Millions Of Dollars Recovered For Our Clients.
Dedicated & Tenacious Litigation Lawyers in Indianapolis
A dog bite can cause serious injury, including puncture wounds, nerve damage, infection, and scarring, and the legal path to recovery depends heavily on what the owner knew about their dog before the attack. Dog bite cases cover injuries caused by a dog attack, whether it happened on the owner’s property, in a public place, or elsewhere in the community.
Indiana generally follows a negligence-based approach to dog bite cases rather than automatic strict liability, meaning an owner is typically responsible if they knew, or reasonably should have known, that their dog had dangerous tendencies and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it from hurting someone. There’s an important exception under Indiana law for certain people carrying out official duties, like postal workers, meter readers, or police officers, who generally don’t need to prove the owner knew about the dog’s dangerous tendencies as long as they were lawfully present and didn’t provoke the animal. Indiana’s two-year statute of limitations generally applies to dog bite claims, and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance often covers these claims, which is frequently the source of compensation in a dog bite case. Local animal control ordinances can also come into play, since a dog previously declared dangerous by animal control may make it easier to establish the owner’s knowledge of the risk.
At RileyCate, we investigate a dog’s history to determine whether the owner had reason to know of its dangerous tendencies, gathering evidence like prior complaints, animal control records, and witness accounts. We handle dog bite claims against homeowners, renters, and other parties responsible for a dog’s behavior, working to hold the appropriate party accountable.
Dog bite cases often turn on what the owner knew, or should have known, before the attack, which requires careful investigation and trial-tested representation to establish clearly. Our team brings extensive civil litigation experience to dog bite cases, led by Russell Cate, who is recognized as a Super Lawyer, and his and Will Riley’s appellate work before the Indiana Court of Appeals and the Indiana Supreme Court gives our clients real depth in this area. Will Riley’s Super Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and AV Preeminent recognition reflects that same trial-tested approach.
Every matter we take on is personally overseen by Will and Russell, who staff it with the attorneys, associates, and staff it calls for based on its size and complexity, so your claim gets careful, thorough attention.
Nobody plans to need a lawyer. When something goes wrong, what you need first is someone who will listen, tell you honestly where you stand, and take the next steps off your plate. That is how every case at RileyCate, LLC begins.
We represent individuals, families, and small businesses across Fishers, Indianapolis, and surrounding counties in personal injury and complex litigation, business and real estate disputes, criminal defense, and appeals.
Will Riley and Russell Cate personally oversee every matter, staffing each case to its size and complexity. Both are recognized as Super Lawyers and have argued before the Indiana Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. Will also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a Top 100 Trial Lawyer designation.
We are trial-tested, not just settlement-focused. We have tried hundreds of cases, because insurance companies, opposing businesses, and prosecutors negotiate differently with a firm willing to go the distance.
If you were bitten or attacked by a dog, we can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. We offer a consultation to review the circumstances of the attack and your options. Reach out to RileyCate today to speak with a dog bite attorney about your situation.
