Personal injury lawyer in Lithia Springs are no laughing matter. Although many of us love our furry friends, the truth is that dog bites can be incredibly serious, even deadly, for a lot of people. If you or a loved one was bitten or attacked, don’t delay getting help from a dog bite and animal attack lawyer in Lithia Springs.
Our dog bite lawyers at John Foy & Associates have been helping dog bite victims win compensation for their damages for the past 20 plus years. We have grown to become one of the most well-known and -respected personal injury law firms in Georgia. We can help you seek recovery in your case, starting with a FREE consultation.
To schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation and case evaluation today, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
What to Do If You Were Bitten By a Dog in Lithia Springs
After the dog bite happens, we recommend doing the following.
Get Medical Attention
The number one priority after a dog bite or animal attack is your well-being. If you have injuries that are serious or life-threatening, get medical attention right away. Otherwise, if you can stay at the scene for a little longer, it’s good to begin gathering information about what happened.
If you stay at the scene, be sure to see a doctor fr your injuries as soon as you can afterward.
Report the Dog Bite
Call 911 to speak with the police and let them know that you were bitten. In Lithia Springs, that would be the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The police can make a report on the bite and get you in touch with Animal Control. You might be able to find out more information about the dog, such as the contact information for its owner and whether or not it’s bitten before.
Take Pictures
If the dog doesn’t run away after it bites you, try to use your phone to get a picture of it. Then, take pictures of your injuries and the scene where the bite happened. This will document how everything looked right after you were bitten, which can be helpful to your case.
Talk to Witnesses
If anyone else saw the bite happen, talk to them and get their contact information. Your dog bite and animal attack lawyer will want to reach out to them later for statements. Plus, those nearby might recognize the dog or know who it belongs to. Neighbors are often used to seeing dogs if their owners routinely allow them to roam freely.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer
It’s also best to speak with a dog bite and animal attack lawyer in Lithia Springs as soon as possible after you’re hurt. They can send investigators to the scene and help you figure out more information about the attack, such as the dog’s owner.
A lawyer will also help you begin building a personal injury claim to file against the dog’s owner. Dog bite claims are typically filed with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance company. Your lawyer will gather evidence to show what happened and how the owner was negligent in your bite.
The Most Common Causes of Dog Bites in Lithia Springs
In almost all situations, the owner of the dog is responsible for the dog’s actions. Dog owners in Georgia have a duty to make sure their dogs are not allowed to roam freely and put others in harm’s way. If the dog has a past of aggressive behavior or the owner knew the dog had vicious tendencies, they are definitely responsible.
A lot of the most common causes of dog bites result from owner negligence. According to the National Canine Research Council, an analysis of dog bite-related fatalities from 2000-2015 found that the main factors leading to dog bites included:
- The lack of an able-bodied person who could intervene
- No familiar relationship between the dog and the victim
- The dog owner failing to spay or neuter the dog
- The victim’s ability to manager interactions with the dog were compromised
- The dog was kept as a resident dog instead of as a family pet
- The owner’s mismanagement of the dog
- The owner’s neglect or abuse of the dog
Plus, in most cases, four or more of these factors applied.
Lithia Springs, GA Has a “One-Bite” Rule
Many dog bite victims wonder what will happen to the dog if they report the bite. Under Georgia law, non-aggressive dogs are typically allowed what’s known as the “one-bite” rule. If this is their first time exhibiting aggressive behavior like a bite, they often get a pass on the first occurrence.
Breeds that have been deemed dangerous or vicious or dogs that have a history of aggressive behavior are more likely to be put down after biting someone. Owners also have a duty to be aware of their dog’s tendency to bite or attack. They must keep control of their dog and make sure they are well-trained enough to not hurt anyone.
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Damages You Can Collect from a Dog Bite or Animal Attack in Lithia Springs
When you file a claim to seek compensation for a dog bite, you can include the full extent of your damages resulting from the bite. Those damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Travel to and from medical appointments
Although pain and suffering damages are an option in many personal injury cases, that’s especially the case with dog bites and animal attacks. These attacks can lead to emotional damages that stay with a victim for many years, especially if they are a smaller child. Your dog bite lawyer will likely talk with you about how the bite has affected you emotionally so you can account for that in your claim.
Talk to a Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer in Lithia Springs, GA for Free Today
Dog bites can leave you with painful, serious physical injuries and emotional damages. You should not have to pay for the costs of the dog owner’s negligence. Call John Foy & Associates today to get help with your injury claim and seek the compensation you deserve. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with a FREE consultation.
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