Indiana Dog Bite Lawyers Examine What Action Should Be Taken Following a Canine Attack

by Caleb Fleschner

Last Updated August 31, 2026 In Newsletter

The moments immediately following a dog attack can be frightening and confusing. A victim may be dealing with painful injuries while also trying to determine whether medical treatment is necessary, who owns the dog, and what steps should be taken to document the incident.

Our Indiana dog bite lawyers examine what action should be taken following a canine attack. The team at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin encourages anyone injured in a dog attack to prioritize their health and take steps to preserve important information about the incident.

Seek Medical Attention After a Dog Bite

Top priority following a dog attack should be addressing the victim’s medical needs. Even injuries that initially appear minor can require professional evaluation. A dog bite can cause puncture wounds, lacerations, nerve damage, infections, scarring, and other catastrophic complications. Injuries involving the face, head, hands, or other sensitive areas may be particularly serious. Medical records can also become important documentation of the nature and severity of the injuries if a legal claim is later pursued.

Indiana Attorney Caleb Fleschner explains why these steps are so important following a dog attack:

“After a dog attack, it’s important to focus first on getting the injured person the medical attention they need. Once the immediate medical concerns have been addressed, documenting what happened and identifying the dog and its owner can be extremely important. The information gathered in the hours and days following an attack may become important later.”

Report the Dog Attack

Depending on the circumstances, victims should consider reporting the attack to the appropriate local animal control agency or law enforcement authority. Reporting the incident may help ensure that the dog is properly identified and that officials can determine whether the animal presents a public health or safety concern. Authorities may also provide information regarding applicable quarantine or observation procedures.

Victims should obtain a copy of any available incident or animal-control report when possible. An Indiana attorney can later use this to help a victim take legal action and use it as evidence in a dog attack claim.

Gather Information About the Dog and Its Owner

If it is safe to do so, victims should obtain as much information as possible about the dog and its owner. Important information may include:

The dog’s name and description.
The location where the attack occurred.
The owner’s name and contact information.
Whether the dog was accompanied by its owner.
The names and contact information of witnesses.
Whether the dog has received its required vaccinations.
Whether the dog was on a leash or otherwise restrained.
Whether the dog has previously attacked or bitten anyone.

Victims should not put themselves in danger to obtain this information. If the dog remains loose or presents an ongoing threat of further attack, contact the appropriate authorities and get in touch with an Indiana canine bite attorney for help pursuing further information.

Take Photographs and Preserve Evidence

Photographs can provide valuable documentation of a dog bite victim’s injuries. When possible, our Indiana lawyers recommend taking photographs soon after the canine attack and continuing to document the injuries throughout the healing process. Victims should also preserve other evidence related to the attack, including:

Medical records and bills.
Contact information for witnesses.
Photographs of torn or bloody clothing.
Prescription and treatment information.
Any available animal-control or police reports.
Photographs of the location where the attack occurred.
Communications with the dog’s owner or insurance company.

Keeping a written record of medical appointments, symptoms, pain, missed work, and other consequences of the attack may also be helpful.

Be Careful When Discussing the Incident

After a dog attack, the dog’s owner or an insurance company may contact the victim. Victims should be careful about providing recorded statements, signing documents, or making statements about the extent of their injuries before they understand their legal rights.

A victim should be truthful when discussing the incident and their injuries, but should not feel pressured to speculate about what happened or how quickly they will recover. To help prevent saying something they should not, victims should work with an Indiana lawyer who can help them take legal action following a dog attack and communicate with the insurance company on their behalf.

What Are Indiana’s Dog Bite Laws?

Indiana law addresses liability for injuries caused by dogs under specific circumstances. The facts surrounding the attack, including where it occurred and the victim’s status at the time, can be important when determining whether an injured person may have a claim.

Because dog bite cases can involve questions concerning ownership, negligence, insurance coverage, medical expenses, and the circumstances of the attack, victims may benefit from having an attorney review their situation.

The Indiana Personal Injury Lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin can review the circumstances of a dog attack, explain the legal options that may be available, and help you take your next steps.

Contact an Indiana Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog attack can result in significant physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, scarring, and other losses. Taking appropriate steps immediately after the incident can help protect the victim’s health and preserve important evidence.

Now that our Indiana dog bite lawyers have helped you examine what action should be taken following a canine attack, you can contact Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to discuss your potential claim with our team.