A dog bite can happen when you least expect it. If you or a loved one was bitten in Mableton, you’ll want to seek compensation for the costs. When a dog owner is negligent and it leads to a bite, one of your first calls should be to a dog bite lawyer in Mableton.
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping dog bite victims win the recovery they deserve for more than two decades. We’re not afraid to stand up to the insurance companies. We can help you get started with a free consultation.
Our Mableton personal injury lawyer can review what happened and explain your possible next steps.
A Dog Owner Is Legally Liable for Bites in Mableton, GA
About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year. In almost all situations, the dog owner is responsible for the damages when their dog bites someone.
In 2012, House Bill 685 enacted the Responsible Dog Ownership Law. Through this law, owners of dangerous or vicious dogs are held even more accountable.
When a Dog Is Considered Dangerous
Owners of dogs that are dangerous (meaning they bit a person without causing serious injury or killed another person’s pet) are now required to:
- Build a secure enclosure for the dog
- Post warning signs at each entrance alerting people to the presence of a dangerous dog on the property
- Apply annually for a certificate of registration for the dog
When a Dog Is Considered Vicious
If the dog causes serious injury to another person, the dog will be categorized as vicious and the owner will have to microchip the dog and carry at least $50,000 in liability insurance. This coverage would be available to cover the costs of an attack or damage to property.
Dog owners must be held responsible if they allow their dog to put others in harm’s way. So, if you were injured by a dog in Mableton, you have the right to file an insurance claim for damages. A dog bite lawyer in Mableton can help you do that.
What Is the Average Dog Bite Settlement?
The average dog bite claim in Georgia settles for about $47,968.24. Case results will vary but teaming up with an attorney will ensure your settlement reflects your damages. Trust an experienced negotiator to seek the full compensation you need for your medical care and related expenses.
Building Your Dog Bite Claim in Mableton
Over 800,000 people require medical attention for dog bites every year. Unfortunately, even with health care, you may wind up with medical debt if you have to pay for your own treatment.
If you were injured by someone else’s dog, you shouldn’t have to pay for these expenses. To seek compensation for your damages, you will need to show that:
- The dog owner was negligent in maintaining control of the dog.
- The dog was vicious or dangerous.
- You did not provoke the dog to bite or attack.
The dog’s owner might try to say that you provoked the dog or otherwise led it to bite you. Other times, you might have trouble finding or getting in touch with the owner. To protect your legal rights, you’ll want to begin gathering as much information on the attack as possible.
Here are some of the best ways you can gather information to use in your dog bite claim.
Report the Accident
You’ll want to alert the local authorities about the dog bite. In Mableton, that’s the Cobb County Police Department and Animal Services. They can create a record of the bite and also help you obtain more information about the dog.
If the dog has bitten before or been picked up while roaming around before, Animal Services might have information on this. You can use this knowledge to build your claim and to identify the dog’s owner.
Gather Information at the Scene
If you are well enough to do so, you can compile some information about the incident and the dog at the scene. Some ways to do that include:
- Taking pictures of the dog that bit you, your injuries, and the entire scene (such as any landmarks that show where the bite happened)
- Asking the dog’s owner – if they were present during the bite – f the dog has had its shots
- Getting the owner’s name, address, and phone number
- Talking to any witnesses to the dog bite, asking for their contact information, and finding out if they know anything about the dog that bit you
Getting information right at the scene helps paint a picture of what happened, which is helpful for your insurance claim.
Get Medical Attention
If you have serious or life-threatening injuries from the bite, get medical attention right away. When you call the police, tell them that you need an ambulance. A lot of dog bites can be very serious, leading to infection and requiring stitches, surgeries, or other procedures.
Don’t be afraid to get medical help if you need it. If you are able to stay at the scene to get information, be sure to still see a doctor as soon as you can. You’ll want to create a record of you seeking treatment soon after the bite to get a good idea of your treatment needs and costs.
Talk to a Dog Bite Lawyer ASAP
A dog bite attorney in Mableton can help you every step of the way. Our legal team can help you gather more evidence of the bite by thoroughly investigating what occurred. Then, we can help you build a strong insurance claim to seek the damages you deserve.
It’s important to know that insurance companies do not like to pay out much on injury claims. The dog owner’s insurance company will likely look for ways to reduce what they have to pay you. Having a lawyer on your side from the beginning will give you the best chance at receiving a settlement that is actually fair to you.
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Distance is no obstacle. We work with clients across the country and make sure every one of them feels taken care of, no matter how far the call travels.
How Much does a Dog Bite Lawyer Charge?
We understand that cost is an important factor when choosing to work with a Mableton dog bite and attorney. Our legal team at John Foy & Associates works on a contingency. Our service fee is paid by a percentage of your case settlement.
Our clients don’t have to worry about up-front costs, hourly rates, or hidden fees. We only charge if and when we win your case. We believe you should benefit from legal assistance without struggling to pay for it.
Can You Sue for Pain and Suffering for a Dog Bite?
When someone is attacked by a dog, the immediate concern is bodily injury. However, you may also suffer mental anguish as a result of a dog bite incident. In addition to economic damages, Georgia law allows you to pursue damages for non-economic damages.
Maintaining your mental health is essential to your overall well being. If you experience trauma or develop a fear of dogs after suffering a dog bite, you may be able to sue for pain and suffering. Your lawyer can discuss the details of your case to determine what you may stand to recover.
What’s the Statute of Limitations on Dog Bites in Mableton?
There is a two-year statute of limitations for dog bites that occur in Mableton, Georgia. If your injury claim isn’t initiated within this timeframe, your case may be dismissed. Working with our team of dog bite and animal attack lawyers in Mableton can ensure you don’t miss out on your opportunity to hold the liable party accountable.
What to Do If the Dog Owner Isn’t Around
If there is no owner present when the dog bites you, it can make you feel frustrated and helpless. However, don’t assume that the dog is a stray or that the owner can’t be found. Your lawyer can help you investigate and determine who is ultimately responsible for the dog.
You can also gather information on the dog’s owner by:
- Having the police and Animal Services look into the dog’s history
- Asking witnesses or neighbors if they recognize the dog and know who it belongs to
- Having your lawyer go to the scene and investigate the details
Talk to a Mableton Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer Today
Don’t suffer through the aftermath of a dog bite alone. At John Foy & Associates, we are here to help you build a strong injury claim to pursue the financial recovery you deserve. We have been doing this for countless dog bite injury victims over the past 20 plus years.
Our Mableton dog bite lawyers will look at the details of your case and discuss how we can help. Call us 24/7 or contact us online to get started with your free consultation.
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