Dog + Animal Bites

Every year, more than 4.7 million people in the United States are injured by dog bites. Approximately one out of every six dog bites is serious enough to require medical attention. When dog bites or animal attacks occur, responsibility for the incident lies with the owner of the animal.

If you live in Indiana and have suffered injuries after being bitten or attacked by a dog or other animal, it is important to know your legal rights.

Types of Dog or Animal Bite Injuries

Being bitten by a dog or other animal can lead to several types of injuries, including the following:

• Permanent scarring
• Transmission of rabies
• Infections
• Emotional and psychological trauma
• Damage to nerves or tendons

Causes of Dog or Animal Bites

Causes of dog and/or animal bites can vary. The most common causes include:

• Negligence
• Animal is provoked
• Aggressive breed

How to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones from Dog or Animal Bites

There are several ways to reduce the risk of dog or animal bites. If confronted by a threatening animal, do not try to run. In addition, here are some ways you can reduce the likelihood of an animal bite:

• Never startle an animal
• Do not disturb animals while they are eating or drinking
• Be mindful of children around animals
• Treat animals with kindness
• Do not approach a confined animal
• Never discipline an animal with abuse

Animals may only see you as a threat if you signal that you are. Animal bites can be avoidable. If you or a loved one have been a victim of a dog or animal bite, you may be able to receive compensation.

Types of Compensation for Dog or Animal Bite

For victims of dog or animal bites, compensation may be awarded in different forms. Types of compensation include:

• Medical bills
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Damages or compensation awarded to a victim of a dog or animal bite will likely depend on circumstances of the accident and all details.

Statute of Limitations

The Statute of Limitations for dog or animal bites is two years from the date of the injury’s occurrence.

Filing a Dog or Animal Bite Legal Case

Your ability to recover compensation depends on the locality where you were bitten or attacked. Laws concerning animal attacks and bites can vary between states, counties, and cities.

The premises liability lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham can assist you in determining your rights under the law, as well as help with insurance claims and requests for compensation.

Contact a Dog and Animal Bite Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog or other animal, you are urged to contact the Indianapolis Dog and Animal Bite Attorneys of WKW. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.