There are nearly 5 million animal attacks each year in America ranging from minor bites and scratches to vicious animal attacks that could result in death. While death occurs in less than 100 of the reported dog bites or attacks that occur across America yearly, dog bites that require hospitalization are common. In fact, a dog bite is the second most frequent cause for emergency room visits among small children.

To avoid an animal attack, it is important to look out for signs such as chains around the animals neck, foaming at the mouth, an unkempt appearance, aggressive behavior, and growling. If you have done everything you can to avoid an animal attack, and you become the victim of an animal bite or attack, seek medical help immediately. If you sustain significant injuries that result in medical costs, loss of wages, and pain and suffering, you will have to hire an Indiana dog and animal bite lawyer or attorney.

A dog and animal bite lawyer or attorney will be well-versed in Indiana dog-bite laws, and they will have the knowledge needed to argue your dog-bite case in order to recover the maximum amount of damages you are entitled to under Indiana law. While each state has its own special dog-bite laws (Indiana is a strict liability state, but strict liability is limited), in every state, a victim can recover compensation from a person whose negligence caused the attack, a person who violated a leash law or a dog bite law prohibiting dogs from "running at large," and a person who kept a dog with the knowledge that the dog had a history of injuring people.

It is highly recommended that you find a lawyer or attorney that specializes in dog and animal bite law, however, personal injury lawyers that handle other areas can be helpful as well. If you find a personal injury lawyer or attorney with several specialties, it’s important to inquire about the number of dog or animal bite cases he/she has handled and how long they have been in business. Successful lawyers and attorneys will have hundreds of successful dog-bite cases to their credit.

To find an experienced personal injury or dog and animal bite lawyer or attorney, visit the American Bar Association website to gain access to 1000’s of dog and animal bite lawyer and attorney (and personal injury lawyer and attorney) profiles in your area.