Dog bites are more common than most people think in Rex and all throughout the United States. Although we love our dogs and never want to think they could hurt a human, attacks still happen if the dog’s owner is negligent. Dog bites can be painful, extremely expensive, and life-altering for the victim. For these reasons and more, we urge those who suffer a dog bite in Rex to contact a personal injury lawyer in Rex lawyer right away.
The law is on your side after a dog bite, but you will still need to take action to protect your rights. An experienced lawyer can make sure you are legally supported and doing what’s necessary to seek compensation for your damages. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you build a strong injury claim demonstrating what happened and how much the attack has cost you.
There is no risk to work with us. We don’t take a single dime unless we win you money, so you don’t need to worry about upfront costs or unexpected legal bills. Plus, we’ll start with a FREE consultation and go over all the details of your case. Call us today at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with your FREE consultation.
Know Your Rights After a Dog Bite or Animal Attack in Rex
According to Georgia Code 4-8-42, the owner of a vicious dog is almost always responsible for the dog’s actions and the resulting damages. That includes damages like:
- Medical costs from doctor visits, ambulance rides, testing, surgeries, and more
- Lost wages from work time you’ve had to miss because of the dog bite attack
- Property damage if any personal property was damaged in the attack
- Pain and suffering damages like emotional trauma, anxiety, or loss of enjoyment of life
To seek compensation for the damages you’ve suffered, you will need to protect your rights to recovery. You’ll also need to file a personal injury claim with the dog owner’s insurance company. A Rex dog bite and animal attack lawyer can help you with both of these, the goal being full compensation for all your losses.
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Actions You Should Take After a Dog Bite in Rex
To protect your rights, there are things you can do right after being bitten or attacked. The key is to document everything that happened as much as possible. Here are some steps you can take.
Get Medical Treatment
If your injuries from the bite are serious or life-threatening, get medical attention right away. If you cannot drive yourself or there is no one present to help, call 911 for an ambulance.
Dog bites can worsen quickly or get infected, so you should not delay getting your injuries looked at by a healthcare professional. Even if it’s not an emergency at the scene, see a doctor right away after you have handled the current situation. You may need a tetanus shot or antibiotics to prevent the bites from getting infected or become much worse than they could be.
Take Pictures
If you can, use your phone or a camera to take pictures of your injuries, the dog (if they are still present), and the scene of the bite. Picture evidence preserves the bite right after it happened. This can be invaluable to a dog bite case.
Find Out More About the Dog
Sometimes, the dog’s owner is present at the scene of the attack. If they are, ask if their dog has had its shots and if it’s ever had a history of vicious behavior. Other times, the dog owner may be nowhere to be found.
If you can locate the owner, make sure they understand that the dog bit you unprovoked. Dog owners are understandably protective of their pets and want to assume they would do no wrong to other humans. However, you were still injured and should not have to face costs that are not your fault. They are legally responsible for what occurred.
If you don’t know who the dog belongs to, ask those around if they recognize the dog and know its owner. (Or, the dog might be a well-known stray in the neighborhood that people nearby know about.)
Report the Dog Bite
You will also need to contact Clayton County Animal Control and tell them what happened. Residents are required to make a report when a dog or cat bites a human.
Talk to Witnesses
Speak with anyone nearby who saw the dog bite you. Ask for their name(s) and contact information. Witness testimony can help back up what happened.
Take Notes
It’s also a good idea to write down anything you remember about the attack before, during, and afterward. Don’t leave out any details. They may be important for your case.
Call a Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer in Rex
A call to an experienced lawyer is also vital after most dog bites in Rex. A lawyer who takes on these types of cases will know what you need to do to maximize your compensation. They can help you file your injury claim and fight for the recovery that is actually fair to you.
Don’t Wait to File Your Dog Bite Injury Claim
In Georgia, there is a statute of limitations for all personal injury claims, including dog bite claims. You typically have two years from the date of the bite to file a claim for damages (Georgia Code § 9-3-33). This might seem like plenty of time, but that’s not the case from a legal standpoint.
You and your lawyer will need to take action on your case immediately, starting with an investigation of the details and building of a strong claim. If the dog owner’s insurance company is not willing to offer a fair settlement for your damages, you may need to file a lawsuit, which can take much longer.
Don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with a dog bite lawyer in your area today.
Talk to a Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer in Rex, GA for Free Now
At John Foy & Associates, our lawyers have been helping dog bite victims win the recovery they need for over 20 years. We approach each case with compassion and understanding for all parties involved. Our goal is full compensation for your costs.
For a FREE consultation to discuss the details, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form