Carmel Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend. However, if they become aggressive and bite someone, they can quickly become man’s worst enemy. Dog bites can inflict catastrophic results on victims and their families, causing serious injury or even death and leading to heavy emotional and financial burdens.

Given the number of people who own dogs in Carmel and across the nation, people are often surprised at the frequency of dog bites. These incidents happen more than most people realize, partly because dog bites usually occur when they are least expected. While many fear aggressive canines, seemingly well-tempered dogs can cause great harm.

As the leading injury attorney in Carmel, Vaughn A. Wamsley understands the devastation that happens when a dog becomes aggressive and injures somebody. We believe that no one should be forced to endure the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by a dog bite alone.

That is why our team is committed to helping victims secure justice and the compensation they deserve.

The Impact of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries occur much more frequently than most people realize. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the United States, with nearly one-fifth of those requiring medical attention. Deaths resulting from dog bites have been on the rise in recent years, with dog bites causing 81 fatalities in 2021.

The issue of dog attacks is particularly profound in Indiana, which ranks among the top 10 in the entire country for dog bite claims. Children are particularly vulnerable to these attacks, as the Journal of Pediatric Surgery found that more than half of dog bite victims are under the age of 12.

The damages suffered from dog bites go far beyond the physical scars, as they also inflict deep emotional trauma along with heavy financial burdens. Many victims experience ongoing fear and anxiety around dogs that may include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Children who are bitten are particularly vulnerable to emotional trauma as well, which may require therapy and support.

The financial toll of dog attacks is also profoundly high. In 2022, the Insurance Information Institute (III) found that the average cost of a dog claim in the U.S. was nearly $65,000. Total payouts across the nation exceeded $1 billion. These figures illustrate the damages victims need for fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

As the Carmel dog bite injury lawyer of choice, Vaughn A. Wamsley understands how an aggressive dog can alter your life. That is why we provide compassionate support while fiercely advocating for the compensation you need to move forward with your life.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Indiana

Indiana recognizes that dog bites are an increasingly common issue in the Hoosier States that produce devastating physical, emotional, and financial results for victims. The state has laws to prevent these horrific incidents while providing a framework to pursue justice when they occur.

A dog owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog if the victim did not provoke the dog and was lawfully on the owner’s property or in a public place. In strict liability cases, victims do not have to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous to receive compensation.

Indiana law allows victims to pursue compensation In incidents where strict liability does not apply. In these cases, the claimant must demonstrate that the owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack, such as allowing the dog off its leash or failing to secure an aggressive dog.

Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, and punitive damages.

Under Indiana’s statute of limitations, personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the incident. Therefore, reaching out to Carmel’s top-rated dog bite injury lawyer as soon as possible following an attack is crucial to meet this deadline.

Vaughn Knows What You Are Going Through

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

Time Is Not On Your Side After An Accident. Call Vaughn Wamsley NOW.

317-846-1080

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Carmel

Knowing what to do immediately after a dog attack is crucial for your health and legal case. If a dog bites you or someone you know, be sure to:

• Get Medical Attention: Medical experts will treat and document your wounds and other injuries resulting from the attack.

• Report the Incident: Indiana law requires dog bite attacks to be reported to local authorities. Victims in Carmel should contact the Hamilton County Animal Control or the local law enforcement agency. 

• Document the Scene: Take pictures of your injuries, the dog, and the attack scene. Collect contact information from the dog owner and any witnesses.

1. Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Injury Attorney: An experienced dog bite injury lawyer near me can provide valuable guidance on additional steps to protect your legal rights.

As the leading dog bite injury attorney in Carmel, Vaughn A. Wamsley has helped hundreds of victims of dog bites recover the compensation needed to move forward from these traumatic attacks by providing compassionate support and battling fiercely for justice on their behalf.

Common Defenses Used by Dog Owners

Dog owners and insurance companies offer various defenses to avoid liability when their dogs injure people.

Some of these defenses include:

• Provocation: The owner may allege that the victim provoked the dog, leading to the attack. Proving provocation occurred can be challenging, especially when facing the top-rated dog bite attorney in Carmel.
• Trespassing: Strict liability may not apply if the victim unlawfully entered private property. However, a skilled attorney understands the exceptions to this regulation, particularly if they pertain to young children who may wander onto the owner’s property.
• Assumption of Risk: Owners may try to claim that the victim accepted the risk of a bite or attack by being near the animal.

As the preferred Carmel dog bite injury lawyer of choice, Vaughn A. Wamsley has the experience to anticipate any defense the dog owner and their insurance company will present. Our thorough understanding of Indiana’s laws regarding these incidents allows us to prepare for and counter these claims to ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve.

How Vaughn A. Wamsley Can Help You

As the most trusted dog bite injury attorney in Carmel, Vaughn A. Wamsley understands the tremendous impacts these unprovoked attacks can have on victims, particularly children. We want to be part of the solution that helps prevent these vicious incidents from occurring while securing justice and fair compensation for victims.

Our personalized and comprehensive approach to each case ensures you receive the compassionate support you need to focus on your recovery. We treat everyone who walks through our doors as family and take the time to get to know them and understand the circumstances that contributed to their incident.

We thoroughly investigate each case by tirelessly examining the evidence, including medical and police reports, witness and expert testimony, and physical evidence. From there, we determine which parties’ negligence contributed to the harm you suffered and calculate the full scope of your damages to determine what fair compensation should look like.

Armed with well-prepared cases backed by extensive resources and an experienced team of dedicated professionals driven by achieving results for our clients, we have an outstanding track record of securing favorable settlements through negotiation and judgments in the courtroom.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an attack by a dog, call us today to learn how we can help you achieve justice and get the compensation you deserve.