A dog bite is a scary and painful experience—not to mention costly. If you’re attacked by a dog in Suwanee and are facing surgery or other treatment, you might have a right to financial compensation for the medical bills. And working with a Suwanee dog bite lawyer can help you.
At John Foy & Associates, we assist victims of dog bites, and their families, with one focus: getting you the money you need to recover from this painful experience. For over two decades, we’ve worked with countless dog bite victims, and have developed a track record of results winning these types of cases. Call us today at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to the right to get a completely FREE consultation today.
My Child Was Attacked by a Dog. What Can I Do?
Children are the most common victims of dog bites, but adults get bitten as well. If you, your child, or another adult was bitten or attacked by a dog, you’ll want to do three things first:
- Get as much information about the situation as you can, as quickly as possible. First and foremost, get the name and address of the dog’s owner if you can. Any financial compensation you’ll receive will come from their homeowner’s insurance. You’ll also want to take pictures of any injuries and of the dog that attacked. If there were witnesses at the scene, talk to them about what they saw and get their names. They may also be able to identify the dog or the dog’s owner.
- Report the attack. In addition, call 911 or the police to make an official report, as well as your local Gwinnett County animal enforcement services. Animal services might be able to tell you if the dog has a history of attacking other people, which can help your case. (If you think the dog is a stray or can’t identify the owner, calling an attorney can help. Our attorneys have investigators who can return to the scene and try to identify the owner.)
- Get medical help right away. If you or your child is badly injured from the dog bite, definitely get to a doctor immediately so you can receive the treatment you need. Even if the bite doesn’t seem that bad, there’s a risk of infection and you don’t know whether or not the dog was sick. Even non-scarring dog bites can potentially lead to more serious illness like rabies or tetanus.
Get the strong arm
How Much Money Can I Recover for a Dog Bite in Suwanee?
It depends. A dog bite case is a type of personal injury claim because you’re seeking damages for medical costs to treat the bite, emotional suffering, pain, and any loss of income due to the bite. Young women and children are often more physically and emotionally hurt from scarring and psychological effects of a traumatic attack.
Speaking with a dog bite lawyer in Suwanee can help you navigate the amount of money you can recover in your specific dog bite case.
Will the Dog Be Put Down If I File a Claim?
Usually, no. In Georgia, dogs are allowed “one free bite” before they’re considered to be dangerous. So if this is the first known bite from the particular dog, it won’t yet be considered as dangerous. However, depending on the situation, if the dog already has a history of biting or being violent, they may potentially be put down.
The exception to this rule is if the dog is considered a “vicious” or dangerous breed or if you’re able to prove the dog owner knew their pet was aggressive or had a propensity to attack. Vicious breeds that don’t get the “one-bite” rule include:
- Wolf hybrids
- Pitbulls
- Rottweilers
- Fighting dog breeds like Presa Canario or Dogo Argentino
Can I Recover Money for Ptsd or a Phobia After a Dog Attack?
Yes, as long as you suffered a physical injury along with the emotional suffering. In that case, the costs of mental health treatment or therapy can be covered by a dog bite claim. This applies for both children and adults.
The Dog Owner Is a Friend/ family Member. What Should I Do?
Even if the dog’s owner is a close friend or family member, they are still responsible for the bite and damages/ suffering it caused. In this case, it can be tempting to blow the situation off as not that big of a deal. But the victim of the dog bite was still injured and will require medical attention right away.
In addition, remember the bite can lead to permanent physical injuries (like scarring) or emotional trauma (like nightmares or phobias). Even if you’re close to the dog’s owner, protect your family’s interests. Report the bite to the police and animal services and get the victim immediate medical treatment.
It’s awkward if the dog owner is a friend or family member, but it may be paid for by their insurance, and the money can help you deal with long-term costs related to the bite. Our attorneys can help you deal with the situation discreetly and with sensitivity towards all parties involved. In most cases, you can reach a settlement and make an insurance claim without the need for a trip to the local courts or a lawsuit.
Talk to a Suwanee Dog Bite Lawyer Lawyer for Free
Dog bites catch you off guard and can be awkward whether you know the owner or not. But at the end of the day, they’re painful and damaging to the victim. Make sure you know your rights and get what you’re owed in the situation.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ll walk you through the best course of action for the well-being of the victim. And we’ll give you a FREE consultation so you can decide if you have a claim. Just give us a call at 404-400-4000 or complete the form to the right to started with your free consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
