For many people, a dog is a welcomed part of their home. Though dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, people still suffer from dog bite injuries. Dog bite injuries can be severe, leading to puncture and tear wounds. They may also result in infections.
For a free case review following a dog bite in Roswell, Georgia, call Bader Law Injury Lawyers at (404) 888-8888. A Roswell dog bites lawyer can review the circumstances of your case, determine liability, calculate your losses, and represent you through negotiations or a court trial. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, so you pay no upfront attorney’s fees. We only collect payment if you secure a fair settlement or a court award.
Frequency of Dog Bites
According to a 2019 article on dog bites published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), there are roughly 337,103 emergency room visits for dog bites every year. The majority of victims are males around 29 years old, with most bites occurring in the upper extremities, arms, and hands. The article also reported that most dog bites occurred in the summertime and on weekends, with 80.2 percent of attacks happening at home.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Roswell, call (404) 888-8888
Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law
In May of 2012, the state of Georgia passed the Responsible Dog Ownership law to address public health concern around dog bites. Georgia Code § 4-8-21 sets the qualifications for a “dangerous” dog as:
- Any with a bite that causes serious puncture wounds.
- Any behaving in a manner that is perceived as an imminent threat to any reasonable person.
- Any that kills another pet animal while away from the owner’s property.
There are exceptions to these classifications for a dangerous dog, including:
- Dogs working in a law enforcement or military capacity
- If the victim was trespassing, abusing the dog, or in the act of committing a crime
Roswell Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Infections Spread by Dog Bites
Dog bites can puncture and tear the skin of victims. Some dogs even have the jaw strength to crush bones, but of equal danger is the potential of contracting an infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are a number of infections that dogs may carry and spread to humans, and dog bites carry the risk of spreading capnocytophaga.
This bacterium is in the mouths of dogs and cats, leading to signs of redness, swelling, and blisters around the bite wound in humans. The infection causes fever, diarrhea, nausea, headaches, and body aches. If left untreated, it may lead to sepsis, gangrene, and possibly kidney failure.
If you are suffering from wounds received from a dog bite due to the negligence of the pet owner, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your damages. Dog owners are liable for the behavior of their pets.
Contact Bader Law Injury Lawyers for a free consultation at (404) 888-8888. A Roswell dog bites lawyer can help you build a claim for recovery while you recover from your wounds.
We can investigate and gather evidence, speak with witnesses and experts, calculate your current losses and possible future expenses, and represent you to the at-fault party’s insurance provider or in court.
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Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
If you are bit by a dog due to the negligence of their owner, there are certain steps you should take at the scene and following the attack. These steps include:
- Call the cops: you will want to have an accident report generated. Be sure to include a description of the animal, where the attack occurred, and what you were doing at the time.
- Exchange information: if possible, get the name and phone number of the pet owner.
- Speak with witnesses: If anyone was a witness to the attack, try to exchange information with them as well.
- Take photos: pictures of the dog, your wounds, and articles of clothing at the time of the attack may be used as evidence in your claim.
- Get medical attention: see out a doctor and follow his or her treatment plan. Do not skip any appointments. Receiving medical attention establishes a link between the attack and your injuries.
- Contact your insurance company: let them know what has happened to ensure you are covered.
- Consider calling an attorney: a lawyer can help protect your rights and handle the claims process so you can focus on healing.
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Dog Bite Damages
Following any accident, there are certain losses you may be entitled to recover through a personal injury case. After a dog bite, you may find yourself recovering with medical bills piling up and no income to pay them off. If you qualify, you can file a claim for compensation including:
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Medical costs
- Destroyed property
- Reduced quality of life
- Mental distress
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket costs
The Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases
Part of your recovery may be obtaining a fair settlement for you through negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance provider. If you are unable to do that, you may be entitled to pursue compensation through the courts.
Under Georgia Code § 9-3-33, you have two years to file a lawsuit for a personal injury case, such as a dog bite. That deadline begins on the day of the attack. A lawyer may need time to develop your claim, so consider getting in contact with one as soon as possible.
Call Our Team Today
If you have suffered injuries in a dog attack, a Roswell dog bites lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. The team from Bader Law Injury Lawyers offers clients free consultations. If you hire us, we can take your case on a contingency-fee-basis.
We only collect attorney’s fees if you receive a negotiated settlement or court award. Call (404) 888-8888 for a free case review.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
