Dog bite statistics show around 1,000 Americans need emergency treatment every day because of serious injuries from dog bites. Most dog owners are sure their pet would never attack a human—yet it still happens. If you were hurt from a dog bite in Dallas, it’s time to contact a Dallas dog bite and animal attack lawyer for help. You may be able to recover money for your costs.
Dog bites can leave victims with serious, painful injuries that take a lot of time to heal and can become infected. Some bites can even cause years of emotional damage or require reconstructive surgeries. Dog owners should be held responsible for the damage if their dog bites.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help you fight for the financial recovery you deserve. We have a long history of helping dog bite victims win cases and get what they need to cover costs and move on. To schedule a FREE consultation with our team today, call us at (404) 400-4000.
What to Do If You Suffer a Dog Bite in Dallas, GA
If a dog has just bitten you, always get any medical treatment you need. Serious and life-threatening bites should receive emergency medical attention right away.
If your injuries are not so severe that you need the hospital immediately, we recommend gathering some important information first.
Find Out Who the Dog Belongs to
If you can, locate the owner. Try to find answers to the following questions:
- Who is the owner of the dog?
- Where do they live?
- Has the dog displayed aggression or bitten someone in the past?
- Has the dog received its vaccinations? If so, when were they given and which ones did the dog receive?
Getting this information is often tricky. The owner might be nowhere around, or they might even refuse to answer your questions. If this happens, it’s best to contact a dog bite and animal attack lawyer in Dallas. They can send investigators to gathering evidence at the scene and find out more information. A lawyer can also look at public records to see if the dog has bitten anyone before.
Talk to Witnesses
Depending on where you were when the dog bit you, there might be other people around. If others saw the dog bite attack, ask them what they saw. Get their name, phone number, and address. Your lawyer will want to reach out to them later.
Take Pictures
Use your phone to take pictures of your injuries, the location where the dog bite happened, and the dog itself (if it didn’t run away). Picture evidence can be very powerful in your claim.
Report the Dog Bite or Animal Attack
Call Paulding County Animal Control to tell them about the dog bite. Describe the dog, and be sure to tell them if you suspect the animal has rabies. If the owner is present, they will also need to provide Animal Control with documentation of the dog’s vaccination records.
See a Doctor
If you didn’t require emergency medical attention, see a doctor as soon as you can after reporting the attack. Dog bite injuries can become infected or worsen quickly with time. Do not delay seeing a doctor who can check out your injuries and get you prompt treatment.
Call a Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer
If you haven’t already, contact a lawyer in Dallas who has experience with a dog bite and animal attack claims. They can help you obtain the evidence needed for a strong claim.
Get the strong arm
How Liability Works for Dog Bite Injuries in Dallas
In Georgia, the at fault party in an accident is liable for all damages. With dog bite injuries, the owner is often negligent in the attack. They have a duty to prevent their animals from injuring others.
A lot of times, we find the dog owner did not property cage, restrain, or fence the dog. They might also know the dog has a history of aggressive behavior, yet they still chose to let it roam around other people. Even if they did not mean for their dog to cause harm, they can be at fault.
You will need to gather details like:
- What events led up to the dog biting you (such as if the owner did not properly restrain them)
- Any history the dog has of biting humans or otherwise being aggressive
- The specific rules on animal control in Dallas and how the owner may have violated them
An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you obtain this information. They can also help you detail all the damages you’ve suffered because of the attack. This information will be included in your claim. If the owner is found to be fully at fault for the dog bite, they will be legally responsible for your damages.
Damages You Can Collect from a Dog Bite Claim
Common damages dog bite victims face include:
- Medical expenses from doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, tests, and prescription medications
- Physical therapy, rehabilitation, or other long-term treatments
- Lost wages from missed work time
- Pain and suffering
- Trauma, stress, anxiety, or PTSD
Animal attacks often leave more than physical injuries and scars. They can stay with a victim for many years, causing phobias and other emotional issues. Children who suffer dog bites are especially susceptible to emotional trauma that lasts for a long time.
Your lawyer can help you account for these types of damages. If you win a settlement for them, it can greatly increase the money you receive.
Talk to a Dallas Dog Bite And Animal Attack Lawyer for Free
At John Foy & Associates, we have over 20 years of experience working with dog bite accident victims—and winning their cases. We understand how much pain, stress, and trauma an animal attack can cause for anyone. Our compassionate Dallas dog bite lawyers know what it takes to win settlements you deserve. Plus, we don’t take a fee unless we win you money.
We’d love to offer you a FREE consultation to discuss your situation and how we can help. To schedule your FREE consultation today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form