Dog bites and animal attacks can occur anywhere in Fairburn. No dog owner wants to believe their pet is capable of biting, but if it happens, they should be held responsible. If you were bitten by a dog, you may be able to file a claim for compensation of the costs. Look for a dog bite and animal attack lawyer in Fairburn who can help.
Dog bites can range from minor to extremely severe. No matter what your situation is, John Foy & Associates can help with your claim for damages. We have more than 20 years of experience assisting dog bite injuries and their families. To discuss your case with us as soon as possible, call (404) 400-4000 for a FREE consultation.
How to Know If the Dog Owner Is At Fault for Your Injuries
The dog’s owner is often at fault when their dog bites someone. Dog owners have a legal duty to prevent their pets from harming other people. This includes making sure they are properly leashed, fenced, or caged, depending on local ordinances.
According to Georgia Code 51-2-7, anyone who keeps or owns a dangerous or vicious animal that causes injury to another person (without provocation) is liable for damages. However, you will need to prove the owner was negligent in the dog bite that caused your injuries. You’ll need to include this in your dog bite claim against the owner.
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How Dog Bite Claims Work in Fairburn
If the dog owner is at fault for the attack, which is likely, you will need to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. This claim is filed with the owner’s insurance company. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not like paying out much on injury claims. They may look for ways to reduce your compensation or deny your claim altogether.
The insurer may try to say you provoked the dog or that your injuries aren’t as serious as you say. For these reasons, it’s usually best to get a dog bite and animal attack lawyer in Fairburn on your team after the bite. Your lawyer can help strengthen your claim and understand Fulton County’s Code of Ordinances regarding animal control and vicious or dangerous dogs.
For example, dogs are not allowed to roam free in any county parks or recreational facilities except in designated off-leash dog park areas. If the owner (or any person who has possession of the dog at the time) violates these types of laws and the dog bites someone, they have been negligent.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover for Dog Bite Injuries
If the dog owner is at fault for the attack, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your damages. “Damages” are any losses you experience because of your dog bite injuries. They can include:
- Medical bills
- Doctor visits
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages from missed work time
- Long-term treatment costs
- Pain and suffering from mental anguish, disfigurement or scarring, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.
Dog bite injuries are often more than just physical. They can cause emotional damage that lasts for years, especially in child victims. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or phobias may result from being attacked by a dog. If you experience emotional issues after the dog bite, be sure to tell your doctor and your lawyer about them. These fall under pain and suffering damages, which can be worth a lot.
The best way to hold a dog’s owner responsible for their negligence is through your injury claim. You should not have to pay for the costs of injuries you didn’t cause. If the insurance company won’t budge on your claim or the owner doesn’t hold a policy that covers dog bites, your lawyer can help you take the owner to court.
Dog Bites on Public Versus Private Property in Fairburn
The location of the dog bite may affect your claim, although a dog owner should restrain their dog property in any place.
If the bite happened at a park or in some other public area in Fairburn, city or county ordinances will apply. For example, if the owner violated local leash laws and the dog bit you, the dog will automatically be assumed as vicious or dangerous.
Exceptions on Private Property
Sometimes dog bites happen on private property. If someone was “lawfully present” on the owner’s property and gets bitten, the owner will likely still be legally responsible.
However, if someone was trespassing on private property, the dog can protect the owner’s property. Even so, the dog owner may need to leave a “Beware of Dog” sign or other indication that the dog may bite. There’s also the situation where a dog may think someone is an intruder even when they are legally on the dog owner’s property.
If you were not trespassing on the dog owner’s property and you get bitten, you are likely still entitled to financial recovery. Contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible if you aren’t sure. They can help you navigate the legal details and go over your options.
Talk to a Fairburn Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer for Free
Dog bites can be sudden, surprising, and painful at any age. If you were bitten by a dog in Fairburn, don’t let the situation go without seeking compensation. You should not have to bear the burden of medical bills, lost wages, and emotional damages if you had no fault in the dog bite accident.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help you stand up for your rights through a dog bite claim. We have been helping injury victims win the money they deserve for over 20 years. Our dog bite lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t need to worry about any upfront costs. We can get to work immediately as you focus on healing and being with your family.
To schedule a FREE consultation to discuss your case, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call. Call now for your FREE consultation.
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