If you suffered injuries from a dog bite, you have the right to seek compensation from the owner.
Our Carrollton dog bite injury lawyers from Bader Law Injury Lawyers understand the physical and emotional trauma that can come from a dog bite incident. Our dedicated team of Carrollton personal injury lawyers is deeply committed to supporting victims of dog bites, leveraging our extensive legal expertise to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
With a compassionate approach and a strong track record of success, we strive to provide our clients with the peace of mind they need during challenging times. Whether navigating the complexities of insurance claims or advocating for you in court, our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for your case so you can focus on your recovery.
A Dog Bit Me, What Do I Do?
The first thing you should do is seek medical care. There are different degrees of dog bites, mild to severe. Some dog bites don’t break the skin, while other injuries result in disfigurement. Next, you should contact your local animal control. However, in most towns, you will need to contact the police. Make sure that you file a report on the owner of the animal that bit you. Finally, we recommend seeking the help of a dog bite attorney. Most personal injury attorneys will provide a free consultation.
We also encourage you to gather as much information as possible at the scene. Make sure you get the owner’s name and address, as well as the breed and description of the dog. The more evidence you can gather, the more you can tell your Carrollton dog bite attorney.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Carrollton, call (404) 888-8888
Why do Dogs Bite?
Children are the most common victims of dog bites that need medical attention. Dog bites are the 5th most common injury of children in the emergency room. Dogs and children are similar in height, so the attack is more severe and forceful. Dogs typically go for their victims’ faces, which are severe injuries that usually require surgery. Most dogs can seemingly attack out of nowhere. Some of the causes of these attacks are:
- Dominance aggression: This behavior is displayed by a dog that wants to be in charge. Dogs can assert their dominance when toys are taken away from them, when they’ve moved, been picked up, or even when they’re disturbed while sleeping.
- Fear Aggression: This attack can occur when strangers or family approach the dog too quickly. The dog is afraid and, therefore, lashes out at the victim.
- Territorial Aggression: These attacks are generally directed at strangers approaching their home or owner. Dogs will always try to defend their territory, especially from strangers.
- Prey Drive: Some dogs are predatory, so they chase smaller animals. Dogs can get confused and pursue children, thinking they are smaller animals.
- Pain: When animals are in pain, especially dogs, they can bite their owners and others. This isn’t one of the most common reasons for dog bites, but it can quickly happen if you approach a dog that is in duress.
- Punishment-Related Attacks: If someone beats and kicks an animal, the animal can fight back.
- Redirected Aggression: If you approach a dog in the middle of a fight, and they bite you by accident, this is an example of redirected aggression.
Carrollton Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Dog Bite Injuries for Which You May Receive Compensation
Dog bites can lead to many injuries, from superficial wounds to severe, life-altering conditions. Victims of dog bites may face not only physical pain but also emotional trauma and financial burdens due to medical bills and lost wages. It is important for victims to understand the types of injuries for which compensation might be available, as this can offer some reassurance and guidance during the recovery process. Here is a list of common injuries resulting from dog bites that could potentially warrant compensation:
- Puncture Wounds: Deep tissue damage caused by the dog’s teeth piercing the skin, which may require medical intervention to prevent infection.
- Lacerations: Severe cuts that might necessitate stitches and surgery and could lead to permanent scarring.
- Broken Bones: Fractures resulting from powerful bites or falling during an attack.
- Infections: Bites can lead to severe infections like tetanus or rabies, requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Nerve Damage: Loss of sensation or motor function in the bitten area due to nerve damage.
- Emotional Trauma: Psychological effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and fear of dogs.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent physical marks or changes that can also impact the victim’s emotional well-being.
- Loss of Limbs: In extreme cases, a dog bite can lead to amputation of fingers or other body parts.
Recovering from a dog bite can be a physically and emotionally taxing process. Understanding the injuries you might be compensated for can empower you to take the necessary legal steps toward your recovery.
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Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite?
Georgia’s dog bite laws are codified under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7. Understanding who may be held liable in the event of a dog bite is crucial for victims seeking compensation for their injuries. The legal landscape can be complex, as liability isn’t solely confined to the dog’s owner. Various parties could be responsible, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Recognizing these potential sources of liability can significantly impact the strategy and outcome of a legal claim. Below, we outline the parties who may be found liable for a dog bite, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of personal injury claims in such cases.
- Dog Owner: Typically, the primary party held liable for a dog bite is the owner, especially if the dog has shown previous aggression or the owner was negligent in restraining or controlling the dog.
- Property Owners: Landlords or property owners can be liable if they were aware of a dangerous dog on the premises and failed to take action to ensure the safety of visitors or tenants.
- Parents of Minors: If a minor owns the dog, the parents may be held responsible for the actions of their child’s pet under the principle of parental liability.
- Animal Keepers: Individuals who are not the dog’s owner but are responsible for the care or custody of the dog, such as dog sitters or kennel operators, can be liable if negligence led to a bite.
- Landlords: In some instances, landlords may be liable if they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and did not take measures to remove the dog or warn others.
- Property Management Companies: If the bite occurred in a common area of a property managed by a company that failed to enforce animal control measures, they might be liable.
- Commercial Property Owners: If a business allows dogs on its premises and does not have proper safety measures in place, it could be held responsible for any injuries caused by dogs on the property.
- Homeowners’ Associations: In some cases, if a dog bite occurs in a community governed by a homeowners’ association that has not enforced its own dog rules, the association could be found liable.
Identifying the liable party is the first step toward achieving justice and compensation for the victim. It underscores the importance of consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who can navigate the complexities of dog bite laws and ensure that all avenues for compensation are thoroughly explored. Doing so lets you focus on your recovery, knowing your case is in capable hands.
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Contact a Carrolton Dog Bite Attorney Today
If you have suffered from a dog bite that resulted in injuries and damages, a Carrollton personal injury lawyer can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact Bader Law Injury Lawyers today for your free consultation.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
