Dog bites in Locust Grove can lead to serious, painful, and life-changing injuries. Many victims require lengthy surgeries or stitches, and they may be left with scarring or disabilities. Don’t get left paying for the dog owner’s negligence. Contact a dog bite and animal attack lawyer in Locust Grove for help today.
If you were bitten or attacked by a dog in Locust Grove, you have legal rights. Our lawyers at John Foy & Associates can make sure those rights are upheld and that you are pursuing the fullest compensation possible for your damages. We’ve been doing just that for countless victims over the last 20 plus years.
Let’s discuss the details of your case and how we can help during a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started today.
If you have questions after an accident, our Locust Grove personal injury lawyer is here to help.
What You Should Do After a Dog Bite in Locust Grove
You can begin protecting your rights and building an injury claim right after the bite happens. Although it’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible, here are some other steps we recommended taking at the scene and in the days following the bite.
Report the Dog Bite
Dog bites in Locust Grove should be reported to Henry County Animal Care and Control. They define a bite as a situation where “the teeth or claws of an animal break your skin and bleeding occurs or if your mucus membranes come into contact with the saliva of an animal.”
Animal Control advises you to report all animal bites to them as soon as possible, wash the bite area with soap and water immediately, and call your doctor or the emergency room. Any dog, cat, or ferret that bites a human will be held in quarantine for ten days so they can be monitored for signs of rabies.
If you were bitten by a wild animal like a coyote, raccoon, skunk, fox, or bat, these are considered high-risk situations and should also be reported immediately. You should also get medical attention right away for these types of bites.
Document the Scene
If you are well enough to do so, use your phone to take pictures of:
- The dog that bit you
- Your injuries
- The entire scene of the bite
- Any identifying landmarks that show where the bite happened
Picture evidence preserves the scene exactly as it looked right after the dog bite happened. It can also help you capture the appearance of the dog if it runs away later.
You should also try to get as much information about the dog as you can. If the owner is present when you’re bitten, ask if the dog has been vicious before and whether or not it’s had its shots. Ask for a copy of its vet records. If the owner is not around, ask any witnesses if they recognize the dog or know anything about it.
When you call Animal Control to report the bite, they might also be able to provide information about the dog if it’s attacked or been picked up before.
Look for the Dog’s Owner
Many dog owners are nowhere to be found after their dog bites. Negligent owners allow their dogs to run at will. Other times, the dog might even take their dog and run after a bite to try and avoid liability.
Found out as much as you can about the dog’s owner. If the dog was roaming freely, chances are good that the bite happened close to where its owner lives. Ask anyone walking nearby or in neighboring houses if they know who the dog belongs to.
If the owner is at the scene, get their name and contact information, including their address, phone number, and email address.
See a Doctor
If you need emergency medical treatment, don’t delay getting it. Serious dog bites can worsen quickly and might become infected.
If you stay at the scene long enough to gather information, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible afterward. You will want to have your wounds looked at and cleaned. Plus, seeing a doctor will:
- Prevent your injuries from getting worse
- Give you an idea of the treatment you will need going forward, which you’ll want to include in your dog bite insurance claim
- Show the dog owner’s insurance company that your injuries are serious and your treatment costs were directly related to the dog bite
Talk to a Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer in Locust Grove
If you can, it’s best to contact a dog bite lawyer within a day or two of your bite. They will set you up with a free consultation to examine the details of your case. Then, they can help you begin gathering evidence and building a strong claim for compensation.
If you’re having trouble identifying the dog and/or its owner, your lawyer can also help you research this information. They might send investigators to the scene to speak with witnesses or neighbors for more information.
How to Handle a Dog Bite Involving a Child
While a dog bite is hard on anyone, it can be especially difficult for a child. Young children are especially prone to trauma after a dog bite or animal attack.
If your child was the victim of a dog attack, here are some ways you can help them through it:
- Do what you can to comfort them. Remember that dog bites can be really traumatic. The physical pain from the wounds coupled with the memory of a large animal running towards them can be hard on a child’s mental health. Let them know they are safe now and that the attack was not their fault.
- Talk them through it. It’s very common for phobias to develop after a dog bite. Let your child know that most dogs are not bad. Talk with them about any fears or anxiety they feel around dogs now. Consider counseling to help work through the fears.
- Talk with your lawyer about pain and suffering. Emotional damages that result from dog bites can be included in your insurance claim. Your lawyer will help you demonstrate how the attack has impacted your child’s life mentally and emotionally.
No matter how the dog bite happened, the owner is almost always legally responsible. That means you have the right to file a personal injury claim with their insurance company for your damages. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you do this as efficiently and successfully as possible.
Talk to a Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer in Locust Grove for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping dog bite victims win the compensation they deserve for over 20 years. We’re not afraid to fight for your rights and deal with aggressive insurance companies. To get a FREE consultation to discuss your case today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online now.
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