An Indiana Dog Bite Attorney Describes the Indiana Laws Regarding Dog Bites

The interesting thing about dog bite victims is that they nearly always feel betrayed and disappointed despite the physical injuries they sustain. After all, dogs are “man’s best friends,” right? Unfortunately, the fact is that some dogs are exceptionally savage, especially those who have been trained this way, and can inflict severe damage or even death in a matter of minutes. They don’t care if they’re attacking a small child or a trained military expert. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention following a dog bite attack and the help of an Indiana dog bite lawyer who can help you understand your rights and fight for compensation. 

What to Do If You Are Bitten By A Dog In Indiana?

We have extensive experience handling dog bite cases in Indiana, and we’ll fight hard for you to get the maximum compensation you deserve to help you rebuild your life. We understand how tough it can be to recover from a vicious dog attack—you may face considerable medical expenses that exceed your health insurance coverage.

Dog bites are an injury that most often requires immediate attention. A bite can cause pain and can carry germs that can lead to infection. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, almost one of every five people bitten by a dog requires medical treatment. 

The Mayo Clinic offers advice on care to follow if you or your child was bitten by a dog:

If a wound is minor: 

• Wash your wounds with soap and water as soon as possible and apply antibiotic cream and a bandage.

If a wound is more severe; seek immediate medical care:

• A deep puncture wound should be evaluated by a medical professional.
• If the skin is ripped, crushed, or bleeding profusely, apply pressure to stop the bleeding and then visit the emergency room. If you cannot stop the bleeding or feel faint, call 911.
• Any signs of a fever, increased swelling, redness, pain, or oozing can signal infection. This is dangerous and requires prompt medical attention.
• Rabies is always a concern as it can be a serious and fatal illness. Try to confirm if the animal is fully vaccinated and up to date with the dog owner. A medical professional can help evaluate the situation and provide necessary vaccinations.

The Most Common Dog Bite Injuries in Indiana

Dogs are man’s best friend, and while most domestic dogs are not aggressive, any dog can turn vicious and bite if threatened or stressed. Some of the most common dog bite injuries we see are:

• Wounds to the hand.
• Puncture injuries.
• Torn tissue.
• Bites to the face.
• Head injuries.
• Nerve damage.
• Severe infections.
• Severed arteries.

It is quite common for a dog bite victim to experience severe post-traumatic stress following an incident. In addition, any injury can cause years of lasting physical and psychological issues. An Indiana dog bite attorney can help you navigate the legal process to focus on your recovery. 

Let an Indiana Dog Bite Lawyer at Tofaute & Spelman Help if You Were Bitten

Compared to many states, Indiana’s laws regarding dog bites are relatively simple. But reading, or even understanding, the law is a far cry from being able to prove what you need to prove. You’ll need an experienced Indiana dog bite attorney at Tofaute & Spelman to successfully recover all of your financial compensation.

Remember, insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. Their job is to make money, and they’ll deny or delay your claim or try to lure you into accepting an undervalued settlement without losing a moment’s sleep. We’ll thoroughly investigate your case, gather the necessary evidence, and represent you to the insurance company and the dog owner. We will even work with the police if criminal charges are being brought. We’ll develop a legal strategy, advise you of your options, and either obtain a favorable settlement or take your case to trial.

Contact us today if a dog has injured you. We offer same-day returns on phone calls and emails, a multilingual staff, FREE consultations, and we are available 24/7/365.