Best Dog Bite Attorneys in Indianapolis

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Indianapolis, Indiana?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is (317) 327-3811. You may also 311.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Indianapolis, Indiana?

  You can get a copy of an incident report in person in Room E100 of the City-County Building. You can also request a copy through the mail by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with the request to 50 N. Alabama St. E100 Indianapolis, IN 46204.

• Is the dog owner liable if their pet bit someone for the first time in Indianapolis?

  The one-bite rule is applied for most dog bite cases in Indianapolis. This means a dog owner is given more leniency if it was the first time their pet bit someone, and they have no reason to believe the dog has violent tendencies. The strict liability rule is followed for dog bite cases involving government workers, such as police officers and postal workers.

• What factors determine the value of a dog bite case in Indianapolis?

  Some of the factors that determine the value of a dog bite case in Indianapolis include medical expenses, lost income or earnings, and pain and suffering. The severity of the victim's injury is also a factor in determining the claim's value because it takes into consideration the presence of scarring and whether it will be severe or permanent. In cases that involve scarring, the claimant can seek compensation for cosmetic surgeries and treatments.

• Can a dog bite claim in Indianapolis result in the dog owner being charged with a crime?

  Yes, a dog owner in Indianapolis could be charged with a crime, depending on the circumstances. According to section 15-20-1-4 of the Indiana Code, a dog owner could be charged with a misdemeanor if they knowingly or intentionally failed to restrain their dog as it bites another person without provocation. If the injuries from the dog bite result in death, the dog owner could be convicted of a felony.

• Is there a leash law in Indianapolis?

  Yes, there is a leash law in Indianapolis. Dog owners in Indianapolis and throughout Marion County are required to put their pets on a leash to be able to supervise them closely and prevent possible dog attacks. When outside their residence, dogs must be accompanied by their owner and not tethered outside establishments without supervision.

• What are possible defenses against a dog bite claim in Indianapolis?

  There are several arguments that a defendant could use to reduce their liability in an Indianapolis dog bite case. The dog owner could argue that the dog was provoked into becoming aggressive by the plaintiff or that the pet had the right to defend itself because they were attacked first. The defendant could also reduce their liability if they have evidence that the victim was trespassing on their property.