- Vaughn A. Wamsley
- Dog Bite
As a parent, a dog bite can be one of the most frightening injuries your child can suffer. You may worry about their health, recovery, and medical bills. You may also be unsure of your legal rights.
We are here to guide you through this difficult time with clarity and confidence. If your child was bitten by a dog in Indianapolis, you need a trusted dog bite accident attorney in Indianapolis on your side. We can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for all your losses.
Understanding Dog Bite Injuries in Children
Children are especially vulnerable in dog bite incidents. A child’s smaller size and lack of awareness can lead to more severe injuries than an adult might suffer in the same situation.
Dog bite injuries can include:
- Puncture wounds that require stitches
- Deep cuts that risk infection
- Bone fractures or crush injuries
- Injuries to the face, neck, or head
- Emotional trauma and fear of animals
Prompt medical care is essential. Infections can develop quickly after a bite. You should seek medical treatment even if the injury seems minor at first, because some complications only show up later.
Indiana Dog Bite Laws
Indiana law recognizes that dog bites often cause serious harm. Under Indiana Code § 15-20-1-3, a dog owner can be held responsible for injuries caused by their dog in many situations. This is especially true when the person bitten was acting peaceably and legally at the time of the attack. An Indianapolis dog bite attorney can help you understand how these laws apply to your child’s specific case.
Local ordinances in Marion County also govern dog behavior and leash rules. Violations of leash laws or other animal control regulations can strengthen your case. Knowing these local rules matters when seeking compensation for your child’s injuries.
What To Do After Your Child Is Bitten
If your child is bitten, what you do in the hours and days that follow will affect both their health and any future legal claim.
Get Medical Care Right Away
You should take your child to a doctor or the emergency room immediately. Even if the bite looks small, a professional can check for infection, nerve damage, or other complications.
Preserve Evidence
Take photos of the wound and the scene where the bite happened. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information. Keep all medical records, bills, and treatment plans.
Report the Bite
You should report the dog bite to your local animal control or law enforcement agency. This report becomes important evidence in your child’s legal claim.
Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement to Insurers
Do not speak in detail with the dog owner’s insurance company without legal advice. Their adjusters may try to minimize your child’s injuries or suggest a quick settlement that does not cover all your losses.
Contact a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
An experienced Indianapolis dog bite attorney can help you file a claim and protect your child’s rights from the start. Insurance companies know that our legal team will pursue full and fair compensation and may be less likely to undervalue your child’s case.
Why Indianapolis Experience Matters
Dog bite laws can vary somewhat across Indiana and Marion County. Judges, local ordinances, and insurance adjusters in Indianapolis all have specific ways of handling dog bite cases. An attorney with local experience will know how these rules affect your claim. We understand how Marion County courts view liability and how to build strong evidence of fault.
When you choose us, you are choosing a team that focuses on personalized attention. We listen to your story, evaluate the unique facts of your case, and build a legal strategy designed for your child’s needs.
Compensation You May Be Able To Recover
If your child was bitten by a dog due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages. Compensation can include:
- Medical expenses, past and future
- Emergency care and surgeries
- Psychological counseling
- Physical therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages if a parent must take time off work
An Indianapolis dog bite attorney will calculate all of these damages so your child’s claim reflects the full cost of the injury and its long-term impacts.
How a Dog Bite Accident Attorney in Indianapolis Helps
Hiring an attorney early greatly improves your chances of a successful outcome. We handle the legal work so you can focus on your child’s recovery. Here is what our team will do:
- Investigate the Incident: We gather evidence, photos, medical records, and witness statements that prove fault.
- Work With Experts: We may consult medical specialists, child psychologists, or accident reconstruction professionals when needed.
- Communicate With Insurers: We negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, protecting you from lowball offers.
- Prepare For Court: If a fair settlement is not possible, we will fight for you in court.
- Guide You Through Every Step: We explain the process clearly, answer your questions, and help you understand what is happening at each stage.
- We work on a contingency fee basis: That means we only get paid if we win your case. There is no upfront cost to you.
Common Questions Parents Ask
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim?
You generally must file a personal injury claim within two years of the date of the injury. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to compensation.
Is The Dog Owner Always Responsible?
Not always. Liability depends on the facts of the case, how the bite occurred, and whether your child was acting peaceably at the time. An attorney can explain how the law applies to your situation.
Can My Child Recover for Emotional Trauma?
Yes. A claim can include compensation for emotional and psychological harm in addition to physical injuries.
Contact Us For Help
A dog bite can leave deep physical and emotional wounds. Your child deserves medical care and justice for what happened. If your child was bitten by a dog in Indianapolis, call us right away. A trusted Indianapolis dog bite attorney will review your case and help you understand your rights and options. You do not have to navigate this on your own. Recovering the compensation your family needs starts with a free consultation.