What should I do after a dog bite or dog attack?
Your health and safety should be the first priority. Seek medical attention immediately, even if the injury appears minor. Dog bites can cause serious infections, nerve damage, scarring, and emotional trauma. If possible, identify the dog and owner, photograph the injuries, and report the incident to local authorities or animal control.
Can I recover compensation after a dog bite?
Possibly. Depending on the circumstances, a dog owner or other responsible party may be liable for injuries caused by a dog attack. Every case is different, and liability depends on the facts and applicable law.
Who may be responsible for a dog bite injury?
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The dog's owner
- A person harboring or controlling the dog
- A landlord in certain circumstances
- A business or property owner, depending on the facts
Determining liability often requires a careful investigation of the incident.
What damages can I recover in a dog bite case?
Compensation may be available for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Plastic surgery and scar revision procedures
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Disability or impairment
The damages available depend on the severity of the injuries and the facts of the case.
Are dog bites dangerous?
Yes. Dog bites can cause significant physical and emotional injuries. Victims may suffer puncture wounds, lacerations, nerve damage, fractures, infections, and psychological trauma. Children are often particularly vulnerable to serious injuries involving the face, neck, and head.
What if a child was bitten by a dog?
Dog attacks involving children frequently result in severe injuries and permanent scarring. Indiana and Kentucky law may provide remedies for children injured due to a dog owner's negligence. These cases often require special consideration because of the long-term impact of the injuries.
What if the dog never bit anyone before?
A dog owner's liability does not necessarily depend on whether the dog previously attacked someone. The facts of each case, local ordinances, prior behavior, and applicable law may all be important factors.
What if the owner says the dog was friendly?
Many dog owners describe their pets as friendly. However, even dogs with no known history of aggression can cause serious injuries. The circumstances of the attack and the owner's conduct are often more important than general statements about the dog's temperament.
What if the dog attack occurred on someone else's property?
Liability may still exist. The location of the attack is only one factor considered when evaluating a claim.
What if I was delivering a package, reading a meter, or working when I was attacked?
Delivery drivers, postal workers, utility workers, contractors, and other workers are frequently injured in dog attacks. Additional legal issues may arise when a bite occurs during the course of employment.
What if the dog owner does not have insurance?
Many dog bite claims are covered by homeowners insurance, renters insurance, landlord insurance, or other policies. Identifying all available insurance coverage is an important part of investigating a claim.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim?
Legal deadlines apply to dog bite claims. Waiting too long may result in the loss of important legal rights. Prompt investigation can also help preserve evidence and identify witnesses.
What evidence is important in a dog bite case?
Helpful evidence may include:
- Photographs of injuries
- Photographs of the scene
- Medical records
- Animal control reports
- Witness statements
- Veterinary records
- Prior complaints involving the dog
- Insurance information
The sooner evidence is gathered, the better.
Will my scars and disfigurement be considered?
Yes. Permanent scarring and disfigurement are often important elements of damages in dog bite cases, particularly when injuries involve the face, neck, arms, or hands.
What if the insurance company contacts me?
Insurance companies often contact injured individuals shortly after a claim is reported. Before providing recorded statements or accepting settlement offers, it may be beneficial to understand the full extent of your injuries and legal rights.
Do I need a lawyer for a dog bite claim?
Dog bite cases often involve disputes regarding liability, insurance coverage, medical treatment, scarring, and future damages. An attorney can investigate the incident, identify responsible parties, preserve evidence, and pursue fair compensation.
Why Choose Doane Law Office?
Attorney Ken Doane has more than 25 years of experience representing injury victims throughout Southern Indiana and Kentucky. As a former insurance defense attorney, he understands how insurance companies evaluate and defend personal injury claims.
Ken represents victims injured in dog attacks throughout New Albany, Jeffersonville, Floyd County, Clark County, Southern Indiana, Louisville, and surrounding communities.
Contact Doane Law Office
If you or your child has been injured in a dog attack, contact Doane Law Office for a free consultation.
We help dog bite victims pursue compensation for medical expenses, scarring, disfigurement, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
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There is no attorney fee unless compensation is recovered on your behalf.