Dog bites are a serious problem in Griffin. Getting bitten by a dog, even one that’s a breed not usually deemed dangerous, could lead to severe injuries and even the need for reconstructive surgery or other ongoing medical treatment.
The dog bite victim might be worried about confronting the dog owner or even worry about the dog getting put down, but they shouldn’t let that get in the way of recovering physically and financially for such a traumatic experience. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog this year, it’s time to talk with a Griffin dog bite lawyer who can help you.
At John Foy & Associates, our lawyers have 20+ years of experience helping dog bite victims. As one of the most trusted and well-regarded personal injury lawyer in Griffin, our work focuses exclusively on accident victims like those who have suffered dog bites.
And working with us is risk-free because we don’t get paid unless you get the money you need to recover as fully as possible. For a FREE consultation to get started today, call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right.
Can I Sue Someone If I Was Bitten By a Dog in Griffin?
If you were bitten by a dog in Griffin and suffered physical injuries, you have grounds to collect damages for your injuries. The dog owner’s duty is to make sure their dog is trained, controlled, and behaved at all times so they don’t hurt anyone. That includes the responsibility to:
- Use a leash when outside of the house with the dog
- Supervising the dog when it’s around other people
- Seeing the dog in a secure place at home, such as a sturdy fence
If this isn’t the case, they are considered negligent and are liable for the injuries you suffered from the bite.
After the dog bite occurs, you’ll likely be contacted by either the dog owner themselves or their insurance company to talk about a settlement to provide compensation for your damages. Those damages can include:
- Medical bills related to treatment for the dog bite injuries, including past, present, and future bills.
- Lost wages for any time you had to take off work to recover from the injuries
- Property repairs or replacements related to the bite, such as damaged clothing or glasses.
- In serious cases, disfigurement or permanent disability you’re left with from the bite.
- Emotional distress as a result of the dog bite incident, such as PTSD or phobias (as long as there was also a physical injury from the bite)
- Any other costs you’re now facing as a result of the dog bite injuries.
This compensation can be pursued either by settling out of court with the owner’s insurance company or by going to court. In many cases where the victim knows or is related to the owner of the dog, damages can be settled through the first option. In other cases where the owner is a stranger or you aren’t sure who the owner is, you might need to pursue a dog bite lawsuit.
If you sue someone for a dog bite, it’s important to contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. According to Georgia law, dog bite victims have two years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit. Keep in mind that before the lawsuit is filed, your lawyer will need to prepare by:
- Talking with any witnesses to the bite
- Looking over your medical records and bills related to the bite
- Reviewing your injuries and how they may impact your future well-being
- Negotiating with the insurance company
The sooner you contact your lawyer and get the process started, the more prepared you can be.
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What If I don’t Know Who Owns the Dog?
If you aren’t sure who the dog belongs to, ask people nearby where the bite occurred if they know who the dog’s owner is. Even free-roaming dogs generally have a home, and neighbors can often point you in the right direction. If it’s safe, take pictures of the dog and note it’s physical attributes like breed type, color, and any distinguishing features.
Your dog bite lawyer can also send an investigator to the area. They’ll work to find out who owns the dog and how to get in contact with them. This will help you determine who is responsible and get you closer to pursuing a resolution for the injuries you or a loved one suffered.
Will the Dog Be Put Down Iif I File a Claim?
Usually, no. Georgia grants dogs in the state “one free bite” most of the time. This means the dog isn’t considered dangerous if they’ve only bitten once. However, if the dog does already have a history of biting or being violent, there is a chance they could be put down. It depends on the situation, in that case. There are also exceptions for breeds deemed to be “highly aggressive” like:
- Pit bulls
- Rottweilers
- Dogs with wolf blood
- Fighting breeds, such as the dogo argentine
Talk to a Griffin Dog Bite Lawyer for Free
No matter what type of dog bit you or who the owner was, you have the same rights as any other personal injury victim. Don’t miss out on getting the financial recovery that will help you physically and emotionally get through this traumatic injury in the best way possible.
At John Foy & Associates, our goal is to help you do just that. We bring over two decades of experience to each and every client, and we work exclusively on personal injury cases for a reason. It’s also risk-free to work with us because you don’t pay unless we get you the money. Plus, we’ll offer you a FREE consultation to discuss your case.
Contact us now at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to you right for your free consultation.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
