Getting bitten by a dog is a serious situation. There are about 4.5 million dog bites each year in the United States, with around 27,000 of those requiring reconstructive surgery for the victims.
It’s very common for a dog bite or attack in Calhoun to result in the need for medical attention, leaving the victim with medical bills and other costs of just trying to get treated and move on from the unfortunate incident.
Under Georgia law, dog owners are liable for any damage their dog causes. They are required to protect others from harm by keeping their animals properly leashed or otherwise secured, especially if the dog is known to be aggressive.
If you or a loved one was hurt by a dog bite, you are entitled to financial recovery. You need a Calhoun dog bite lawyer to help you.
At John Foy & Associates, our lawyers have settled various high-profile injury claims from serious dog bites. We have one main goal: helping victims recover money for their damages so they can get better (and get on with their lives) as soon as possible.
Dog bites can be painful as well as emotionally damaging, especially for children. For a FREE consultation with one of our attorneys to talk about your situation and how we can start helping now, contact us right away.
Call 404-400-4000, or fill out the form to your right to get started.
Can I Sue Someone If I Was Bitten By a Dog in Calhoun?
It’s an option, but most of the time you won’t have to sue the owner to seek financial recovery.
After the dog bite occurs, you’ll likely be contacted by either the dog owner or the owner’s insurance company. The goal will be to come to a settlement amount that covers the damages from your dog bite injuries. Most of the time, this comes from the dog owner’s home insurance policy, which will pay for your costs resulting from the bite.
A good dog bite lawyer will help you lay out all damages you now face because of the bite, including:
- Doctor visits
- medical bills
- prescription medications
- And any surgeries or ongoing rehabilitation
Thankfully, most of the time your lawyer and the insurance company can negotiate a settlement that is fair to you and covers all your damages. This means you’ll never have to go through the process of filing a lawsuit to get the money you need.
That being said, there are situations when your lawyer might advise you to pursue a dog bite lawsuit—if the insurance company is not budging on the damages your claiming, for example.
If you do decide to sue the owner, you’ll need to file within two years of the date the bite happened. This might seem like a long time, but it goes quickly—and you’ll need to do many things like contacting an attorney who will then:
- Talk to witnesses
- Look over your medical records and treatment
- Gather information about days missed from work
- Calculate how much your injuries will impact your future
- Assess any pain and suffering damages from psychological trauma
In any case, you’ll need to speak with a good personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to make sure you take the best course of action for your situation.
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Three Things to Do After Any Dog Bite in Calhoun
Acting quickly is important after a dog bite. Things move quickly, and if the bite is serious, your well-being could be at stake. Here are three things you should do as soon as possible after getting bitten by a dog.
1. See a doctor
Serious dog bites can put you at risk of infection or rabies. If your skin was punctured and there is bleeding, at the least, get medical attention right away. A doctor can assess the situation and determine what course of treatment you need, as well as how to care for your injuries.
Seeing a doctor will also create a record of the injuries, which is important for when you file an insurance claim for damages. Plus, even if your injury isn’t considered serious, a doctor will help you care for the wound in the best way.
2. Gather information
The moments after a personal injury contain some of the best evidence for your case. If you’re well enough to do so after a dog bite, you’ll want to gather evidence of the bite and also get as much information as you can.
Take pictures of your injuries, the dog that bit you, and the location where it happened (including any important landmarks, homes, or other buildings that help identify the location).
Speak with anyone who saw the dog bite happen. Get their contact information, as they are now witnesses in your case.
If the attack occurred outside of a home, see if the dog is from any of the homes nearby. Ask neighbors if they know who the dog belongs to or have seen the dog before. If the bite happened outside of a business, ask the manager or employees if they know who the dog belongs to.
Also, always 911 to report the dog bite to Calhoun police and alert Calhoun Animal Control as soon as possible. They can help you look into who the dog owner is, as well.
3. Talk to a dog bite lawyer
Very soon after the bite, you’ll need to file an insurance claim for the costs of your injuries and other damages, such as the time you’ve had to take off work to recover. Insurance companies are known for offering you much less than you actually need—so it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as you can.
A dog bite lawyer will help you investigate the case, negotiate with the insurer, and seek the fullest possible financial recovery for you.
Talk to a Calhoun Dog Bite Lawyer for Free
Dog bites can be extremely painful, costly, and emotional. At John Foy & Associates, we’re here to help. Our dog bite lawyers will handle the details of your case and help you seek the best financial recovery. For a FREE consultation to talk specifics and come up with a plan for you, contact us today.
Call 404-400-4000, or complete the form to your right to get started.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
