Most people don’t give much thought to dog bites—until they’ve suffered a dog bite. While you may think that only postal carriers are at risk, dog bites happen more than you probably realize, and they can lead to very serious injuries. Sure, dogs make great pets, but some dogs make greater pets than other dogs do. If someone else’s dog had caused you to be injured, you need an experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer.
Indiana Dog Laws
Indiana is one of several states that implements the one bite rule, which means that the first time a dog bites a human being is something of a freebie. In other words, the dog’s owner probably won’t be held liable for that first bite—unless the owner knew or should have known that the dog was a potential danger. The one bite rule, however, does not pertain if a dog bites someone who’s carrying out a duty imposed by state or federal laws or regulations, such as a postal carrier or a police officer. Further, if the owner was negligent in restraining the dog, the one bite rule probably won’t pertain.
Safety First
If a dog has ever bitten you, put your safety first. Dog bites are often far more serious than they first appear. Seek immediate medical attention after a dog bite. Dog bites can lead to a variety of serious consequences:
- Serious illness that manifests from the bite
- Physical disfigurement at the site of the wound that often requires plastic surgery
- Loss of mobility in the area that’s affected, which often necessitates surgery and ongoing treatment
- Serious lacerations and scarring that require ongoing treatment and care
- Serious infections
Any of these complications can lead to grave consequences. Dog bites are serious, and every dog bite should be taken seriously.
Financial Consequences
Because dog bites often lead to serious physical complications, they’re also replete with significant medical expenses:
- Medical treatment and ongoing care
- Surgery and aftercare
- Prescription medications
- Therapy
Additionally, you’ll probably suffer lost wages due to time lost from work. Further, being attacked by a dog can be psychologically damaging and can lead to significant emotional consequences. All told, a dog bite can lead to extreme physical, emotional, and financial costs. If you’ve suffered a dog bite, seek immediate medical attention and then consult with an experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer.
If a Dog Bite Has Left You Injured, You Need an Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorney
Dogs are man’s best friend, but dog bites are anything but. In fact, dog bites are often far more injurious than they first appear to be. If you’ve suffered a dog bite, you need medical attention. The experienced personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Hurst Limontes LLC are here to help. Our dedicated legal team has the skill, commitment, and drive to help guide your dog bite claim toward its most positive resolution. Your claim matters, so please contact or call us at (317) 636-0808 for a free consultation today.