St. John, Indiana Dog Bite Lawyer – Vicious Animal Attack

Dog Bite Laws in the City of St. John

An unprovoked bite by a dog or cat does not necessarily mean that the dog or cat is dangerous or vicious. In the United States, all dogs and house cats, regardless of breed or size, are presumed to be harmless domestic animals. This presumption can be overcome with proof of a dangerous propensity as demonstrated by specific conduct of that particular animal.  A dangerous propensity is the tendency of an animal to act to endanger the safety of people or other animals. Depending on the facts of a dog or cat bite case, that dog’s or cat’s biting of a person can be used as evidence of that animal’s viciousness.

St. John defines a “domestic animal” as any animal kept for pleasure rather than utility; an animal of a species native to this region that has been bred and raised to live in or about the habitation of humans and is dependent on people for food and shelter, including but not limited to: dogs, cats, horses, dairy and beef cattle, swine, goats, sheep and fowl.

St. John defines an “owner” as any person, partnership or corporation owning, keeping or harboring one or more animals. An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered for three (3) consecutive days or more.

St. John defines a “public nuisance” as any animal or animals that unreasonably annoy humans, endanger the life or health of other animals or persons or substantially interfere with the rights of citizens, other than their owners, to enjoyment of life or property. The terms “public nuisance animal” shall mean and include, but is not limited to, an animal that: 1. Is repeatedly found at large; 2. Damages the property of anyone other than its owner; 3. Molests or intimidates pedestrians or passersby; 4. Chases vehicles; 5. Excessively makes disturbing noises, including, but not limited to, continued and repeated howling, barking, whining or other utterances causing unreasonable annoyance, disturbance or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored; 6. Causes fouling of the air by odor and thereby creates unreasonable annoyance or discomfort to neighbors or other in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored; 7. Causes unsanitary conditions in enclosures or surroundings where the animal is kept or harbored; 8. Is offensive or dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare by virtue of the number and/or types of animals maintained; 9. Attacks or threateningly pursues other domestic animals; or 10. Has been found by the Town Animal Control board, after notice to its owner and a hearing, to be a public nuisance animal by virtue of being a menace to the public health, welfare or safety.

St. John defines a “restraint” as any animal secured by a leash, fence, (including electronic control fences), or lead under the control of a responsible person and obedient to that person’s commands or within the real property limits of its owner.

St. John defines “running at large” as any animal that is not secured and under the control of its owner.

St. John defines a “vicious animal” as any animal that attacks, bites or injures human beings or domesticated animals without adequate provocation or which, because of temperament, conditioning or training, has a known propensity to attack, bite or injure human beings or domesticated animals.

Under St. John ordinance 3-6, the use of a “restraint” is required as follows: (a) All dogs shall be kept under restraint. (b) All cats shall be kept under restraint. (c) No owner shall fail to exercise proper care and control of his/her animals to prevent them from becoming a public nuisance. (d) Every female dog or cat in heat shall be confined in a building or secure enclosure in such a manner that such female dog or cat cannot come into contact with another animal except for planned breeding, also no person shall allow an animal to ride in an unenclosed area of a motor vehicle unless the animal is confined by a securely affixed, well-ventilated container, cage, or other device designated to safely prevent the animal from falling or jumping from the vehicle. (e) Every vicious animal, as determined by the Town Animal Control officer, shall be confined by the owner within a building or secure enclosure and shall be securely muzzled or caged whenever off the premises of its owner. The decision of the Town Animal Control officer may be appealed to the Town Animal Control board. (f) No companion animal or domestic animal shall be permitted in any municipal parks.

How a St. John Dog Bite Attorney Can Help with Your Dog Bite Injury Claim

If you, or a loved one, has suffered a dog or cat bite injury due to the negligence of dog or cat owner/keeper, it is important that you seek the advice of a qualified lawyer who understands the law and possesses the skill to ensure that you get justice you deserve for your loss. Do not waste your one and only opportunity to receive just compensation for your injury case by hiring the wrong lawyer. Get a lawyer that is experienced, highly rated and certified to represent you and/or your family. Get Gladish.

How a St. John Dog Bite Attorney Can Help with Your Dog Bite Injury Claim

At Gladish Law Group, we have experience handling St. John dog bite cases, bringing a wealth of knowledge to each claim. Our legal team is well-versed in the specific nuances of St. John, Indiana’s dog bite laws, ensuring that you receive skillful guidance tailored to your case.

We recognize that a dog bite incident is not just a legal matter but a personal and often traumatic experience. Our team at Gladish Law Group takes a compassionate and personalized approach to each case, providing the support and understanding you need during this challenging time.

You can trust Gladish Law Group to stand by your side, advocating for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.

Indiana Dog Bite Law

Indiana has specific laws that govern dog bite cases. The state covers them under strict liability statutes.

The key points include:

• Strict Liability: Indiana follows a strict liability approach, meaning that a dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s history of aggression or the owner’s knowledge of such behavior.
• Leash Laws: In some municipalities, there may be local leash laws that require owners to keep their dogs on a leash in public spaces. Violating these laws could strengthen a case against the dog owner.
• One-Bite Rule: While Indiana has strict liability, it also recognizes the one-bite rule. If the dog has shown aggressive behavior in the past and the owner knew about it, this could strengthen your case.
• Comparative Fault: Indiana follows a comparative fault system, which means that if the injured person is partially responsible for the incident, their compensation may decrease based on the percentage of fault assigned to them.

Consult an experienced dog bite lawyer in Lake County, Indiana, to navigate the specifics of your case and understand how these laws may apply to your situation. As a firm based in Lake County, Indiana, Gladish Law Group has a deep understanding of the local community and its unique dynamics. This local insight allows us to navigate the legal landscape more effectively and build strong cases that resonate with local judges and juries.

About St. John, Indiana

The Town of St. John is located in the Northwest Indiana and is a fast-growing residential community.  The Town of St. John was founded in 1837. The Town of St. John population of over 15,000 residents.  St. John has been ranked in the top 50 places to live in the United States as well as being ranked as one of the safest places to live in the State of Indiana.

The Town of St. John is also known for The Shrine of Christ’s Passion which is located at 10630 Wicker Avenue (U.S. 41) in St. John, Indiana.  The Shrine of Christ’s Passion is a multi-media interactive, ½ mile winding Prayer Trail that depicts the last days of Jesus Christ’s life with life-size bronze statutes.  In July, St John Fest is held each year and is an event of St John the Evangelist Parish which draws large crowds.

The Town of St. John is run by a town manager as well as a 5-member town council.  St. John’s Town Hall is located at 10955 West 93rd Avenue, St John, Indiana.