Under Georgia law, dog bite victims are entitled to compensation for their damages by filing a personal injury claim. However, not every dog bite incident qualifies for compensation, especially when the victim fails to prove their case.
You may need to consult a dog bite injury lawyer to assess whether you have a case and are entitled to compensation. Atlanta dog bite attorneys at the Dressie Law Firm can help you file your claim, investigate and gather proof, and calculate your damages.
We have represented personal injury victims in Atlanta and across Georgia for two decades and established a track record of positive results. With over 20 personal injury professionals on our team, you can rest assured that you are getting the legal representation you need to win your dog bite claim.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
What you do following a dog attack is vital for your health and personal injury claim. Here’s what you should do after a dog bite:
Get Medical Treatment
When you sustain dog bite injuries, you must seek medical attention, whether the injury is painful or not. Even non-scarring dog bites can cause severe medical problems, including rabies. Therefore, you must prioritize your health and get checked immediately.
There are two sides to many stories, including dog bite cases. A dog owner could be negligent, but the person who was bitten may have done something to provoke the animal. One of the law’s primary roles in society is determining to what degree each party is responsible for an incident.
Different actions of the victim might equate to varying levels of culpability. A visitor to a property may have picked up a dog’s food bowl to relocate it. The dog sees a stranger stealing their food and bites the visitor. The dog and owner might meet all the liability criteria, but the visitor might also share some blame for doing something that provoked the bite.
As long as the courts determine the visitor is less than 50% at fault, they should still be able to recover compensation. However, your recoverable damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the attack, you can only recover 80% of your entire compensation.
The cost of treatment for dog attacks can vary greatly. They can be extraordinarily high in severe cases and require corrective and reconstructive surgeries. Victims may also experience post-traumatic stress from the attack itself, as well as long-term emotional trauma from permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Therefore, dog bite victims are entitled to receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Instant medical bills
- Lost Wages
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses, e.g., transportation bills for medical appointments.
- Future medical expenses
- Emotional trauma
In dog bite cases, the burden of proof lies on the victims. You need to prove that you are entitled to compensation and justify the damages you seek. A skilled Atlanta dog bite attorney at Dressie Law Firm can help you file a well-substantiated claim to secure fair compensation.
The Statute of Limitations for Atlanta Bus Accidents
According to OCGA § 9-3-33, the statute of limitation for personal injury claims, including dog bite accidents, is two years. This means you can only bring a dog bite claim within two years after the accident. If you fail to initiate a lawsuit within the time limit, you will lose your right to compensation.
Therefore, it is crucial to take prompt action after a dog bite and contact an Atlanta dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer will ensure that your claim is filed before the statute of limitation expires and protect your rights for fair compensation.
Dealing with the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover injuries caused by dogs. However, insurance companies always try to pay as little as possible on claims or avoid paying altogether. They may try to offer you a low settlement or challenge the extent of your injuries.
Having an experienced Atlanta dog bite attorney on your side can help level the playing field. We have dealt with insurance companies and know their tactics. Our lawyers can negotiate on your behalf to get the maximum compensation you deserve. If the insurance company refuses to settle for a fair amount, we will take your case to court and fight for your rights.
Contact an Experienced Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer Today!
Dog bite cases in Georgia are complicated, and many potential variables could affect your ability to collect compensation from a negligent dog owner. Since the burden of proof is on you, you must contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible if a dog has bitten you or a loved one.
The sooner your dog bite attorney can investigate your case, the more likely you will get the settlement you deserve. These cases rely on witness testimony, medical records, and other evidence that can dissipate quickly. Do not wait to take action.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, or visit our dog bite questions page to learn more.
Get a FREE Case Evaluation
Get in touch with the highly experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyers at the Dressie Law Firm.
