Dogs are different than humans. If a dog feels threatened or scared, they can bite with seemingly little warning in Dublin, especially if the dog’s owner is not careful. If you or a loved one were hurt from a dog bite or animal attack, it’s time to speak to a personal injury lawyer in Dublin who can help.
Many of us love our furry companions, but that doesn’t mean they cannot cause harm due to human negligence. Dog bites can cause painful injuries requiring expensive medical care, missed work time, and emotional trauma that stays with a victim for a long time. If you were injured by a dog bite (or some other animal attack), you are likely entitled to financial recovery.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help you file an insurance claim to seek compensation for your damages. For more than 20 years, we’ve worked tirelessly for injury victims to win the money they deserve—and we’re ready to help you, too. To schedule a FREE consultation today, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How Dog Owners Are Responsible After a Bite in Dublin
Dog owners in Dublin are responsible for their dog’s actions. Careless management of an animal that has shown vicious or dangerous tendencies is negligent behavior that makes the owner liable for damages if a bite occurs (Georgia Code section 51-2-7).
If the owner is not careful to keep their dog contained or at heel when around others, or if they allow the dog to roam freely, they can be found at fault. In fact, dog owners are liable for damages in most dog bite cases in Dublin. As long as there is no clear evidence that the dog was provoked into attacking, the dog’s owner is typically responsible for the dog’s actions.
You probably have the legal right to file a personal injury claim with the dog owner’s insurance company for compensation for your damages. You’ll need to show that:
- The dog was required to be at heel or on a leash, depending on the specific ordinances of the city or county and
- The dog was not at heel or on a leash when the dog bit you
According to the city ordinances of Dublin, dog owners have a duty to ensure their dogs are confined by a fence or other enclosure, restrained by chain or leash, or held by a competent person while on the owner’s property. When the dog is away from the owner’s property, the owner must keep the dog under control at all times. Acting otherwise is negligence.
You’ll want to gather evidence of the dog owner’s negligence to show how they failed to keep property control of their animal before you were bitten.
Get the strong arm
Negligence in Animal Attacks in Dublin
If you are attacked by a wild animal on someone’s property in Dublin, they can be liable for your damages too. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe for those who are legally on their property.
A dog bite and animal attack lawyer in Dublin can help you gather information to support your case and seek compensation after the attack. In both dog bite and animal attack cases, you’ll typically file a claim with the owner’s homeowner’s insurance company.
What You Can Claim in a Dublin Dog Bite or Animal Attack Case
If you have a valid dog bite or animal attack case, you can claim the following types of damages.
Medical Costs
When a dog feels threatened and attacks, it can cause a lot of damage. Dogs often latch on with full force, and the resulting injuries can be incredibly serious. So, the medical costs from a dog bite are often very high.
You can include any costs that you face for the treatment of your dog bite injuries in your insurance claim, including:
- Doctor bills
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy and
- Prescription medications
Keep track of all medical costs you face from the dog bite. You will need to provide proof of your medical expenses in your injury claim. They will make up the biggest portion of your total damages.
Mental Health Treatment
Any injury accident can leave a victim with emotional damages, but these damages are especially common in dog bite and animal attack cases. Getting injured suddenly (and often seriously) can be a traumatic experience for anyone, especially children. This means you can include pain and suffering damages in your claim.
If you need to receive mental health treatment to address emotional trauma resulting from your dog bite or animal attack injuries, you can account for those costs in your case.
Lost Income
If you were working before the bite or attack, you’ll likely need to miss work to recover from your injuries. These are known as “lost wages,” and they can be included in your claim. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work in the same capacity as before, you can claim damages for that, as well.
You’ll need to provide evidence of what you were making before and how much work time was lost. A dog bite and animal attack lawyer in Dublin can help you gather this information.
To know exactly how much your dog bite or animal attack claim is worth, you will need to account for all of your damages, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This is really hard to do alone, and we highly recommend working with a lawyer when determining the value of your case. Otherwise, you could end up accepting a settlement that is way below what you actually deserve.
Don’t Wait Too Long to File Your Claim
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Georgia is usually two years from the date of the incident. Don’t wait to get started on your case today, as you will need plenty of time for investigation, gathering of evidence, and negotiation with the insurance company.
Speak with a Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer in Dublin, GA for Free Today
It’s best to contact an experienced dog bite and animal attack lawyer as soon as possible after you are injured. At John Foy & Associates, we have the experience needed to pursue the full recovery you deserve.
Reach out today and we’ll discuss the details of how we can help you during a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to schedule your FREE consultation today.
478-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form