Legal Question in Personal Injury in Indiana
Question is how do I decide what to ask for in a dog bite case?
Indianapolis IN
Details...
My dog (fox terrier) was barking so I asked my 11year old daughter to bring him indoors. He was on a tether. When she got outside she yelled for us.. the neighbors big head pit bull had escaped and was in our yard. Myself and my 13 year old son came outside. My daughter was standing still (as trained) the pit bull lunged at me but only got the edge of my shirt. It then ran to my daughter and bit her upper thigh ripping her pants completly off. I managed to get my children inside but our dog was left in the yard with the attacking dog. We were trapped inside for 30 minutes unable to seek medical attention. We called 911 the owner showed up before the police. While he was putting that dog away the second pit bull escaped and attacked our dog and we called 911 a second time. Still to scared to leave the house to get treatment. Finally animal control came took a report and we left for the emergancy room.
My daughters bite is a shredding type bite. could not do stitches. They cleaned the wound inquired about tetnus shot and sent us home. She has had one follow up visit. The wound is still healing its been about 35 days. The bruising was bad, the skin will have to regrow where it was ripped off and it hurt for her to sit for about 2 weeks.
The trauma has effected her more than the bite. We had to take her indoors to grocery stores for trick or treating and she wont go outside to walk her own dog or play with friends. We are working on her fear.
Filed a claim with neighbors insurance but im not sure what to ask for. Im not looking to fleece the company but feel my daughter should be fairly compensated for the pain and suffering. The terror we experianced and missing out on normal activities. How do i attach a dollar amount to this? Total bills including torn jeans is only 400.00. would asking for 8000.00 be laughed at?
Any advice you can offer us?
p.s..contacted local lawyers who would not take the case unless the bite was to hands or face.
1 Answer from Attorneys
It is difficult to say without knowing more information. Every case is different and the fact it is your daughter who was injured and scarred for life is an important factor. Since she is a minor any settlement would have to be approved by a judge. Please contact me as I am interested and am presently representing a lady who was bit in the leg. I handle cases throughour Indiana and Illinois.
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