What Are the Most Dangerous Dog Breeds?

Although any dog can be dangerous, certain breeds are more likely to be involved in an attack due to their size, bite strength, and temperament. Some dog breeds most commonly labeled as aggressive are Pit Bulls, Dobermans, and German Shepherds. However, the breed alone does not always determine a dog’s aggression. Dog bites and attacks can often be traced to owner negligence, such as poor training and lack of socialization.

Does Indiana Have Laws Against Owning Certain Breeds of Dogs?

Although aggression is not determined by the breed alone, some breeds have become stereotyped as aggressive or dangerous dog breeds based on their history of unprovoked attacks and the severity of the injuries that result. The following are some of those breeds:

• Pit bulls
• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Doberman Pinschers
• Chow Chows
• Huskies
• Boxers.

In Indiana, no ban exists when it comes to owning any specific dog breed. However, towns, counties, or property owners can restrict ownership of breeds that they feel are dangerous or vicious. Further, individual apartment or rental property owners are allowed to limit breeds permitted on their premises.

Dog owners should check their local regulations to avoid breaking any rules. If a breed that was not allowed on the premises is involved in an attack, it could have serious legal consequences for the owner.

What Are Indiana’s Dog Bite Laws?

In Indiana, the vital thing to remember regarding dog bite laws is that a dog owner can be held liable for any bite injury their dog has inflicted, even if their dog has never shown signs that it might be aggressive. Some essential things to keep in mind about Indiana’s law are:

• Strict liability — The owner is held liable if a dog bites a peaceful victim without being provoked when that person is performing work tasks as an employee of the state or the federal government (such as a mailman).
• One-bite rule — Under Indiana’s one-bite law, a dog’s owner will not usually be held liable for the injuries the first time their dog bites someone unless they knew of the dog’s aggressive tendencies ahead of time.
• Premises liability — If the bite occurs on someone else’s property, the property owner may also be responsible.

These laws can be confusing. When pets and friends or family members are involved, the situation can also be extremely delicate. To fully understand the details of these laws as they apply to your case, it’s best to contact a dog bite attorney with experience.

Who Can Be Held Liable for an Indiana Dog Bite Injury?

It’s vital to know who is responsible for a dog that has bitten a victim so that the victim can seek compensation. Depending on the details of the incident, several potentially liable parties exist, including:

• Owner — The owner will always be the first person considered in a dog bite case.
• Property owners — A landlord could be held liable if they knew a tenant’s dog was aggressive and took no action to remedy the situation.
• Dog walkers and sitters — In Indiana, if a dog is under the care of a walker or dog sitter when the attack occurs, they may be held liable.

Will the Dog’s Owner Always Be the One at Fault for a Dog Bite Injury?

The owner of a dog will be the first one under consideration when the question of liability arises. However, just because someone owns the dog, it does not mean they are automatically liable.

Several factors can affect liability, such as:

• Trespassing — The owner may not be held responsible if someone was injured by a dog bite while trespassing on private property.
• Provocation — The dog bite victim can be considered at fault if they provoked the dog to attack in any way.
• Self-defense — A dog that is protecting its owner from an immediate threat falls under the self-defense category, which means the owner is not at fault.

It’s essential to determine who is liable so that you can seek compensation. A personal injury lawyer will conduct a full investigation and review your case details to determine if the owner’s negligence resulted in a dog bite injury or if the responsibility lies elsewhere.

Can I Receive Compensation for a Dog Bite Injury?

If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite, you are likely already dealing with bills from the hospital. If the bite is bad enough, you could incur additional expenses. Receiving compensation for your bite-related losses while recovering from your injuries is possible.

You may be eligible for compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Scarring
• Disfigurement
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

Being attacked by a dangerous dog breed is a traumatic event. If you’ve been the victim of such an incident, don’t wait to fight for what you deserve.

How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit in Indiana?

In Indiana, the statute of limitations allows two years from the date of the attack to file a dog bite lawsuit. Failure to file within this timeframe can result in losing your right to seek compensation in court.

Contact an Indiana Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Dog bites can have long-lasting effects, including emotional trauma and physical scarring and disfigurement. If you’re a victim of a dog bite injury, you deserve experienced legal representation. At Truitt Law Offices, our only focus is personal injury law, which means you get dedicated representation if you’re a dog bite victim.

You will also receive the benefit of our 40 years of experience in personal injury law. We have a proven track record of securing maximum compensation for our clients.  We can use our insider’s knowledge of insurance company defense strategies to strengthen your dog bite claim.

You’ve suffered enough. Don’t wait another minute to pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a compassionate dog bite injury lawyer.

Visit Our Indiana Dog Bite Injury Law Offices