Best Dog Bite Lawyers in Fort Wayne

FAQs

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

  The number to reach the local police station in Fort Wayne for non-emergency concerns is 260-427-1222.

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

  You can obtain a copy of your police report at the Police Desk of the Fort Wayne Police Department. You must appear in person and present a valid ID. Public Access request forms are available and are processed by the supervisor. For questions, you can call 260-427-1222 or 260-427-1340.

• How does Fort Wayne's stance on breed-specific dog regulations compare to that of other cities and counties in Indiana?

  Unlike over 900 U.S. municipalities and 11 other cities and counties in Indiana that have chosen breed-specific rules, Fort Wayne has steered clear of such regulations in its dog management approach. Instead of focusing on particular breeds, the city centers its efforts on ensuring the safety of its residents from dog-related incidents. This breed-agnostic stance distinguishes Fort Wayne from many other places.

• If a postal worker in Fort Wayne gets bitten by a dog while delivering mail, can they hold the dog owner strictly liable?

  Yes, when a dog bites a postal worker executing their tasks in Fort Wayne, the dog's owner becomes unambiguously responsible. As per Indiana Code § 15-20-1-3, such strict accountability is set when an individual is operating under state, federal, or U.S. postal mandates. However, for other Fort Wayne denizens experiencing dog bites, the legal criteria differ.

• How does the "one-bite rule" apply to dog owners in Fort Wayne?

  In Fort Wayne, the "one-bite rule" generally shields dog owners from blame when their previously non-aggressive dog bites someone for the first time. This principle suggests owners aren't negligent if they have no prior indication of their dog's potential aggression. However, this protection doesn't extend to incidents involving mail carriers or police officers being bitten during their official duties in Fort Wayne.

• How is a dog considered to be restrained in Fort Wayne?

  According to the Fort Wayne City Code 91.020, a dog is deemed restrained if it's tied by a leash or lead and is directly overseen by its owner or an accompanying person or if it's contained within the confines of the owner's property. Notably, Indiana grants its municipalities, including Fort Wayne, the liberty to determine their specific leash regulations.

• How are dog bite incidents classified in Fort Wayne?

  In Fort Wayne, dog bite incidents are categorized into four levels. A level one bite entails a scratch or up to four punctures, necessitating the dog's spaying or neutering. For a level two bite, which involves more than four punctures, additional constraints are applied. Level three involves significant injuries or death, demanding precautions like muzzling. Level four pertains to repeat offenses and may trigger a dangerous animal probe.