A dog bite or other animal bite can cause major physical damage to a victim, necessitating potentially extensive medical care. Fortunately, an Indiana victim of a dog bite may be able to recover legal damages following an animal attack.
A person who has been bitten by dog or other animal may be able to recover a number of different types of damages through pursuit of an animal bite claim. Perhaps most importantly, a victim may be eligible for damages to compensate him or her for medical expenses incurred. In addition to specific medical expenses, a victim may be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering he or she experienced in connection with the attack, as well as emotional pain. An animal attack may be emotionally traumatic for a victim.
If a person is unable to work due to an animal bite, he or she may be able to recover damages for lost wages. If an animal causes property damage in its attack, a person may also be able to recover damages for the value of the property lost.
Punitive damages may be available to a victim following an animal attack. This type of damages, intended as punishment, is typically only awarded if a pet owner's conduct in connection with the bite was reckless or intentional, rather than simply negligent.
The victim of an animal attack may struggle following such a traumatic incident. Legal damages can help ease some of the burden for a victim following an attack, both financially and mentally. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog or other animal, you may wish to seek legal counsel to help you secure your rights.
Source: FindLaw, "Dog Bites and Animal Attack Overview," accessed Jan. 8, 2016