Dog bites can cause deep wounds, infections, nerve damage, and lasting scars—and they often happen to children. In Indiana, a bite claim is usually paid by the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
How Indiana dog bite law works
- People performing legal duties: under IC 15-20-1-3, a dog owner is liable for all damages when the dog bites, without provocation, a person who is peaceably performing a duty required by state or federal law—such as a mail carrier—where they are lawfully allowed to be.
- Everyone else: Indiana generally uses common-law negligence rules. A claim often depends on whether the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous tendencies, or whether the owner was negligent in controlling the dog—such as violating a leash or containment ordinance.
- Landlords are usually not responsible for a tenant’s dog, but there are exceptions in some circumstances.
What to do after a dog bite
- Get medical care—dog bites have a high infection risk.
- Identify the dog and the owner, and confirm vaccination status.
- Report the bite to local animal control.
- Photograph the wounds as they heal and the place where the attack happened.
- Get names of witnesses and any neighbors who know the dog’s history.
Results Poynter & Bucheri has published
- $67,500 Settlement · Dog bite injuryAn escaped dog bit a neighbor, causing hospitalization for infection.
See all case results published by Poynter & Bucheri
Results as published by Poynter & Bucheri on pb-law.com/our-results. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different, and the amount recovered depends on the facts, the injuries, the available insurance, and other factors. Amounts shown are gross amounts before attorney fees and costs unless stated otherwise.
Damages in dog bite cases
A dog bite claim may include emergency care, surgery, plastic surgery and scar revision, rabies treatment, counseling, lost wages, and compensation for pain, scarring, and disfigurement. Photos taken as wounds heal help show the real impact over time.
Common defenses
Owners and insurers may argue that the dog was provoked, that the injured person was trespassing, or that the owner had no reason to know the dog was dangerous. Records of prior incidents, complaints to animal control, and statements from neighbors can be important.
Deadline: generally two years to file suit (IC 34-11-2-4).
Frequently asked questions
Is Indiana a strict liability state for dog bites?
Only in limited situations. IC 15-20-1-3 makes owners liable for unprovoked bites of people performing legally required duties, such as mail carriers. Other cases generally depend on negligence and whether the owner knew of the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
Who pays for a dog bite claim?
Usually the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, subject to its terms and limits.
What if my child was bitten?
Children are frequent victims. Get medical care, report the bite, and document injuries and scarring over time.
Will the dog that bit me be quarantined?
Usually, yes. In Indiana, a bite must be reported to the local health department within 24 hours, and a healthy-looking dog that bit someone is confined and watched for at least 10 days for signs of rabies. Get the owner's name and contact information, and see a doctor.
Sources
- IC 15-20-1-3 — official heading: “Dog bite liability.” Indiana’s dog bite liability statute.
- IC 34-11-2-4 — official heading: “Injury or forfeiture of penalty actions.” An action for injury to a person or to personal property generally must be started within two years after the cause of action accrues.
Indiana Code links open the official chapter PDF from the Indiana General Assembly (2026 Code); federal rules link to the current eCFR text.
More official links: Indiana accident resources · Indiana crash statistics · How to get your crash report
General information only—not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; deadlines can be shorter in some situations. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.