Milledgeville
Dog Bite Lawyer

There are many people living in Milledgeville who love their dogs and view them as family. While dogs can be great companions, they don’t come without risk. If owners are not careful to train, monitor, and contain their dogs, bites can happen. If you were bitten by a dog (or some other animal), you’ll want to discuss your options with a personal injury lawyer in Milledgeville.

At John Foy & Associates, our dog bite lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your damages from the bite. We know how serious dog bites and attacks can be, and we are dedicated to helping you recover your costs.

Reporting a Dog Bite in Milledgeville, GA

After being bitten by a dog in Milledgeville, you will want to report it. Reporting the bite does several things:

• Alerts local authorities that there is a dangerous dog at large
• Creates a record of the dog to support your claim and
• Potentially helps you get more information on the dog and identify the owner

Contact Baldwin County Animal Control to report the dog bite or attack. Animal Control is responsible for quarantining vicious animals and assisting with other animal-related concerns in the area. They might even be able to give you information about the dog if it’s been reported or picked up before.

Dog bites are routinely left unreported, even if the victim suffers painful and costly injuries. This makes it easier for negligent owners to continue being neglectful to their pets and putting more people in harm’s way. Reporting the dog bite is the most responsible thing you can do, and it helps protect your legal rights too.

When you report the bite, you’ll want to provide the following information:

• Where you were bitten
• The appearance of the dog, including its breed, color, size, and any identifying markings
• Any information you might have about the dog’s owner
• The severity of your injuries

If the dog is missing or a stray, Animal Control might already know about the dog and be able to provide more information.

How Fault Works in Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

According to the Union Recorder, Georgia has been ranked in the top 10 of states for dog bite accidents. Since Georgia is a fault state, the negligent person in an injury accident is responsible for damages. Plus, dog owners are almost always found to be at fault when their animal bites someone else.

To seek compensation for your damages, you can file a claim with the dog owner’s insurance company. This is typically through their homeowners’ insurance that covers dog bites. If they have a dog that is considered to be a dangerous breed, such as a pit bull, the owner will likely be required to carry additional insurance.

When building your claim, you’ll need to show that:

• The owner was negligent in handling and containing their dog
• That negligence led to your dog bite injuries
• You suffered damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, as a result of your injuries
• You did not do anything to provoke the dog to bite or attack

You’ll also want to consult local ordinances regarding dog leash and containment laws. A dog bite and animal attack lawyer in Milledgeville can help you research this so you’ll know best how to represent your case.

Gather Information After the Bite in Milledgeville

There are other things you can do to build a strong case for compensation. The dog owner might try to deny that you were bitten, deny that the dog acted aggressively, or try to say that you provoked the dog into attacking. Here are some ways you can gather information to show what happened.

Take Pictures

If you’re well enough to do so after the attack, use your phone to take pictures of:

• The dog that bit you
• Where the bite happened
• Your injuries
• Damage to any property during the bite
• Anything else that might help show what happened

Picture evidence can be very powerful in a dog bite case, especially if the dog runs away after the attack. Your lawyer will be able to use these pictures to help build your claim and support you.

Get Information About the Dog

If the dog owner is on the scene when the dog attacks you, get the owner’s name and contact information. Then, ask about the dog.

Find out if the dog is up-to-date on their shots, especially the rabies shot, and ask for copies of vet records. Ask the owner if the dog has ever been aggressive or bitten anyone before. It’s common for dog owners to not be forthcoming with information about the dog, so be prepared for this.

Talk to Witnesses or Neighbors

If anyone else saw the dog bite you, talk to them and get their names and contact information. Your lawyer will contact them later for witness statements. You might also talk to any neighbors nearby, as they might recognize the dog and be able to provide you with more information on it.

When you contact John Foy & Associates, we can also send investigators to the scene to gather information from those in the neighborhood. To learn more and schedule a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online now.

Get Medical Attention

Do not neglect to have a medical professional look at your injuries as soon as possible. Dog bites can worsen quickly and easily lead to infections. Plus, seeing a doctor will create a record of your injuries and give you an idea of how much your medical damages will be.

Talk to a Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer in Milledgeville, GA for Free Today

You should also speak with an experienced dog bite and animal attack lawyer as soon as you can. They can use the information you’ve gathered to begin building a strong case for you. Dog bite claims can be complicated and confusing, especially as you’re trying to heal and recover from the attack, so your lawyer can handle the legal details for you.

John Foy & Associates is here to help. Our dog bite lawyers are not afraid to fight for your right to the compensation you deserve, and it’s risk-free to work with us. We do not charge you unless we win money in your case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to schedule your FREE consultation today.