team Green Law for a free case review. We’ll evaluate your situation, explain your rights, and help you decide how to move forward.
