Your Dog Bite Lawyer Fort Wayne
Dog owners have a responsibility to keep others safe. When they fail to control a dangerous animal, the consequences can be devastating—from puncture wounds and infections to lifelong fear and disfigurement.
At the Ken Nunn Law Office, we’ve fought for hundreds of injury victims across Indiana, helping them seek the compensation they deserve after serious attacks. Whether the bite happened in a neighborhood, park, or someone’s home, our team will investigate what happened, identify who’s responsible, and fight for your recovery.
It’s Easy to Get Started
Getting started with your case is as simple as a click or a phone call. Reach out to our law office today, and we’ll start reviewing your case immediately.
We’re Here to Protect Your Rights
You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s carelessness. We’ll fight for every dollar you deserve, so you can focus on recovering.
No Upfront Fees
At the Ken Nunn Law Office, we work on contingency. This means there’s no fee to hire us and no cost at all unless we win for you.
Table of Contents
Do I Have a Dog Bite Case?
If a dog attacked you or a loved one, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit—but whether you have a case depends on a few key facts. In Indiana, the most important questions are simple: who controlled the dog, what the dog did, and how badly you were hurt.
To have a viable dog bite case, these factors are usually important:
- Who controlled the dog: The owner or the person watching the dog may be responsible if the dog was under their control when the attack happened.
- What the dog did: A bite, serious attack, or repeated aggressive behavior can support a case.
- Where the attack happened: Attacks on public sidewalks, private yards, or inside someone’s home can change who is liable.
- Whether you were lawfully on the property: If you were trespassing or provoking the dog, that can affect your ability to recover.
- Injuries and evidence: Medical records, photos of injuries, witness statements, and animal control reports all help show what happened and how it hurt you.
You don’t need to sort all this out alone. An experienced dog bite lawyer can investigate, talk to witnesses, get animal control records, and explain whether pursuing a lawsuit is the right next step for your situation. Contact us for a free consultation.
Indiana Dog Bite Laws
The “one-bite rule” followed in some states, where owners are only liable if they already know their dog is dangerous. In Indiana, the victim does not need to prove the owner knew the dog might bite. Instead, the focus is on whether the person who was attacked was:
- Lawfully on the property (such as a guest, delivery driver, or postal worker)
- Acting peacefully and not provoking the dog
There are limited exceptions. For example, a person who is trespassing, breaking the law, or provoking the animal may not qualify for compensation. However, in most cases, the law protects victims who were behaving lawfully when the attack occurred.
If you were bitten by a dog in Fort Wayne, an attorney can explain how Indiana’s strict liability law applies to your specific situation and what evidence can strengthen your case.
When Is a Dog Owner Liable in Indiana?
Liability in a dog bite case depends on who had control of the dog and whether they acted responsibly. Indiana law holds owners and those in control of a dog responsible when their failure to restrain or manage the animal leads to someone getting hurt.
A dog owner may be liable if they:
- Let their dog run loose without a leash or proper fencing
- Ignored leash or restraint laws in public areas
- Knew the dog had shown aggression but failed to warn or protect others
- Didn’t intervene when the dog showed signs of attacking
However, responsibility isn’t always limited to the owner. Others who may share liability include:
- Caretakers or dog sitters who were watching the dog at the time of the attack
- Landlords or property managers who knew a dangerous dog was on their property and failed to act
- Businesses or homeowners who allowed a guest to bring a dangerous dog onto the premises
Some dogs—such as police K-9s or service animals—have special legal protections when performing their duties, but they must still be properly trained and controlled.
A lawyer from the Ken Nunn Law Office can investigate who was responsible, review local ordinances, and determine how Indiana’s strict liability law applies to your case.
Get a Real Fighter On Your Side!
What To Do After a Dog Bite Attack
The moments after a dog attack can be chaotic, painful, and frightening. Taking the right steps immediately after the bite can protect your health and strengthen your legal case later.
Here’s what to do:
Even small puncture wounds can lead to serious infections. Go to the emergency room or see a doctor right away. Medical records from this visit will also help document your injuries.
If possible, find out who owns or was controlling the dog. Get their name, address, and contact information. If they refuse to cooperate, call law enforcement or animal control.
File a report with Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control or the local police department. Reporting ensures there’s an official record of the incident and may help prevent future attacks.
Photograph your injuries, torn clothing, the location of the attack, and the dog (if it’s safe to do so). Write down what happened while the details are still fresh.
If anyone saw the attack, ask for their names and contact details. Their statements can support your version of events.
Before speaking with the dog owner’s insurance company, contact the Ken Nunn Law Office. A lawyer can help you preserve evidence, deal with insurers, and make sure your rights are protected.
Our Fort Wayne Dog Bite Lawyers
Who’s Liable for a Dog Bite Incident?
Determining who’s responsible for a dog attack isn’t always straightforward. In many cases, more than one person may share liability for your injuries.
Under Indiana law, liability often falls on the person who had control or custody of the dog at the time of the attack. That could include:
- The dog’s owner, if they failed to leash, restrain, or warn others about their animal
- A caretaker, dog walker, or friend, if they were watching the dog and didn't prevent the dog from attacking
- A landlord or property manager, if they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous but failed to take reasonable steps to protect others
- A business or homeowner if they knowingly allowed a dangerous dog onto their property
Because each case is unique, it’s important to have a dog attack attorney in Fort Wayne who can identify every potentially responsible party and determine the best path to pursue compensation. The Ken Nunn Law Office has decades of experience investigating complex dog bite cases across Indiana.
Can I Sue for a Dog Bite?
Yes. If a dog bit or attacked you, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the person responsible. Under Indiana’s dog bite laws, owners and caretakers can be held financially accountable when their dog injures someone who was lawfully on public or private property.
You may have grounds to sue if:
- The dog’s owner failed to keep the animal restrained or on a leash
- The dog had shown aggression before and the owner didn’t warn you
- The dog was running loose in a neighborhood or park
- The attack happened while you were legally on the property, such as delivering mail, visiting a friend, or walking in a public area
In some cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, which is why having a dog bite attorney can make a significant difference.
The Ken Nunn Law Office can help you determine who is liable, gather evidence, and file a lawsuit if negotiations with the insurer do not lead to a fair settlement.
How Do You Prove Fault in Dog Bite Cases?
To recover compensation after a dog attack, you must show that someone’s actions—or lack of action—caused your injuries. In Indiana, this often comes down to proving who controlled the dog and whether they failed to act responsibly.
Key forms of evidence can include:
- Witness statements describing what led up to the attack and what happened afterward
- Animal control or police reports documenting the incident and any history of aggression
- Photographs or videos of your injuries, the location, and the dog itself
- Medical records linking your injuries directly to the attack
- Veterinary or ownership records showing prior complaints or vaccination history
- Local ordinance violations, such as failure to leash or register the dog
An experienced lawyer can gather this evidence, speak with witnesses, and work with medical or animal behavior experts to build a clear picture of what happened. The Ken Nunn Law Office has the experience and resources to investigate your case thoroughly and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Much Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
No two dog bite cases are exactly alike. The value of your case depends on how severe your injuries are, how the attack has affected your life, and what expenses you’ve faced since the incident.
Several factors can influence how much compensation you may recover:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, surgery, medication, or future treatment
- Lost wages if you missed work while recovering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement that affects your appearance or confidence
- Emotional trauma or fear of dogs that develops after the attack
- Long-term disability or loss of earning ability
What Compensation Is Available for Dog Bite Lawsuits?
Indiana law allows victims of dog attacks to pursue both economic and non-economic compensation for their losses.
Economic compensation covers financial costs such as:
- Hospital bills and medical treatment
- Lost income or reduced earning potential
- Out-of-pocket expenses, like transportation or home care needs
Non-economic compensation recognizes the personal impact of the attack, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Scarring, disfigurement, or loss of enjoyment of life
The Ken Nunn Law Office can review your injuries, medical costs, and the long-term effects of the attack to help you seek the full compensation you’re entitled to.
What Are the Most Common Injuries from Dog Attacks in Indiana?
Dog bites can cause far more than surface wounds. Many victims experience deep physical injuries and lasting emotional scars that can take months—or even years—to heal.
Some of the most common injuries seen in Indiana dog attack cases include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations that may lead to scarring or infection
- Nerve damage that causes pain, numbness, or weakness in affected areas
- Fractures or crushed bones from being knocked down or bitten through clothing
- Severe scarring or disfigurement, often on the face, neck, or arms
- Infections such as rabies or MRSA, which can develop if the wound isn’t properly treated
- Psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
Children are especially vulnerable. They’re more likely to suffer bites to the head or face, which can require surgery and lead to long-term emotional distress. Even adults may develop a lifelong fear of dogs after a severe attack.
If you or your child were hurt, seek medical attention immediately—and then contact a Fort Wayne dog attack attorney. We can help you understand your rights and what steps to take to protect your recovery.
How Does a Dog Bite Lawyer in Fort Wayne Help My Case?
After a serious dog attack, it’s hard to know what to do next—especially when insurance companies start calling. A lawyer’s job is to protect your rights, build your case, and make sure you’re treated fairly from start to finish.
Here’s how an experienced attorney from the Ken Nunn Law Office can help you:
- Investigate the attack. Gather evidence like animal control reports, witness statements, and photos of the injuries and location.
- Identify who’s responsible. Determine whether the dog’s owner, a caretaker, or another party is liable under Indiana law.
- Handle insurance negotiations. Deal directly with insurance adjusters so you don’t have to, and push for a fair settlement that covers your full losses.
- Calculate your total compensation. Evaluate medical bills, lost wages, and future costs—as well as pain, trauma, and other non-financial impacts.
- Prepare for trial if needed. If the insurance company refuses to settle, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and present your case in court.
When you hire the Ken Nunn Law Office, you don’t pay anything up front. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if we recover money for you.
Fort Wayne Dog Bite Lawsuit FAQs
Children are the most common victims of dog bites and often suffer the most serious injuries. Parents or guardians can pursue a lawsuit on behalf of an injured child to recover medical costs, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. Indiana law also extends the filing deadline for minors until 2 years after their 18th birthday.
Yes. Even if the dog belongs to a friend or family member, you can pursue a claim through their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance—not their personal finances. This helps cover your medical bills and lost income without creating financial strain between you and the dog’s owner.
In many cases, yes. Most homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies include coverage for dog bite injuries that happen on or off the property. An attorney can review the policy and negotiate directly with the insurance company for a fair settlement.
If a dog was running loose in a public space and attacked you, the owner could be held liable for violating local leash laws. Fort Wayne requires dogs to be restrained or under control when in public areas. An experienced dog bite attorney can use this violation as evidence of negligence.
There are no upfront costs when working with the Ken Nunn Law Office. We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning we only get paid if we win compensation for you.
Every case is different. Some dog bite claims settle in a few months, while others take longer if the insurance company refuses to negotiate fairly. Factors like medical treatment, evidence, and court schedules can affect how long your case lasts.
In most cases, you have 2 years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. However, exceptions exist for minors or cases involving government property. A lawyer can confirm which deadlines apply to your situation.
Contact a Fort Wayne Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or someone you love was hurt in a dog attack, don’t wait to get help. Medical bills, lost income, and lasting emotional trauma can take a serious toll—but you don’t have to face it alone.
The Ken Nunn Law Office has helped injured people across Indiana for more than 50 years. Our team knows how devastating these attacks can be and will fight to hold negligent dog owners accountable.
When you call, you can speak with a lawyer who will listen to your story, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward recovery. You’ll never owe anything unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact the Ken Nunn Law Office today for a free consultation.