There are almost 90 million dogs in the United States, and most of their owners would claim they’re nice dogs that would never bite. The statistics show otherwise.
The American Veterinary Association reports that more than 4.5 million people suffer dog bites each year across the nation. Severe and disfiguring dog bites are on the rise, with at least 800,000 people seeking urgent medical treatment for their dog bite injuries every year.
What would you do if a dog suddenly attacked you and left you with painful wounds? Here’s what you need to know about Indiana dog bite laws and what you should do after a bite.
Are Dog Bites Common in Indiana?
Indiana was on State Farm’s Top 10 List of dog bites in previous years but recently dropped out of the Top 10. Still, dog bites are surprisingly common in the Hoosier state and thousands of people visit Indiana emergency rooms every year with severe dog bite wounds.
You may have seen the news stories about vicious dog attacks in Indianapolis and surrounding areas. Here are just a few recent stories that show how serious this issue is in central Indiana.
- An Indianapolis jogger was attacked by dogs during a daily run.
- A local toddler suffered deep arm wounds from a stray dog.
- An Indianapolis woman survived a dog attack and was angry that the state didn’t follow up on her dog bite report.
Stories like these make you wonder about the best course of action after a dog bite. Here’s some good news: You can stand up for your rights and hold the right person responsible for what happened, which is explained in more detail below.
What to Do If a Dog Bites You
After a dog bites you, get away from the dog and seek immediate treatment for your dog bite injuries. You don’t have to call 911, but you should if your injuries are severe enough to need urgent medical care.
Never delay treatment because this could lead to an infection or even a deadly disease like rabies, which impacts between 10 and 40 people in Indiana every year. You may need stitches or medication for dog bites, like antibiotics and skin treatments.
Certain aspects of dog bite reporting are mandated by the state of Indiana. Doctors who treat dog bite wounds must report them within 72 hours of examining the patient and Animal Control will work to locate the dog and owner. Reporting doesn’t just apply to doctors, as Indiana requires all dog bites to be reported to the State Department of Health within 72 hours.
Fast reporting matters because the dog may need to be quarantined for public safety. When you make a report, identify the dog and include as much information as you know about it so local authorities can track down the owner for additional details.
Take dog bite photos before and after a doctor treats you. Keep a journal or calendar with your medical appointments, plus notes about how your dog bite injuries are impacting your daily life. You’ll need this evidence later if you take legal action to pursue payment for your injuries and other losses.
Can You Hold the Owner Responsible for a Dog Bite?
If you plan to file a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner, the time limit to file is 2 years from the date of the incident. Don’t wait, because you’ll have the best chance at gathering evidence as soon as possible after your dog bite.
Three main factors in your dog bite lawsuit will impact how your case turns out.
- The severity of your injuries and the cost of your medical bills will play a major role in determining the value of your case.
- Indiana’s “one bite rule” doesn’t hold an owner strictly liable for the first bite but can still consider them negligent if they outright failed to protect you from their dog.
- The modified comparative fault rule for personal injury cases considers your share of the blame, including whether you did something like taunt the dog.
If you plan to file a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner, the time limit to file is 2 years from the date of the incident. Don’t wait, because you’ll have the best chance at gathering evidence as soon as possible after your dog bite.
After an Indiana Dog Bite, Contact Crossen Law Firm
Crossen Law Firm cares about Indiana’s dog bite survivors and wants to empower you to move forward from your injuries. Contact us for compassionate representation from a law firm with a long history of successful dog bite cases.
Call 317-401-8626 for a free consultation with an Indianapolis dog bite lawyer. You can hold the right person responsible for your injuries and claim the dog bite compensation you deserve.
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