If you were bitten by someone’s dog or suffered an animal attack in Hinesville, you should not have to suffer alone. You are also probably not legally responsible for the costs of your injuries. A Hinesville dog bite and animal attack lawyer can examine your case and identify where a dog owner or property owner is probably liable for what happened.
Animal bites and attacks can leave you with years of medical costs and other damages, not to mention emotional trauma. At John Foy & Associates, we have worked on a wide range of dog bite cases and helped victims recover the money they need to heal and move on. Let us give you a FREE consultation to discuss the details of your case and the legal options available to you. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
Our Hinesville personal injury lawyer can review what happened and explain your possible next steps.
Dog Owners in Hinesville Have a Legal Duty
The owner in a dog bite or animal attack case is almost always liable for the damages. That’s because dog owners have a legal duty to act in a way that does not harm others. If they know that their dog is dangerous or has exhibited dangerous behavior in the past, they must not allow their dog to run at will where it can hurt others.
According to Georgia Code § 4-8-29, the owner of a dangerous dog should now allow their dog to be off of their property unless it:
- Has been restrained by a leash of less than six feet and under the control of someone who can prevent the dog from harming others
- Is contained in a cage or crate that is closed and locked or
- Is being trained or working as a herding, hunting, or predator control dog
The owner of a vicious dog also cannot allow the dog outside of a secure enclosure unless it has been restrained by a leash less than six feet, muzzled, and under the control of someone who can prevent the dog from hurting any human or animal, or contained in a cage or crate that is closed and locked.
Usually, if a dog bites someone it’s because the owner knew about the dog’s dangerous or vicious propensities but still allowed the dog to roam freely. This is a negligent act, and it would typically mean the owner is liable for any injuries and damages that result from the dog biting or attacking someone.
What You Need to Prove a Dog Bite or Animal Attack in Hinesville
If you were hurt by someone else’s negligence in Georgia, you have the right to file a personal injury claim with their insurance company. In the case of a dog or animal attack in Hinesville, you would usually file your claim with the animal owner’s homeowners’ insurance.
When filing your claim, you’ll need to show that:
- The dog owner did not act in a careful way to prevent the dog from hurting others (as mentioned above)
- The dog bit or attacked you without any provocation from you
- Your injuries and the resulting damages happened because of the dog owner’s negligence and the attack
If the dog has already bitten or attacked someone in the past, that is typically enough to show that that the owner was negligent since they allowed the dog to roam where they could bite.
A dog bite and animal attack lawyer in Hinesville can help you demonstrate the above points when building your claim.
What to Do If Bitten By Your Friend’s Dog
Sometimes, dog bites happen between friends. Maybe you were hanging out with a friend or family member and their dog bit you. This can feel like an awkward situation, and you might worry about how seeking compensation for this type of attack will affect your relationship.
The truth is, filing a claim after a dog bite or animal attack is not personal. You suffered damages, and you have a legal right to seek compensation for those damages. If the dog’s owner has insurance, you’ll be dealing more with their insurance company than the friend or family member.
We also find that most loved ones are happy an insurance policy exists to provide compensation after a surprise attack. Ultimately, you should not have to pay for costly medical bills and other damages that were not your fault. If you need help navigating this type of situation, a dog bite and animal attack lawyer can help make it less awkward.
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The Initial Cost of a Hinesville Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer: Nothing
Many dog bite or animal attack victims are worried about hiring a lawyer because of cost. When you’re already stressed about the costs of your injuries, not being able to work, and the emotions around an animal attack, the thought of paying for an attorney is a lot. Thankfully, there are no upfront fees.
Most dog bite lawyers—like John Foy & Associates—do not take a fee unless they win your case. Then, the lawyer’s fee is simply taken as a percentage of your settlement amount. That means you don’t pay anything upfront, don’t pay at all unless you win money, and aren’t paying out of pocket.
Make sure that any lawyer you work with has hands-on experience with dog bite and animal attack cases. Even if they say they take these types of cases, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are experienced in handling them. At John Foy & Associates, we are proud to have 20 plus years in the business of helping dog bite and animal attack victims win the money they need.
Talk to a Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer in Hinesville for Free Today
Don’t wait to get started on your injury claim so you can seek the compensation you need to pay for your costs and begin to move on from what happened. When you call John Foy & Associates, we’ll set you up with the best injury lawyer for your case—and give you a FREE consultation.
To get started with your FREE consultation today, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online now. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.
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