If you or a loved one suffered from an injury due to a dog bite in Valdosta, you could be entitled to receive compensation for those injuries. If an animal harmed you, the owner could be liable for medical bills, lost income while you recovered, and your pain and suffering.
A Valdosta personal injury lawyer with Bader Law Injury Lawyers can handle every aspect of your case. We can investigate the attack, compile your damages, and fight for the maximum compensation in your case. Call us today for a free case consultation, and learn how a Valdosta dog bite lawyer with our law firm can help.
Dog Bite Laws in Georgia that Could Affect Your Personal Injury Case
Dog bite and premises liability laws were put into place in Georgia to protect victims and hold dog owners accountable. These laws:
- Protect the general public and encourage responsible dog ownership
- Apply to dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals (excluding livestock)
Some Dog Owners Benefit from Laws that Waive Liability in Cases of Bite Injuries
O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7 states that the animal’s owner is liable for damages. However, if the dog was provoked or the victim was trespassing/breaking the law at the time of the bite, the owner might not be liable for the bite injuries.
Dogs used by police personnel are also excluded from dog bite liability laws. When police dogs bite while performing their duties, the police are usually exempt from any litigation related to the dog bite. Another exclusion to consider is when a dog bites someone after the owner warns them the dog has a history of vicious behavior.
An attorney from Bader Law who handles dog bite claims can review these exclusions. Our law firm will go over all the details that can affect the outcome of your personal injury claim.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Valdosta, call (404) 888-8888
Other Conditions Dog Bites Can Cause
An animal’s aggressive behavior could also cause scratches or fall-related injuries. Dog bites themselves can also lead to conditions that affect your life long after the bite has healed.
These conditions include:
- Rabies
- MRSA
- Broken bones
- Tetanus
- Nerve damage
Valdosta Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Recoverable Damages You Could Be Entitled to After Suffering a Dog Attack
Dog bites can cause serious damage—both mentally and physically. Medical insurance won’t cover some losses, though. Your dog bite attorney in Valdosta, Georgia, can explain this to you in detail and help you file your claim to list all possible recoverable damages.
The types of damages you suffered could include the following:
- Medical bills: Emergency room visits, future medical expenses, any surgeries needed, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and prescription medications
- Lost wages: The money you lost while out of work during recovery
- Reduced earning potential: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job
- Property damage: If there was any property damaged during the altercation, such as clothing or a smartphone
- Emotional distress: If you suffer from any recurring mental anguish, anxiety, depression, flashbacks, or nightmares due to the trauma of the dog bite (and related therapy bills related to the dog bite injury)
- Pain and suffering: If the dog bite left you with significant pain that negatively affects your quality of life
You may also qualify to receive compensation for scarring and disfigurement. Our legal team will collect the evidence that proves the damages you may claim in your case. Your job will be to follow your doctor’s orders and recover from your injuries.
If you lost a loved one in a dog attack, a Valdosta wrongful death lawyer from our law firm can help your family seek fair compensation. You could demand compensation for funeral expenses, prior medical bills, and loss of support, guidance, and consortium from the responsible party.
Call Bader Law today for a free case consultation on your Valdosta dog bite claim.
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What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite Injury in Valdosta
Immediately after a dog bite, obtain medical attention, even if you don’t think the injury is severe. You should also gather information that may be useful to your attorney when filing your claim.
What Information Do You Need to Collect for Your Valdosta Dog Bite Lawyer?
If you can, you should try to collect the following information:
- Ask the dog owner for their information: Collect the dog owner’s name, address, and insurance information.
- Take photos and gather evidence: From the accident scene, take photos of the wounds you sustained, the dog, any damaged clothing or property, and any signs the dog owner was negligent (for example, a broken fence that a dog could slip through).
- Medical records and information: Compile all medical records in a file to provide for your attorney as evidence. You can also store any police reports related to the dog bite in this file.
You may want to start a journal starting on the day of the attack. Record what you remember from the incident and your progress during recovery.
As stated, your priority is your health, so if your injuries prevent you from collecting information, do not stress about it. A dog bite lawyer in Valdosta can step in for you.
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How Valdosta Dog Bite Attorneys Will Support Your Case
A dog and animal bites can be one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Our personal injury lawyers will handle the legal process so you can focus on healing. Our Valdosta dog bite lawyers are committed to supporting you in the following ways:
- You will speak with your attorney or case manager on the day you call.
- We will provide you with regular and timely updates on your case.
- Our legal team will use our resources and knowledge to your benefit.
- We will answer your questions and provide information about your case in terms that are easy to understand.
- If we can’t negotiate a settlement with the liable party’s insurance company, we will take your case to court to recover fair compensation.
We will be there for you during this time in many more ways, too. “Our Service Commitment” page has information on how Bader Law will support you with your dog bite claim.
Don’t Wait to File a Dog Bite Claim for Related Losses
According to the O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in the Lowndes County courthouse is typically two years. That means you have a limited amount of time to act. The statute of limitations begins on the day the dog bit you.
If you wait to file your lawsuit past this date, your opportunity to pursue compensation in court closes. You must know the timeline’s end date so the court can hear your case. The attorneys at Bader Law can assist you with deadlines.
Call Bader Law Today for a Free Consultation
Call our team today to speak with a member of our team. Our Valdosta dog bite attorneys look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your claim. Bader Law provides free, no-obligation consultations. For more information about each of our locations, talk to our staff members. Our case results are also featured on our website.
We offer help with many Valdosta-based personal injury cases, including dog bites. You could also pursue legal action if a dog attack resulted in your loved one’s passing.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
