What You Should Know About Dog Bites
While dog bites are not extremely common, they can have devastating consequences, which is why you need to be sure you do not underestimate the consequences of your injuries after a dog bite. At Harper and Harper, LLC, the attorneys on our team have more than 100 years of combined experience helping clients recover from personal injuries. As we represent the people of Porter County and northwest Indiana, we also take the time to provide them with essential information about their cases.
Five Things Everyone Should Know About Our State’s Dog Bite Laws
Both dog owners and dog bite victims should know certain things about a dog bite claim. Here are five of the most important things you should be aware of:
- If you own a dog of a breed with known, vicious propensities (for example, a pit bull or Doberman Pincher) and the dog – without being provoked – bites and injures someone, you’re likely liable for that injury and could be sued. This is true even if the dog has never bitten, or been aggressive, before.
- Even if your dog is *not* of such a breed – for example, a golden retriever – if it has a history of aggressive behavior and – without being provoked – bites and injures someone, you’re likely liable for that injury and could be sued.
- Regardless of breed, bite history or aggressive behavior, if your dog – without being provoked – bites and injures someone while unleashed and off your property, especially if you failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the dog’s escape, you’re likely liable for that injury and could be sued.
- Regardless of breed, bite history or aggressive behavior, if your dog – without being provoked – bites and injures a mailman or other public servant in the course and scope of his duties, you’re likely liable for that injury and could be sued.
- Regardless of breed, bite history or aggressive behavior, if your dog – without being provoked – bites and injures someone because you failed to use reasonable care, you’re likely liable for that injury. For example, if you leave your dog with a young child unsupervised and the dog bites the child, you’re likely liable for that injury and could be sued.
Answering Common Questions About Dog Bites
Our lawyers are as committed to your needs as you are, and we are eager to help you maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries and answer your questions, such as:
Do I need to see a doctor?
Even if the bite did not break the skin, you should see a doctor about your dog bite. They can confirm your medical condition, determine if you have suffered any hidden injuries, and provide you with orders to follow that will defend against allegations that you worsened your condition.
What is my claim worth?
Your injury claim should reflect the current and future costs of your injuries, including medical expenses, lost income, loss of bodily function, and pain and suffering. We can fight to maximize the compensation you earn through negotiation and litigation.
Start Your Injury Claim Here
If you have questions about Indiana’s dog bite law or have been injured as a result of a dog bite, we may be able to help, so do not wait to contact us. Call our Valparaiso office at 219-733-8837 or email us here for a free initial consultation today.