Dog bites become an issue of negligence when you’re attacked by someone else’s dog, either on their private property or in a public place. Many people are bitten by animals they’re familiar with.
Of course, no one likes the idea of bringing legal action against a friend or relative because of a dog bite, and even initiating a case against a stranger is intimidating. That said, there are times when it’s essential to pursue a personal injury claim so that you can get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills and other expenses. A personal injury lawyer in Dalton can guide you through this process.Of course, no one likes the idea of bringing legal action against a friend or relative because of a dog bite, and even initiating a case against a stranger is intimidating. That said, there are times when it’s essential to pursue a personal injury claim so that you can get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills and other expenses.
Dog bite injuries can lead to lifelong disfigurement and pain. Further, they can cause other medical complications, like bacterial illnesses or infections; you may have costly current and future medical needs and trauma from the attack.
If you find yourself in this position, you aren’t alone: Ali Awad with The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can help. Known by millions on social media for his free legal advice, Awad is dedicated to helping clients get the funds they’re entitled to after a dog attack.
Schedule a free, confidential case review with an experienced Dalton dog bite lawyer when you call (706) 307-4676 or contact us online.
What Can a Dalton Dog Bite Attorney Do for Your Case?
Dogs may be “man’s best friend,” but that doesn’t mean they are always well-behaved and predictable.
Unfortunately, more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and nearly 1 in 5 of those people require medical attention for their injuries. Children have the highest risk of suffering severe injuries from a dog bite, but anyone can get hurt.
Making matters even trickier for injured claimants, Georgia’s dog bite laws are notoriously complex. For the best shot at successfully getting compensation, you’ll want to hire a knowledgeable attorney who understands local laws regarding dog attacks.
A knowledgeable and experienced attorney will help you through the following services.
Outlining Your Rights
Every dog bite victim has rights under Georgia law. That said, each case is unique, and there are different elements to consider in each situation.
For instance, if you were bitten by a dog, but it turns out that you were trespassing, your case will be different from a dog bite victim who has been attacked in a public park.
As you meet with attorneys, you’ll be asked to provide details about what happened along with relevant documentation. They’ll use this information to evaluate your claim and determine if you could be eligible for compensation.
Estimating Your Expenses
Dog bites often result in high one-time expenses, such as an ambulance ride and medical treatment bills. That said, you can have ongoing complications from dog bites that require additional treatments and interventions.
Further, a dog attack is traumatizing — you may find that you’re suddenly afraid of dogs and uncomfortable in their presence. Since you could encounter a dog at any time, you have to learn coping mechanisms to manage your emotions; you may need counseling to process what happened to you and to develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Finally, a dog bite could affect your ability to work and, therefore, your income. It’s crucial to evaluate your situation with an attorney so that you know how much compensation is necessary to cover your bills.
Negotiating With Insurance or the At-Fault Party
Personal injury cases often involve negotiations. Generally, your attorney will work with the at-fault party’s insurance to determine a settlement amount. However, if insurance isn’t involved, they’ll work directly with the other party or their legal representative.
Emotions can run high during the negotiation process. With this in mind, it’s best to trust negotiations with an experienced attorney who won’t let personal feelings or desires cloud their judgment.
Can Dog Owners Be Guilty of Negligence?
The short answer is yes; dog owners can be found guilty of negligence in certain dog bite cases.
Under Georgia law, your attorney must prove these specific elements:
- The dog was known to be vicious. If this is applicable, your attorney will gather evidence that supports this assertion. The evidence could include witness statements, accounts from past victims, stories from neighbors, family members, or others associated with the dog, prior citations received by the owner, or medical records.
- The owner knew or should have known, that the dog was dangerous. Dog owners are expected to know their pet’s behaviors to a certain extent. An owner can claim that they had no idea their dog would behave violently, but the state accounts for this by saying there are times when an owner should have known that their dog would attack. Your attorney can help you understand when this stipulation may apply.
- The owner acted carelessly. It may come as a surprise, but a dog owner can own an animal with violent tendencies but still own the animal if they do so responsibly. Negligence comes into play when the dog owner acts irresponsibly. Some examples of this include failing to restrain the dog, taking the dog into public places where it could harm others, allowing the dog to trespass, or failing to watch the dog.
If you don’t have the elements needed to prove negligence, you shouldn’t lose hope — there is another avenue you can pursue that involves reviewing local ordinances. Your attorney can check the ordinances that apply to the area where you were attacked to see if the owner failed to follow heel or leash laws.
If so, you could still have a case, regardless of whether the owner knew or didn’t know that their dog could be violent.
What to Do if You’re Bitten by a Dog
Dog attacks can happen in a flash. You may not even have a chance to react before the dog has latched onto you.
That said, there are key steps you should take as soon as possible to get the help you need.
Get to Safety
Above all, you need to get to a safe place. You may need to move away from the dog, or the owner may restrain the dog shortly after the attack.
If possible, call 911 or animal control right away to report the incident – especially if the owner is nowhere in sight. You could be attacked again, or others could be at risk if a dangerous dog continues to run loose.
Tend to Your Injuries
If you need urgent medical care, be sure to let the authorities know so that they can send appropriate help. If you have a minor wound, wash the area with clean water, apply pressure with a clean bandage or cloth to stop the bleeding, cover the wound with antibiotic cream, and bandage it up. Even if the wound is small, you should get it checked by a professional to reduce the risk of infection or other complications.
Document the Scene
As soon as you can, document everything about the scene of the incident. Take pictures, videos, or voice recordings as you recount what happened. Try to get pictures of the dog as well as shots of your injuries, and try to determine how the dog got loose (if applicable).
It’s easy to forget details in the heat of the moment, but every bit of information counts as you build your case. Hang on to any evidence, such as torn clothing, since this might be important later.
Locate the Owner
Every dog attack case is different. In some cases, the owner might rush to your aid and immediately take responsibility for what happened, while in other instances, the owner might ignore you completely or turn the tables and claim that you provoked the attack.
Either way, you need to locate the person responsible for the dog so that you can request their insurance info. You can enlist a lawyer’s help at this stage to handle the initial contact if you feel nervous about approaching the owner.
Get Your Attorney Involved
After you’ve handled all of the immediate concerns, it’s time to contact your Dalton dog bite attorney. The dog owner’s insurance company may reach out with questions.
Instead of rushing to give answers, it’s best to consult with your lawyer about your rights and options.
Unfortunately, most insurance companies are interested in paying as little as possible or denying responsibility altogether. Involving your attorney from the start reduces the likelihood of you getting bullied by an insurance company.
What Damages Are Dog Bite Victims Eligible For?
Your attorney can let you know what types of damages apply in your specific case. Generally, though, dog bit victims may be eligible for compensation in the following categories:
- Medical expenses: Dog bite victims can seek compensation to cover current and future medical bills. These expenses can quickly add up if you need urgent care. The compensation can help with ambulance rides, treatments, medications, surgery, and other related medical needs.
- Lost wages: You may be forced to take time off of work after a dog attack. Under Georgia law, you can request damages for lost wages since the bite affected your ability to earn money. This can also apply to situations where an attack impacts your future job prospects or earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: You can also get compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced as a result of the attack. The amount can be tricky to quantify, but your attorney will help you determine a reasonable sum to aim for.
Contact a Dalton Dog Bite Law Firm Today
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is here to defend your rights. Led by attorney Ali Awad, this firm has won millions in jury awards and insurance settlements for personal injury victims.
Ali Awad serves clients throughout Georgia and is committed to helping each person he works with obtain as much compensation as possible. Schedule a free case review to discuss your dog bite injury claim with an experienced attorney in Dalton when you call (706) 307-4676 or contact us online.
