FAQ: Indiana Dog Bite and Personal Injury Claims
Do I have to report a dog bite in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana guidance says animal bites to people must be reported to the local health department, and state rules require human bites by domestic or wild mammals to be reported to the local health officer. Medical providers also have reporting duties in dog bite cases.
Is the dog owner automatically responsible for my injuries?
Not always. Indiana has a dog bite statute that applies in specific situations, including certain people acting peaceably while performing duties imposed by law or postal regulations. Other cases may depend on negligence, the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s dangerous behavior, and the specific facts of the attack.
What if the insurance company says I provoked the dog?
Do not assume the adjuster is right. Provocation and fault are fact-sensitive issues. If you were acting peaceably and had a right to be where you were, you may have strong arguments against the insurance company’s blame-shifting.
How long do I have to bring a dog bite claim in Indiana?
Most Indiana personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the injury. Do not wait until the deadline is close. The sooner you act, the easier it is to preserve evidence.
Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster?
Not before speaking with a lawyer. Adjusters may use recorded statements to look for inconsistency, provocation, or fault. Before you say something that can be twisted later, call the Marc Lopez Law Firm at 317-632-3642.