No dog owner wants to admit that their dog could bite and seriously hurt, or even kill, another human. However, dog bites can happen at any time in LaGrange if their owners are not responsible enough. If you were bitten by a dog or attacked by another animal, you have rights—and a dog bite and animal attack lawyer in LaGrange can help.
Our dog bite lawyers at John Foy & Associates have a long and successful track record of helping dog bite victims win their cases. Our goal is to get you the fullest compensation possible for your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We do not charge a fee, so there is no risk in working with us.
To schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation with the best lawyer for you, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online now.
How Liability Works in Dog Bite Cases in LaGrange
Georgia is a fault state, which means the at-fault party in an injury accident is responsible for the damages. The same goes for dog bites and animal attacks.
Unless there is clear evidence that the dog bite victim provoked the dog, the dog’s owner is almost always negligent in the bite or attack. It’s common for dog owners to not properly contain, fence, or leash their dogs, even if they know they have been aggressive in the past.
When a dog owner knows their dog has vicious propensities and lets them roam around other people, that is negligent behavior. Plus, simply showing the dog owner should have kept their dog at their heel or on a leash (when they did not) may provide enough evidence of negligence in the dog bite.
Building a Case to Show Liability
If the dog owner is liable in the dog bite, you have the right to file a personal injury claim with the dog owner’s insurance company for damages. To show that the dog owner is liable for your damages, you’ll want to compile information like:
- What led to the dog biting you, such as the owner allowing the dog to roam freely on the street
- Picture evidence of your injuries, the dog, and the scene of the bite
- Knowledge of your local dog bite laws and how the owner failed to uphold them
The best way to ensure you’re building a strong claim is by contacting a dog bite and animal attack lawyer in LaGrange. They will be familiar with state, city, and county laws that apply to your situation. Your lawyer will also know how best to compile evidence from the bite and communicate with the insurance company to get you the fullest financial recovery possible.
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Damages You Can Claim from a Dog Bite in LaGrange
If someone else is responsible for your dog bite injuries in Georgia, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages (Georgia Code section 51-1-6). That means you can file an insurance claim for recovery of costs from the dog bite or animal attack like:
- Doctor bills and hospital bills
- Prescription medications
- Tests and surgeries
- Physical therapy, rehabilitation, or other future medical needs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering damages, such as mental anguish, disfigurement, embarrassment, and anxiety
The damages from a dog bite are rarely just physical. They can lead to emotional damages that stay with a victim for many years, especially if the victim was young when they were bitten or attacked.
Your lawyer can help you determine the full value of your damages to include in your claim. To schedule a FREE consultation with one of our dog bite lawyers and discuss your options today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How to Legally Protect Yourself After a Dog Bite or Animal Attack
Although dog owners are almost always liable when their dog attacks someone, they might still try to put the blame on you or hide from responsibility. Further, their insurance company may look for ways to reduce what they have to pay on your claim.
To legally protect your rights during the process, here are some actions to keep in mind.
Do Not Apologize or Admit Fault
A common defense of dog owners after a bite is that the victim provoked the dog into attacking. While it’s human nature for many people to be polite and apologetic, avoid apologizing or admitting any fault in the dog bite, as this could be used against you later. Instead, contact a lawyer who can speak on your behalf and help you take the right actions after the dog bite.
Document the Scene
If you are well enough to do so, get information from the scene. Take pictures of the dog that bit you, your injuries, and anything around that will show where the bite happened. Picture evidence can be really powerful in any LaGrange injury case.
Contact the police and LaGrange-Troup County Humane Society to report the bite and find out if the dog has been taken in before. The humane society might have more information on the dog or its owner.
Also, talk to anyone who witnessed the dog bite and ask for their names and contact information. Your lawyer will reach out to them later for more information. If there are neighbors nearby, ask them if they’ve seen the dog before or know who it belongs to.
Get Medical Attention
If you have serious or life-threatening injuries, do not delay getting emergency medical treatment. If you can stay at the scene to compile evidence first, be sure to see a doctor on the same day, if possible. This will prevent your injuries from worsening and create a record of your treatment for your injury claim.
Get a Free Consultation with a Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer in LaGrange, GA for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we know how painful and stressful a dog bite or animal attack can be. We are here to help you seek full compensation for your damages, as we’ve helped countless dog bite victims do over the past 20 plus years.
To schedule a FREE, no-risk consultation today, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
