Fishers Dog Bite Attorney
Helping victims of dog bites in Fishers, Indiana
Do You Need Legal Help?
Fishers Dog Bite Attorney
Helping victims of dog bites in Fishers, Indiana
Do You Need Legal Help?
Attorney Christopher Wyant is here to help you.
An injury can be devastating to you and your family. Attorney Christopher Wyant believes that lawyers should be approachable and easy to talk to. It shouldn't be difficult to get advice about a situation that might be unfamiliar to you and to have your rights explained to you. Contact Chris for help with your injury case.
Client Reviews
Chris wyant and his team have listened to my concerns and jumped on my case right away after being turned away by many lawyers. Compassionate and professional, have enjoyed so far working with his team. 10/10
Taylor Steele
Download our free injury guide.
Learn what you should and shouldn't be doing to help your personal injury case.
Fishers Dog Bite Lawyer
A relaxing walk with your family along the Nickel Plate Trail or a fun afternoon at the dog park at Puptown are cherished parts of life in Fishers. These moments are meant to be peaceful, but that peace can be shattered in an instant by an unexpected dog attack. Afterward, you are likely left with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and a mountain of questions about what to do next. In this disorienting time, you deserve an advocate who will fight for your recovery. A dedicated Fishers dog bite lawyer at Wyant Law is here to help you understand your rights and hold the responsible party accountable.Key Takeaways for Fishers Dog Bite Attacks
- Indiana law holds dog owners accountable for injuries their pets cause, though the specifics of the law can be complex.
- Victims of dog bites may be able to recover compensation for a wide range of damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Insurance companies for the dog owner often make low initial settlement offers that may not cover the full extent of a victim’s long-term costs.
- Gathering evidence, such as photos of the injury, contact information for witnesses, and a copy of the animal control report, is important for a dog bite claim.
- An attorney can handle communications with insurance adjusters and legal proceedings, allowing the injured person to focus on healing.
Why Choose Wyant Law for Your Fishers, IN Dog Bite Claim
When you are recovering from a traumatic event like a dog bite, the last thing you need is a legal process that adds more stress to your life. At Wyant Law, we believe that getting legal guidance should be straightforward and reassuring. Attorney Chris Wyant is committed to being approachable and easy to talk to, providing an honest assessment of your situation and explaining your options in plain English. With over 16 years of experience handling personal injury cases across Indiana, he has the knowledge and determination to advocate for you. We understand that you have questions and concerns, and we are here to provide answers. Your case will receive the personalized attention it deserves. We will listen to your story, investigate the details of the attack, and build a strong case aimed at recovering the compensation you need to move forward. At Wyant Law, our goal is to manage the legal burdens of your claim so you can focus entirely on your physical and emotional recovery. We stand by your side every step of the way. Indiana Dog Bite Laws
Understanding your rights after an animal attack starts with understanding the relevant laws. Indiana’s dog bite law can be found in the Indiana Code § 15-20-1-3. The state operates under a principle that is often called the “one-bite rule,” but this name can be misleading because it has important exceptions. In simple terms, the law states that a dog’s owner can be held liable for damages if their dog bites someone, as long as the person bitten was acting peaceably and was in a place where they were legally allowed to be. However, to hold the owner responsible under this specific statute, you generally need to show that the owner knew or should have known that their dog had a tendency to be aggressive or had bitten someone before. This is where it gets complicated, and why having an experienced Fishers dog bite lawyer is so important. There are other legal arguments that can be used to establish liability even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. These can include:- Negligence: This is a legal term for carelessness. If a dog owner failed to use reasonable care to control their dog, they could be held responsible. For example, if they let their dog run loose in a neighborhood in violation of Fishers’ local leash laws, that could be considered negligence.
- Negligence Per Se: This applies when someone violates a law designed to protect public safety. If a dog owner violates a local ordinance, such as a leash law or a law requiring aggressive dogs to be muzzled, they are automatically considered negligent if their violation leads to an injury.
- Intentional Torts: In very rare cases, if an owner intentionally commands their dog to attack someone, they can be held both civilly and criminally responsible for the harm caused.
Legal Blog Recent Dog Bite Injury Blog Posts
View All Blogs
How to Choose the Right Dog Bite Lawyer
Approximately 334,000 Americans go to the emergency room each year seeking treatment for dog bite [...]
05
Nov
Nov
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Most accident victims never call an attorney because they believe legal representation costs thousands of [...]
03
Oct
Oct
What to Do After a Dog Bite
After a dog bite, your first priority should be to create a safe distance between [...]
27
Aug
Aug
When Does a Dog Bite Case Become a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Indiana?
If you have recently been involved in a dog accident or suffered injuries from a [...]
17
Jan
Jan
What You Need to Know About Filing a Dog Bite Claim Against a Neighbor
Dog bites can lead to serious injuries and unexpected complications. If you have been bitten [...]
21
Nov
Nov
A Guide to the Severity of Dog Bite Levels
Understanding the severity of dog bite levels is crucial in personal injury cases, as it [...]
04
Jun
Jun
Do I Have a Claim for Compensation?
- Were you lawfully on the property? Your legal standing at the time of the bite is crucial. If you were invited onto someone’s property as a guest or were on public property like a sidewalk or a park near Geist Reservoir, you were lawfully present. However, the situation can be more complex for trespassers.
- Did you provoke the animal? In Indiana, a dog owner may argue that you provoked the dog, meaning you were teasing, tormenting, or abusing it, which caused it to attack. If the dog was unprovoked, your claim is generally stronger.
- Did you suffer an actual injury? To have a personal injury claim, you must have suffered damages. This includes physical injuries like puncture wounds, broken bones, or scarring, as well as the financial costs associated with them, such as medical bills and lost wages.
- Can the dog’s owner be identified? In order to file a claim, you must be able to identify the dog and its owner. If it was a stray dog, pursuing compensation becomes extremely difficult.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Dog Owner or Their Insurance Company?
Shortly after a dog bite incident, you might be contacted by the dog owner’s insurance company. This is usually the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance provider. The insurance adjuster may seem friendly and concerned, and they might make a quick offer to settle your claim. While it can be tempting to accept the money and put the event behind you, accepting the first offer is rarely in your best interest. Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to protect their bottom line by paying out as little as possible on claims. The first offer is often a calculated attempt to resolve your case quickly and for a fraction of its true value. Here are a few reasons to be cautious of an early settlement offer:- The Full Extent of Your Injuries May Be Unknown: Some injuries are not immediately apparent. A deep puncture wound could become infected, or you might require future surgery to repair nerve damage or reduce scarring. Emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can also develop over time. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and ask for more money if your medical situation worsens.
- The Offer May Not Cover All Your Losses: A quick offer might cover your initial emergency room bill, but it likely fails to account for other significant costs. These can include physical therapy, prescription medications, lost wages from time off work, and future medical procedures.
- They May Try to Get You to Admit Fault: During conversations, an adjuster may ask questions designed to get you to say something that implies you were partly to blame for the attack. They could use this statement against you later to reduce or deny your claim.
What Compensation Is Available to Fishers Dog Bite Victims
A serious dog bite can impact every area of your life, from your health and finances to your emotional well-being. The goal of a personal injury claim is to recover compensation, legally known as “damages,” to help make you whole again. This means accounting for all the ways the injury has affected you. In Indiana, victims of dog attacks can typically seek compensation for two main categories of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic Damages are the tangible financial losses you have incurred because of the injury. These are things that can be calculated with bills, receipts, and pay stubs. Examples include: - Medical Expenses: This covers everything from the initial ambulance ride and emergency room treatment to follow-up doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
- Future Medical Costs: If your injury requires long-term care, such as future plastic surgery for scar revision or ongoing therapy, the estimated cost of this future care can be included.
- Lost Wages: This compensates you for the income you lost while you were unable to work during your recovery.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If the injury results in a permanent disability that prevents you from returning to your previous job or limits your ability to earn a living, you may be compensated for this loss of future income.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the attack and your injuries.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Dog bites, especially to the face, arms, or legs, can leave permanent and visible scars. This damage accounts for the embarrassment and emotional pain associated with disfigurement.
- Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish: Many dog bite survivors develop a deep fear of dogs (cynophobia), anxiety, depression, or PTSD. This compensation acknowledges the psychological impact of the traumatic event.
Fishers Dog Bite Lawyer FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions we receive from people who have been injured in a dog attack. How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Indiana?
In Indiana, the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, which includes dog bite claims, is generally two years from the date of the injury. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you do not file a lawsuit within this two-year window, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation forever. It is important to contact an attorney well before this deadline to ensure there is enough time to investigate your claim and file the necessary legal documents.
What if the dog that bit me belongs to a friend, neighbor, or family member?
This is a very common and sensitive situation. Many people are hesitant to file a claim because they don’t want to cause financial hardship for someone they know. It is important to remember that a claim is typically made against the person’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, not against the person’s personal assets. These policies exist specifically to cover incidents like this. Filing a claim allows you to get the compensation you need for your medical bills without directly taking money from your friend or relative.
Does my child's dog bite claim work differently from an adult's?
Yes, claims involving minors have special considerations. Children are often the victims of the most severe dog bites. The statute of limitations for a child’s injury is different; it is typically extended until two years after the child turns 18. Any settlement reached on behalf of a minor must be approved by a court to ensure it is in the child’s best interest, and the funds are often placed in a protected account until the child reaches adulthood.
Related Videos
Contact Our Experienced Fishers Dog Bite Attorney Today
A dog attack can be a frightening and isolating experience. Afterward, you are left trying to heal from your injuries while dealing with medical bills, insurance companies, and uncertainty about the future. At Wyant Law, we are here to provide the support and legal guidance you need to navigate this difficult time. Attorney Chris Wyant is dedicated to helping injury victims in Fishers and throughout Indiana. He will handle the complexities of your legal claim so you can devote your energy to what matters most: your recovery. When you work with Wyant Law, we will:- Conduct a thorough investigation into the dog attack.
- Gather all evidence needed to build a powerful case for you.
- Handle all communications with the dog owner and their insurance company.
- Fight tirelessly to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
Client Reviews
Chris was awesome from the very first meeting. Very professional and knowledgeable. He knew what needed to be done and what he needed from us. He was exceptionally easy to work with and very patient with all of the questions we had. All we had to do was either call or email him with a question and he responded as quickly as he could. I couldn’t be happier with his services. I would definitely recommend his practice to anyone.
Rita Bridge
Do You Need Legal Help?