The days are getting longer and the weather is finally turning. People are back outside walking their dogs, jogging through neighborhoods, and spending time in parks. It is a great time of year. It is also when dog bite injuries start to spike.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Indiana, you are not alone and you are not without options. This guide breaks down how common dog bites are, what Indiana law says about owner responsibility, and what steps to take if it happens to you.
Dog Bites Are More Common Than Most People Realize
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States every year. Of those, around 885,000 seek medical attention. Nearly 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments every single day for nonfatal dog bite injuries.
Children are especially vulnerable. The CDC reports that children between the ages of 5 and 9 have the highest rate of dog bite injuries of any age group. Most bites happen with dogs that belong to the family or a friend, not a stranger's animal.
In 2024, homeowners insurance companies across the country paid out $1.57 billion in dog bite and dog-related injury claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The average payout per claim reached $69,272, an 18 percent increase from the year before.
(Sources: CDC; Insurance Information Institute, Spotlight on Dog Bite Liability, 2025)
Indiana's Dog Bite Laws: What Owners Are Responsible For
Indiana's approach to dog bite liability is different from states like Michigan that use a blanket strict liability rule. In Indiana, the answer depends on who was bitten and where.
Under Indiana Code section 15-20-1-3, strict liability applies when a dog bites a person who is lawfully performing official duties for the state, federal government, or the United States Postal Service. If a mail carrier is bitten while delivering mail on your property, the dog's owner is automatically liable, regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before.
For most other victims, Indiana courts apply a negligence standard. To hold a dog owner responsible, the injured person generally needs to show that the owner knew or should have known that the dog had dangerous tendencies and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the bite. Indiana courts have made clear that a dog does not need to have bitten someone before for the owner to be put on notice of a potential danger.
Indiana also has a criminal component. Under Indiana Code section 15-20-1-4, a dog owner can face a Class C misdemeanor if they recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally fail to restrain their dog and it leaves their property and injures someone without provocation. Repeat violations or cases involving serious bodily injury carry more serious charges.
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that if a victim is found to share some responsibility for the bite, their compensation may be reduced. If they are more than 51 percent at fault, they cannot recover.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Indiana is generally two years from the date of the bite.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Indiana
The steps you take right after a bite can make a real difference in your recovery and your legal options.
Seek medical attention immediately. Even a bite that looks minor can lead to serious infection. Dog bites carry a significant risk of bacterial infection, and wounds to the hands, face, or joints are especially concerning. Document everything, including photos of your injuries, the location, and the dog if possible.
Report the bite to your local animal control agency. This creates an official record and may help protect others in your community.
Get the dog owner's contact and insurance information. In most cases, a homeowners or renters insurance policy covers dog bite liability.
Contact an attorney before accepting any settlement. Insurance companies will often make an early offer that does not come close to covering your full medical costs, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
What Damages Can You Recover?
If you have a valid claim, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, including future treatment such as reconstructive surgery or physical therapy. You may also be able to recover for lost wages if your injuries kept you from working, as well as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and scarring or disfigurement.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average dog bite claim nationally exceeds $69,000. Serious injuries, particularly those involving children or injuries to the face, often result in significantly higher recoveries.
We Have Helped Hoosier Families for Nearly 90 Years
At Keller and Keller, we have been fighting for injured Hoosiers since 1936. Dog bite cases can be complicated, especially when an insurance company argues provocation or disputes who was at fault. We know how to build these cases and we are ready to go to trial when that is what it takes. Contact our Indiana injury team today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win.
Call us at 1-800-253-5537 or click here to speak with an attorney directly.
