Dog Bite Accidents

Indianapolis Dog Bite and Dog Attack Injury Lawyers

Over 78 million dogs live in the United States. For many people, dogs are a part of their family and provide them with companionship, protection, and sometimes perform tasks to make their lives more independent.

Dogs come in all shapes, sizes and breeds. Dog attacks can result in serious injury to a person regardless of the size or breed of a dog. While most dog owners believe their pets are friendly and easy-going, dog attacks still happen.

Dog bite injuries can range in severity from sprains and nerve damage to puncture wounds and lacerations. Bites to the head or neck area can cause severe injury including death to both children and adults. A dog’s jaw can be strong enough to crush bones while its jagged teeth can quickly tear clothing and skin.

Reconstructive surgery may also be required to repair damage done by a ferocious dog. Even with the best of medical care, permanent scarring and loss of mobility can result from dog attacks.

Psychological damage is a very real aspect of a vicious dog attack. Some victims experience issues with anxiety, sleep disturbances, and flashbacks of the attack. If left untreated, these concerns can develop into post-traumatic stress disorder. Severe psychological damage can impair a person’s ability to work and their overall quality of life. When a child is injured as a result of a brutal dog attack, the psychological impact may seem even greater as they may lose trust in adults and become easily agitated and fearful.

The Center for Disease Control reports that nearly 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, many of whom are children. While attacks are often unpredictable, there are a few precautions that can be taken to lessen your risk of becoming a victim.

•    Never approach an unfamiliar dog
•    Do not try to pet a dog who is eating, nursing puppies, or chewing on a toy
•    Always ask the dog’s owner for permission to pet the dog

If a dog does attack, it’s important to quickly secure the dog away from the victim and administer basic first aid. The dog should be tested for disease to ensure the health and safety of the person who was attacked. The dog’s owner should be notified immediately following any kind of attack so that other important information can be gathered.

Your Rights

If you or someone you care about has been a victim of a dog attack, contact us. Our Indianapolis personal injury dog bite attorneys have experience litigating dog attack claims and can advise you of your legal rights and options. We can help you work through negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance company and your medical providers. If negotiation is not possible, we can fight for your rights in court to help you get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.