Dogs will end up biting roughly 4.7 million Americans this year. But, dog bites often go unreported. That means that there may be even more bites that actually occur each year. Many people in Norcross don’t realize that the dog’s owner may be legally liable for injuries and damages, and the money that victims recover is often much-needed.
Serious biting incidents can put you in the hospital, and you may not be able to work as you recover. All of those damages add up quickly. Talking to a Norcross dog bite attorney about the situation can increase your chances of getting money to deal with these losses.
John Foy & Associates has over 20 years of experience with dog attack claims. We can help you determine whether you should file a lawsuit and how much you may be able to recover—and we know how to handle the insurance company. Let us give you a free consultation.
Call us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.
Is a Dog Owner Responsible for a Norcross Dog Bite?
As a rule, the dog’s owner is responsible for damage or injuries caused by their dog. But, a dog bite victim must still show that certain facts occurred to be able to recover money for their injuries.
In Georgia, this includes proving four main facts:
- The dog’s owner wasn’t reasonable in the way that they kept the dog. For example, if the dog can roam freely, the dog owner is not making any effort to stop a dog bite from happening. If the dog was behind a well-built fence, on the other hand, that would be more reasonable. Of course, if the dog is behind a wall, it would be difficult for it to bite anyone in the first place.
- You didn’t do anything to provoke the dog. Georgia law permits dogs to defend themselves if they are being teased or harmed in any way. Dogs can protect their owners or defend their property.
- We may need to show that the dog was vicious. In Georgia, unrestrained dogs are often considered to be “vicious.” If you are bitten in Norcrossand the dog’s owner should have restrained the dog, but didn’t, then showing that the dog was vicious is nearly automatic. A dog can also be considered vicious if it had already bitten someone else before it injured you.
- Not on property. In most cases, you also have to show that the dog was not on the owner’s property when the bite occurred. Dogs are allowed to protect their property.
The requirements to show legal responsibility may seem overwhelming. But, a Norcross dog bite attorney can help you get evidence to explain your case in the best light possible.
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What Should I Do If I Have Been Bitten by a Dog in Norcross?
If a dog bit you or a loved one, you should seek medical attention immediately. Dog bites can be severe injuries. In some situations, they can be fatal. Even if you do not think you are seriously injured, it is a good idea to see a doctor and get tested for rabies, just in case. Rabies is rare—it occurs in just 60 to 70 dogs every year—but it is still better to be safe and get tested.
You can dial 911 if the dog bite is serious. That will get you medical help quickly, and the police and animal control will likely be called to the scene. You may also want to contact Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement. Both police and county officials can create a report on the incident and what exactly happened. This type of statement is helpful if you are considering legal action. It is also a good idea in general because it can prevent another attack in the future.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding any follow-up treatment and care. Healing from a dog bite can take time. Dog bites are prone to infection, which can further increase your recovery time. Infection can also increase pain and suffering, too. Follow the doctor’s orders regarding cleaning and follow up care.
You should also want to contact a Norcross dog bite attorney after the incident. Calling an attorney shortly after the bite is often helpful in your legal case.
What Kind of Damages Can I Recover for a Dog Bite?
The most common loss you can recover in court or through a settlement for a dog bite is your medical expenses. Dog bites may cause a trip to the emergency room, which is often very expensive. Follow up treatment and care can also be costly too. Those bills add up quickly, but a legal claim can help with those costs.
If you missed work while you were recovering, you might be able to get lost wages as well. In severe bites, you may have to adjust what you do for a living. In those cases, you might be able to also recover future lost earnings or lost earning capacity too. Those damages relate to future loss of wages that result because you had to adjust your job due to the consequences of the dog bite.
You may also be able to get money for your pain and suffering after the bite as well. Dog bites can be very painful, especially when they cause nerve damage. Bites that result in disfiguration may lead to a recovery for mental anguish too.
Dog bites, especially in situations that involve children, can cause long-term emotional trauma. Children (or adults) may require therapy to overcome a new fear of dogs. Those mental damages are also often recoverable in a dog bite lawsuit.
Talk to a Norcross Dog Bite Lawyer for Free
Dog bite cases are very fact specific. That means that recalling very specific information about the incident is important. Involving an attorney shortly after the event is a good idea. Your dog bite lawyer can help you gather information and evidence about the dog, its owners, and anyone else who may have suffered from a dog bite.
At John Foy & Associates, we have an investigative team that will help you gather evidence. Our experience and knowledge allow us to find information that you might not have been able to get on your own. We charge nothing if we don’t get you money.
Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
