Lafayette Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog bite is not a minor incident and we believe you must recover the maximum compensation possible from the negligent dog owner. Christie Bell & Marshall handles dog bite cases in Lafayette and Tippecanoe County by identifying every liable party, documenting the full medical and psychological cost of the attack, and pursuing the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance that typically covers these claims. Our Lafayette personal injury attorneys know what it takes to build a serious bite injury case to its full value, and we bring that same preparation to every dog attack claim in the community.

How Christie Bell & Marshall Handles Dog Bite Claims in Lafayette

Dog bite cases in Indiana start from a strong legal position. The state’s strict liability statute means you do not have to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous or had bitten anyone before. The owner is liable because they own the animal. That legal framework simplifies the liability question, but it does not mean the insurance company will pay what your injuries are worth without a fight.

Our attorneys handle dog bite cases by building the full picture of what happened and what it has cost you. The result is a complete case that accounts for every category of harm, from surgical costs to the emotional impact of the attack.

We invite you to discuss your case with an experienced Lafayette dog accident lawyer in a free consultation. We will listen to what happened and explain your options for pursuing compensation.

Speak with a personal injury lawyer today. Call: 317-488-5500

Indiana’s Dog Bite Law

Under Indiana Code § 15-20-1-3, the owner of a dog is liable for physical harm caused by the dog biting a person if:

• The bitten person was in a location they were legally permitted to be (such as a public place, or on private property with permission), and
• The person did not provoke the dog.

Critically, Indiana’s dog bite statute does not require the victim to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had bitten someone before.

This legal framework significantly benefits bite victims. You do not need to establish that the owner was negligent in a traditional sense — only that you were lawfully present, you did not provoke the animal, and you were bitten and injured.

In addition to the strict liability statute, Indiana common law negligence principles may apply in cases involving dog attacks that did not technically involve a bite — such as a dog knocking down an elderly pedestrian or causing someone to fall while fleeing in fear.

What Counts as Provocation?

Provocation generally requires intentional conduct by the victim that a reasonable person would recognize as likely to cause the dog to react aggressively — such as hitting, kicking, or cornering the animal. Accidentally stepping near a dog, making sudden movements, or simply approaching a dog in a friendly manner does not constitute legal provocation.

In cases involving young children, provocation is especially difficult for owners to prove. Children often lack the judgment to understand how a dog will react, and courts are reluctant to hold small children to an adult standard of conduct.

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Common Injuries From Dog Bites and Attacks

With decades of experience helping dog bite victims, we have seen injuries ranging from minor cuts to life-altering trauma:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations. Dog teeth puncture deep into skin and muscle tissue, and powerful jaw pressure can cause severe tearing wounds requiring surgical repair.
• Infections. Dogs carry bacteria — including Pasteurella, Capnocytophaga, and in rare cases rabies — that can cause serious systemic infections if not treated promptly.
• Nerve damage. Deep bites can sever nerves, causing permanent numbness, tingling, or loss of function in the affected area.
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement. Facial bites — especially common in attacks on children — can cause disfiguring scars that require plastic surgery and carry lifelong emotional consequences.
• Broken bones. Large dogs can fracture bones with their bite force, particularlyin the hands, arms, and legs.
• Psychological trauma. Many dog bite victims develop cynophobia (fear of dogs), PTSD, anxiety, and depression following an attack, particularly in severe cases or when the victim is a child.
• Wrongful death. In rare but devastating cases, severe dog attacks cause fatal injuries. Christie Bell & Marshall handles wrongful death claims.

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Compensation Available to Lafayette Dog Bite Victims

Christie Bell & Marshall pursues all available damages in your dog bite case. Indiana’s strict liability framework puts victims in a strong position, and we build every claim to reflect the full cost of the attack.

Economic Damages

Emergency room treatment, wound care, surgery, and reconstructive procedures. Physical therapy and anticipated future medical costs if your injuries require ongoing treatment. Lost wages for time missed from work and loss of future earnings if permanent limitations result.

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain from the attack and recovery. Emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, and fear of dogs that can persist for years. Disfigurement and scarring, particularly in facial bite cases. The lasting impact on your quality of life and relationships.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the owner’s conduct was especially egregious, such as knowingly allowing a dangerous dog to roam without restraint, Indiana courts may award punitive damages beyond compensatory recovery.

Attorney Lee C. Christie notes:

“Homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies frequently cover dog bite liability, so a viable claim is often available even when the owner has limited personal assets. We identify every policy that applies and pursue every dollar the case supports. Dog bite injuries deserve the same thorough case development we bring to any serious injury claim.”

How Christie Bell & Marshall Handles Dog Bite Claims in Lafayette

We document the full scope of your injuries and consult with medical experts to project future treatment costs when necessary. We then present a complete claim to the responsible party’s insurance carrier — and if they fail to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to take the case to trial.

Reach out today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims in Lafayette

Does Indiana’s dog bite law apply if the dog jumped on me and knocked me d

own, but didn’t bite?

Indiana’s strict liability statute (IC § 15-20-1-3) specifically covers biting injuries. However, if a dog jumped on you and knocked you down, you may have a negligence claim against the owner under Indiana common law. If the owner knew their dog had a history of jumping on people or dangerous behavior, that prior knowledge supports a negligence theory. Consult with our attorneys to evaluate your specific situation.

What if the dog bite happened on the owner’s private property?

Indiana’s dog bite statute protects victims who were on private property “as invitees or licensees” — meaning you had permission or a lawful reason to be there (such as a social visit, a delivery, or a service call). The strict liability law does not apply if you were trespassing at the time of the attack.

What if the dog owner says I provoked the dog?

Provocation is a defense, but it is interpreted narrowly. Simply being near a dog, making eye contact, or accidentally startling it does not constitute legal provocation. We will review the facts of your case and

 counter any provocation defense with the available evidence. Young children are given particular latitude — courts recognize that children often cannot appreciate how their actions might affect an animal.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Indiana?

Generally, two years from the date of the attack under IC § 34-11-2-4. Waiting can jeopardize your ability to collect key evidence such as animal control records and witness accounts. We strongly recommend consulting with an attorney as soon as you are medically stable following an attack.

Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites?

In most cases, yes. Standard homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies include personal liability coverage that extends to dog bite injuries. However, some policies exclude certain breeds, and some owners may have insufficient coverage for serious injuries. We identify every available source of compensation, including excess or umbrella policies.

Do I need to prove the dog was dangerous before?

No. Indiana’s strict liability statute does not require proof that the dog had ever bitten anyone before. The owner is responsible simply because they own the dog. This is one of the most victim-friendly aspects of Indiana dog bite law.