Brunswick
Dog Bite Lawyer

Understanding Georgia Dog Bite Laws

Dog bites in Brunswick are scary, painful, and serious. Under the Georgia Responsible Dog Owner Act, dog owners in Georgia are responsible for their dogs’ actions—especially if they own a dog considered to be a dangerous breed. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog in Brunswick, you’re likely facing painful injuries, costly medical bills, and possibly even emotional damage from the attack. Don’t wait to get help recovering for your damages. Contact a Brunswick dog bite lawyer today.

How to find a lawyer for a dog bite

At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping dog bite victims recover the money they need to get through the aftermath of a dog attack. We know how to navigate the legal system and gather evidence showing the owner’s negligence in letting you get bitten. Let us take a look at your case and help you decide on your best options. Contact us for a FREE consultation by calling 404-400-4000 or filling out the online form to your right today.

What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Brunswick?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, first, call 911 to reach the Brunswick Police Department and report the animal bite. Police will create a report of the accident, which will help strengthen your insurance claim. Officers may come to the send and either identify the dog’s owner or capture the dog.

If your bites are serious enough to require immediate medical attention, get help right away. Otherwise, follow these next steps and then see a doctor.

If you can, gather as much information about the situation (and the dog) as you can. Try to find out information like:

The name and address of the dog’s owner

This is the most important piece of information, as this person will be liable for your injuries. If you don’t know who the dog belongs to, ask anyone who witnessed the attack or who lives nearby.  Local police can also help you in identifying the animal. If the dog is a stray, animal control in Brunswick, GA may have information on the dog, as well. 

Whether the dog has had shots

Try to find out if the dog has had its shots, especially the rabies shot. If you aren’t sure or find out they haven’t, see a doctor right away.

You’ll also want to take pictures of the dog, your bite wound(s), and the location of the attack.  All of this information will be important for your claim.

Either way, definitely see a doctor for your injuries. Even if they don’t seem serious at first, dog bites can develop into something more serious, such as infections, rabies, scarring, or other conditions that may worsen with time. And if you have health conditions like liver disease, diabetes, or some other illness that affects your immune system, you may be at a greater risk for serious infection. Let your doctor know as many details as possible when you see them after a dog bite.

You should also contact a dog bite attorney as soon as possible. They can begin working on your case to add to any evidence you’ve collected and help you seek the fullest financial recovery for what you’ve suffered.

How Much Is Your Dog Bite Injury Case Worth in Brunswick?

In dog bite cases, the victim is entitled to recover for 100% of all their costs from the dog attack. The dog bite occurred due to owner negligence, which means they (and their insurance) are liable for all of your injuries and damages from the bite. That includes:

Medical costs

This includes doctor bills, hospital visits, prescription medications, and any necessary surgeries.

Loss of income

If you had to miss work due to the dog bite and treatment of your injuries, you’re entitled to seek compensation for the time you had to take off or miss from work.

Emotional Damages

Dog bites can cause significant emotional trauma, especially in children. If physical injuries are involved and you require psychological treatment because of the attack, these costs should be covered too. Pain and suffering damages are commonly awarded for dog bites because of trauma can result from these types of attacks.

Can I Recover Money For PTSD or a Phobia After a Dog Attack?

As long as you also had a physical injury from the dog bite, you can recover for emotional damages like phobia or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the attack. This includes costs for mental health treatment or therapy. Emotional trauma is more common in children after a dog bite, but it can occur in adults too—and both can be covered.

I Was Working At Someone’s House and Their Dog Bit Me. What Are My Rights?

You still have the same rights as anyone who has bitten by a dog in Brunswick. No matter the situation, the dog’s owner is still responsible for the attack. Owners are legally required to ensure their dogs are safe around other people on their property. That means they should have them crated or controlled in some other way to prevent bites, especially if the dog has a history of vicious behavior.

If you dog bit you while you were performing paid work on the owner’s property, you might also qualify for a worker’s compensation claim. But either way, you have the same right to financial recovery as anyone who was not on the dog owner’s property. Remember your rights, and gather as much information about the dog bite as you can. Your personal injury lawyer can help you. 

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need For a Dog Bite?

Dog bites are scary, and they shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you were bitten or attacked by a dog in Brunswick, you might be entitled to financial recovery for your costs. At John Foy & Associates, we’re here to help. For a FREE consultation to talk about your situation and make a plan for your case, contact us today. Call 404-400-4000, or fill out the form to your right for your free consultation.