Indiana Animal Bite Lawyers Advocating For Your Rights
Last updated on January 13, 2025
Animal bites can be traumatic and life-altering events. Whether a dog or another animal bit you, the consequences can include serious physical and emotional injuries. Indiana law grants victims of these bites the right to seek compensation for their injuries from the party responsible for the bite. With the help of a skilled personal injury attorney, you can maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries.
At Polansky & Cichon, Chtd., we are committed to helping you navigate this challenging time and fight for the justice you deserve. As we represent you, we will also help you understand what is at stake in your claim, what options you have to seek justice, and answer any questions you have throughout the process of seeking the compensation you deserve.
How Animal Bites Can Hurt You
When an animal bite breaks the skin, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Even minor puncture wounds can lead to serious infections and complications that can have a lifetime of consequences without proper treatment. Some bites can even result in the need for critical medical care, such as surgeries and psychological treatment. As your legal representation, we will work to gain a complete understanding of the full scope of consequences of your bite before developing a personalized plan to seek justice after your injuries.
Our Firm’s Commitment to Your Recovery
At our law firm, we prioritize the well-being of our clients. We have years of experience representing clients through animal bite claims, and we use that experience to maximize the compensation they receive while minimizing the time it takes to resolve their claims. We work tirelessly to develop creative solutions for your claim, often by accounting for your medical expenses and personal losses from your injuries. From physical scars to emotional trauma, we will fight for compensation that accurately reflects every consequence of your injuries.
How Our Attorneys Can Assist You
Our team of lawyers offers a comprehensive approach to handling animal bite cases. From the moment you choose us to represent you, we begin building a strong case aimed at securing maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We believe in educating our clients about their legal rights and options, empowering you to make informed decisions about your case.
No matter who owned the animal that bit you, it is important to file a claim for compensation. Without the resources from a successful claim, you may be responsible for the lost income you experienced while recovering and the medical bills you incurred from the bite. These claims are often handled through homeowners insurance policies, which minimizes the chances of putting a strain on any relationships with loved ones. Our Indiana attorneys will guide you through this process, ensuring you feel comfortable and supported.
Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Bite Cases
Understanding the legal process after an animal bite can be challenging. To help you navigate this situation, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. These answers can help you better understand your situation and what it means to file a claim after an animal bite.
What should I do immediately after an animal bite?
First and foremost, seek medical attention to ensure your injuries are properly treated. Be sure to take thorough notes about the bite and record the injuries with extensive photos and videos. If anyone witnessed the bite, be sure to record their statement and collect their contact information. Reporting the incident to local authorities or animal control is also advisable. These steps will be crucial if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
Who can be held liable for an animal bite?
In most cases, the owner of the animal is responsible for any injuries caused by their pet. Liability often depends on the factors surrounding the incident. For example, if there is proof the animal was provoked before biting you, the provoke may be liable. In other cases, the owner may be liable for not controlling their pet properly. We will review the details of your case to confirm who the most liable party is in your accident and pursue the compensation you deserve from them.
Can I still file a claim if the animal owner is a friend or family member?
Yes, you can file a claim even if the animal owner is someone you know personally. In most cases, the animal owner’s homeowners insurance will provide the compensation for your claim, and the owner will not have to pay anything out of pocket. This way, you can make ends meet after a bite, and the animal owner will not experience extreme financial hardship. Our attorneys will guide you through this process with sensitivity and care.
What types of compensation can I seek after an animal bite?
Victims of animal bites may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Every claim is different, however, so the amount you receive may differ from other similar claims. In any case, we will still fight for every cent you deserve for your injuries.
How long do I have to file an animal bite claim in Indiana?
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including animal bites, is generally two years from the date of the incident. This may seem like a long amount of time to file a claim, but when considering that these claims can take months or longer to resolve, acting now is the best way to collect compensation as soon as possible. Our legal team can help you understand the deadlines applicable to your case.
How can an attorney help with my animal bite case?
When insurance companies get involved with these cases, they may try to convince you to leave lawyers out of your claim, but it is often to minimize the compensation they have to pay you. With our assistance, we can collect evidence for your claim, negotiate with insurance companies for a larger payment, reject lowball settlement offers, and represent you through any necessary litigation. We are committed to building the strongest case we can for you to increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
What if the animal was not a dog?
While dog bites are common, other animal attacks, such as those involving cats or exotic pets, can also lead to injury claims. Be sure to contact a medical professional about any unique risks that may come from the particular animal bite you experienced, as your bite could be more harmful than you expected. Our attorneys have experience handling various types of animal bite cases and can offer guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Taking the First Step Towards Justice
We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. While we are meeting with you, you can speak with our attorneys to explain what happened and how you were hurt. As we represent you, we will keep regular communication with you to keep you informed at every stage of your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an animal attack, do not wait to seek legal counsel. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin working on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve. Call our Indiana attorneys at 312-815-6018 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation today.
