A dog attack can happen in seconds and leave victims with injuries that last a lifetime. Each year, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States, and approximately 885,000 of those bites are serious enough to require medical treatment. While it can be easy to avoid certain breeds that may have a reputation for being aggressive, the American Veterinary Medical Association confirms that any dog can bite if it feels provoked, threatened, or afraid. The physical and emotional toll of a dog attack extends far beyond the wound itself, often including scarring, nerve damage, and lasting psychological trauma.

At Wagner Reese, we believe that negligent dog owners should be held accountable for the harm they cause. Our Indianapolis dog bite lawyers have more than 150 years of combined legal experience, and we understand what it takes to build a winning case. If you or a loved one were injured due to a dog bite or animal attack, our premises liability attorneys are ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Understanding Indianapolis Dog Bite Law

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, any dog can bite when it feels provoked, threatened, or afraid, regardless of breed, size, or temperament. Indiana has what is commonly known as the “one bite” rule, which governs how liability is established after an attack. Under this rule, dog owners can be held liable for injuries their animal causes if the owner knew or should have known the dog was aggressive or likely to bite. This is typically proven by showing that the dog had acted aggressively before or had bitten at least one other person in the past.

Negligence is another path to recovery that victims can pursue. If a dog owner allows a dog with a known history of aggression to roam unleashed in an unfenced area, that owner is acting negligently, regardless of whether the dog has bitten someone before. In cases involving injuries to children, the emotional and physical impact can be especially severe, as children between the ages of five and nine represent the highest-risk group for dog bite incidents in the country.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Indianapolis

Knowing the right steps to take immediately after an attack can protect both your health and your legal claim. Seeking prompt medical care is the most critical first step, both to treat the wound and to create documentation of the injury.

Beyond medical treatment, there are several additional steps that can strengthen your case. Be sure to report the incident to local animal control so that it is officially documented, and try to find out whether the dog is current on its vaccinations. Keep all records organized, including the names and contact information of everyone involved, medical paperwork, and any photographs of your injuries.

These steps matter because evidence gathered early is often the most compelling. Our team reviews this type of documentation carefully when evaluating your case. You can also learn more about the specific legal requirements that apply to these claims by visiting our blog on Indianapolis dog bite legal requirements.

What to Do If You Are Bitten By a Dog

  • Get medical treatment immediately – make sure children know to find an adult
  • Try to find out if the dog is current on its vaccinations
  • Report the incident to local animal control so it can be documented
  • Call the dog bite attorneys at Wagner Reese to discuss your legal options
  • Never agree to or sign anything without letting your lawyer review it first
  • Keep all important information and documentation together – names and contact information of the people involved, medical records, incident reports, etc.

While financial compensation cannot undo the pain and suffering you have endured, it can help with the cost of medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Call (888) 204-8440 to get started with a FREE consultation.

After the Bite: What Victims Often Face

The consequences of a dog attack frequently extend well beyond the initial injury. Many victims experience ongoing medical expenses related to wound care, reconstructive surgery, and infection treatment. According to recent insurance data, dog bite claims totaled more than $1.57 billion nationwide in 2024, with the average payout exceeding $69,000 per claim, a figure that reflects the true severity of these injuries.

Beyond the financial burden, victims of dog bites often suffer serious scarring, nerve damage, and even catastrophic injuries requiring long-term care. Post-traumatic stress disorder and ongoing anxiety around animals are also well-documented outcomes, particularly among younger victims. Our Indianapolis attorneys work hard to make sure that every element of your damages is accounted for when we pursue compensation on your behalf.

Why Choose Wagner Reese for Your Dog Bite Claim

When you have been seriously hurt, the legal team you choose can make all the difference. Our attorneys have spent decades fighting for injured Hoosiers, and our combined experience gives us the insight to navigate Indiana’s unique legal landscape. We approach every dog bite case with the same commitment to thorough investigation, strategic preparation, and aggressive advocacy.

Dog bite cases can involve multiple liable parties, complex insurance negotiations, and contested evidence about the animal’s history. Our team knows how to gather witness statements, work with animal control records, and present a compelling picture of your damages to insurers and, if necessary, to a jury. We encourage you to also review our overview of U.S. dog bite statistics to better understand the scope of this issue and how the law has evolved to protect victims.

Contact Our Indianapolis Dog Bite Lawyers at Wagner Reese LLP

If you or your child suffered an injury as a result of a dog bite or animal attack, the experienced team at Wagner Reese LLP is here to help. Do not wait to take action, because evidence can disappear quickly, and Indiana’s statute of limitations puts a time limit on your ability to file a claim.

Reach out today through our Indianapolis personal injury lawyers page or contact our legal team directly to schedule your free consultation. We are committed to getting you on the road to recovery.