Fairburn Dog Bite Lawyer

Fairburn Dog Bite Attorney

A dog attack that results in a bite and injury can be a chaotic experience. Dog bites can be very serious, requiring medical care and potentially therapy to process the shocking and painful encounter. After you receive medical treatment, you may wonder what comes next. An experienced Fairburn dog bite lawyer can help explain your options.

Georgia state law allows individuals who have been bitten by a dog to seek compensation from the dog’s owner if you can prove the dog was vicious or dangerous, the owner was negligent or careless and did not control and contain the dog, and you did not provoke the dog.

Fairburn Dog Bite Lawyer

Sustaining a dog bite can result in serious injury, prolonged time away from work, and ongoing rehabilitation and therapy. Dog bite laws in Georgia are nuanced and require knowledgeable counsel to successfully navigate. Trammell Injury Law focuses on personal injury claims related to dog bites and can help you understand the legal process for seeking compensation.

Dog bite claims are often handled under the owner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement is a challenging and complicated process. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, you may need to go to court. You will want to secure an experienced attorney who can help you understand your options.

Steps to Take if You Have Been Bitten by a Dog

There are an estimated 800,000 individuals bitten by dogs every year in the U.S. who require medical attention. Dog bites led to 58 deaths in 2023, and 70% of these fatalities were children. You should immediately seek medical attention by calling 911, going to an emergency room, or visiting urgent care for injuries that occur during a dog attack.

Dog bites carry a high risk of infection and may require antibiotics or other preventative treatments to prevent disease, including rabies, Capnocytophaga, Pasteurella, MRSA, and Tetanus.

• Contact the police: You should contact the local police department and file a report. The Fairburn Police Department is located at 191 SW Broad Street, Fairburn, GA 30213, and the contact number is 770-964-1441.
• Complete the appropriate forms with Fulton County Animal Services: This agency is responsible for the enforcement of laws regarding leash laws, securing pets, and other animal control regulations. This agency will provide you with background information on the dog, including any history of viciousness and vaccination records. These records will be crucial in determining if rabies or other concerns will impact your medical care.
• EMTs, ERs, and urgent care facilities have a responsibility to notify the police and animal control regarding the incident in the interest of public safety. However, you should also file a report with both agencies. Piedmont Urgent Care— located at 8028 Senoia Rd. Fairburn, GA 30213—can provide needed services.
• Gather evidence from the scene: If possible, capture pictures and video of the dog. Also, document your injuries and the location of the attack. Be sure to keep any torn or bloodied clothing that resulted from the attack.
• Record all relevant information regarding the attack: Collecting evidence at the scene will help to strengthen future claims. Write down a description of the dog that attacked you and get the name and contact information of the owner. You should also ask for contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the attack.

Damages in Dog Bite Cases

Damages in a dog bite case may include economic and non-economic compensation. Economic damages include anything that has a dollar value. For example, medical bills, wages lost due to time off work, and property damage.

Non-economic damages are more subjective and can include pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages may be pursued, but only in court. These damages may be awarded if the plaintiff can prove that the dog involved in the attack was known to be dangerous or aggressive.

FAQs

Q: How Much Compensation Do You Get for a Dog Bite?

A: The amount of compensation you may receive for a dog bite will be dependent on multiple factors. These will typically include the severity of the injury, whether the dog has a history of aggression, and the victim’s actions. You will also need to follow the statute of limitations and make sure your case is filed within two years of the incident. It is important to keep a record of medical expenses associated with the incident.

Q: How Much Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Georgia?

A: Dog bite laws vary from state to state, and it is important to have an experienced Fairburn dog bite lawyer who understands the requirements and caps for dog bite injuries in your area. In Georgia, an individual may seek compensation to cover the cost of medical expenses (current and future – including rehabilitation and therapy), lost wages, pain and suffering, and scarring and disfigurement. It is essential to keep detailed records of all costs associated with the attack.

Q: How Serious Does a Dog Bite Have to Be to Sue?

A: If you have been bitten by a dog in Georgia, you can seek compensation in civil court. It is important to secure legal counsel that is knowledgeable about the laws pertaining to dog bite injuries, as insurance companies will often attempt to minimize a payout. To demonstrate a successful case, you will need eyewitness accounts of the incident, medical records, and prior incident reports that show the dog was vicious and dangerous.

Q: What Proof Is Needed for a Dog Bite in Fairburn, GA?

A: In Fairburn, GA, the plaintiff must prove that the owner acted negligently. This may mean that the owner allowed the dog off leash in an area where leash laws are in place, did not properly secure a dog that previously displayed aggression, and/or disregarded complaints or warnings related to the dog’s behavior. It is prudent to keep records of your medical expenses, witness statements, and past aggressive behavior of the dog to build a winnable case.

Talk to an Experienced Fairburn Dog Bite Lawyer

Presenting a strong case for a dog bite in Fairburn requires detailed documentation and evidence. Trammell Injury Law understands the challenges faced by victims after a dog bite and can help explain and navigate the legal process with you. If you or someone you know has experienced a dog bite, contact our office to schedule a consultation.