DOG BITE LAWYER IN NORTHWEST INDIANA
Dogs are supposed to be man’s best friend, but sometimes they’re anything but friendly. When a dog attacks you or a loved one, the injuries can be painful and require expensive medical treatment. An experienced dog bite attorney from Alvarez Law Office can help ease the pain of an attack by working to obtain a financial settlement from the dog’s owner. Compensation can extend beyond medical treatment to cover costs for damaged property, lost wages from missed work, emotional distress, and more. To date, our personal injury attorneys have won more than $300,000 for dog attack victims like you. Contact us for a free consultation and we will fight to obtain a settlement for you. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (219) 300-9045.
Can I sue someone for a dog bite?
Absolutely. Of course, you can’t sue the dog. But you are entitled to seek judgment against the animal’s owner. Whether the dog is owned by an individual or security firm, an experienced personal injury lawyer will help you determine who is responsible and how to best hold the owner accountable.
Should I get a lawyer for a dog bite?
Great question—the answer is yes. The owner may wish to handle the matter privately, or their insurance company may offer you monetary compensation for your injuries. However, engaging the services of a dog bite attorney can significantly increase the amount you recover, and possibly discover additional losses for which you’re entitled for compensation, such as property damage, lost work, and more. Additionally, an attorney can conduct research to determine if the dog has a history of attacking, and an attorney can help take steps to prevent the dog from causing future injuries.
Who is liable for dog bites?
Usually, the owner is responsible for a dog attack. However, other parties may hold or share the blame for a serious bite. For example, if an attack happens when the dog is boarded in an Indianapolis kennel, the operator may be liable. If the owner is a minor living in Columbus, their parent or guardian might be held responsible. If the owner lives in a Crown Point apartment and the landlord knew the dog was prone to lashing out, the landlord might be liable. Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on the case. An experienced professional can help determine who is liable for the dog bite in yours.
Can I sue for a minor dog bite?
Usually, yes. Even if your doctor has examined your dog bite and determined your injuries are insignificant, the owner often is liable to compensate you for the injury. However, depending on your particular circumstances, your rights, and the extent of your eligibility to sue may vary. It is important to consult an experienced personal injury attorney to determine the right course of action to seek relief in pursuing your dog attack lawsuit settlement.
How much can I sue for a dog bite?
There is no set limit in Indiana for the amount a dog bite victim can recover. However, there are specific areas for which you can seek recovery—more than most victims realize they’re entitled to. These areas include:
- Medical bills for treatment related to dog bite injuries (past, present, and future)
- Repair or replacement costs for property damaged during the attack
- Lost income due to missed work related to dog bite injuries
- Cost to hire help if injuries leave you unable to take care of household chores
- Compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement caused by a bite
- Emotional distress
Your attorney can work with you to determine precisely what losses you incurred and the compensation to which you’re entitled.
How long does a dog bite settlement take?
There is no certain time for dog attack lawsuit settlement. The length of a case depends on a number of factors, ranging from the severity of injuries to the circumstances of the attack, cooperativeness of the dog owner, and more. What is certain, however, is that the services of an attorney experienced with dog bites and immersed in applicable laws can help move the process along.
Is a dog bite a personal injury?
Usually, yes. If a dog bite has left you or a family member with serious injuries, you may be entitled to seek recovery via a personal injury claim. A number of factors might impact your ability to file, as well as the amount of damages you may seek.
Get the justice you deserve with Alvarez.
Contact the attorneys at Alvarez Law Office to determine your rights and the level of compensation to which you’re entitled. Staffed with a large team of experienced personal injury attorneys, Alvarez Law Office will fight aggressively—and effectively—on your behalf.
