No one wants to believe their dog is capable of biting someone. Unfortunately, dog bites do still happen on a regular basis in Dacula—and they can be serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost one in five dog bite victims need medical attention. Children are especially at risk of dog bite injuries, including psychological trauma from the attack. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog, it’s important to speak with a Dacula dog bite and animal attack lawyer as soon as possible.
Our dog bite lawyers at John Foy & Associates have been assisting victims for over 20 years. Dog bite victims are rarely at fault, even if the owner or insurance company wants to make it seem that way. We can help you build a strong insurance claim for damages you’ve suffered because of the attack. We work solely with injury victims and never for insurance companies. To get started with a FREE consultation today, call (404) 400-4000 or visit our contact page.
What to Do If You Were Bitten By a Dog in Dacula
After a dog or other animal bites you in Dacula, you will need to defend your rights as a victim. Under Georgia law, you are eligible for full compensation if you did not cause your injuries. Most of the time, the dog owner is fully liable for damages from a dog bite attack. However, if the owner or their insurance company tries to blame you or discount your injuries, your rights may be at risk.
To make sure you seek the recovery you deserve, keep the following steps in mind for gathering evidence in your case.
See a Doctor and Get Treatment for Your Injuries
The first priority after any personal injury accident is your well-being. If your injuries are serious and you need immediate medical treatment, get it right away. Don’t risk waiting if you are in danger.
If you are well enough to stay at the scene, however, complete the steps below but make sure you still see a doctor as soon as possible. Your insurance claim will need to show you sought treatment soon after the bite or attack. Otherwise, the insurance company may try to claim you weren’t hurt as badly as you say.
Look for the Animal’s Owner
To file a claim, you will need to know who the dog belongs to. If the owner is present when the dog bites you, ask them for:
- Their full name, phone number, and address.
- The dog’s shot records and information on the dog’s temperament, including whether or not it has bitten anyone before.
Many times, the owner is not around when a dog bites. Talk to any witnesses or bystanders who might have information on the dog’s owner. They might also know whether or not the dog is a stray. Also, make sure you get the names and phone numbers of anyone you talk to.
Report the Dog Bite
To report a vicious animal in Dacula, you will need to contact Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement. You can reach them through the Gwinnett County Police non-emergency number at (770) 513-5700. An Animal Control officer will be notified about the bite.
Do Not Admit Blame
If you are able to identify the dog’s owner, they may try to say you provoked the dog to attack. They will want to avoid the consequences of violating city ordinances, such as allowing a dog to roam free.
Stand firm. You know what really happened, and the owner should be held responsible if they were negligent. You can be polite and cordial, but avoid saying “sorry” or taking any responsibility for what happened until all facts have been collected.
Call a Dacula Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer
It’s hard to think clearly after you’ve been attacked or bitten by an animal. Plus, you will need to provide proof of the bite and the owner’s negligence when filing your claim. You might have enough trouble identifying who the dog belongs to.
For all of these reasons, we highly recommend contacting a local dog bite and animal attack lawyer who can help. They will assist you in gathering all pertinent information and defending your rights as a victim.
Most dog bite lawyers, like John Foy & Associates, do not charge you anything unless they win you money. Most also offer a consultation for free. Reach out as soon as possible after the attack to discuss the details of your case.
Get the strong arm
What Happens to a Dog After It Bites Someone in Dacula
Many dog bite victims are concerned about whether or not the animal will be put down after a bite or attack. The outcome really depends on each situation.
According to the Gwinnett County Animal Control Ordinance, dogs that have bitten someone will be kept at an animal welfare facility, boarding facility, or veterinarian office for ten days (at the expense of the owner).
The animal control officer will also investigate to determine whether or not the dog is deemed vicious or dangerous. If so, the dog may be euthanized after the owner is notified. However, the owner will have the opportunity to request a hearing and possible demonstrate the dog can be properly contained.
Dog Owners Are Liable for Most Dog Bites
Dog owners have a legal duty to keep their animals properly contained so as not to harm others. If they fail to do so and you are bitten, they have been negligent in their duty and are liable for your damages.
No matter what the dog owner claims, you should not accept blame for the attack. In most cases, a dog bites or attacks a human if their owner has failed to supervise, crate, or leash them. They will need to face the legal consequences—and you shouldn’t have to pay for the costs of your treatment. A dog bite lawyer can help hold them accountable by investigating and presenting the facts.
Talk to a Dacula Dog Bite & Animal Attack Lawyer for Free
Make sure you work with a personal injury lawyer who thoroughly understands dog bite cases. At John Foy & Associates, we have been representing dog bite and animal attack victims for over 20 years. Our goal is simple: getting you full compensation for your damages after the accident. We know how to handle each case and protect your rights, even if the dog owner or insurance company tries to push back.
To schedule a FREE consultation with one of our Dacula dog bite lawyers today, call any time (we are available 24/7) at (404) 400-4000 or visit our contact page.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
