Although many of us have dogs in our homes, even those that we see as family, dog bites still happen often. If you were hurt by a dog in Peachtree Corners, you should not have to cover the costs of your medical bills, lost wages, and more. You likely have the right to seek compensation for your damages, and a Peachtree Corners dog bite and animal attack lawyer can help.
John Foy & Associates has spent the past 20 plus years supporting victims of dog bites and other animal attacks in Georgia. We know what it takes to win these types of cases, and we are here to fight for your right to full compensation. To get a FREE consultation to discuss the details of your case and how we can help, call us today at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online now.
What to Do if You’ve Been Bitten By a Dog in Peachtree Corners
After a dog bite or animal attack in Peachtree Corners, it’s important to take action quickly. The dog owner is almost always liable for damages when their dog bites (Georgia Code section 51-2-7). However, to seek compensation, you will need to demonstrate that negligence in your claim.
Here are some ways you can begin protecting your legal rights, gathering information for your case, and showing how the owner was negligent in the attack.
Get Medical Attention
Dog bites can often be very serious, even deadly. Even if an injury seems fairly minor, it can worsen or become infected without prompt treatment. So, you should be quick to get medical attention.
If your injuries are severe or potentially life-threatening, get immediate medical attention. If you are well enough to remain at the scene to gather some information, be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible afterward.
Also, be sure careful to follow all of your doctor’s orders. Keep up with treatments and go to your follow up appointments. If you are not diligent to follow treatment, the insurance company might use it as a reason to deny some of your claim or say that your injuries weren’t as bad as you’re saying.
Peachtree Corners Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me 404-400-4000
Get Information About the Dog
If it’s safe to do so, get pictures of the dog that bit or attacked you. Note any identifying features about it. If the dog’s owner is at the scene, ask them if the dog is up-to-date on their shots. Then, ask if you can have a copy of the dog’s vaccination records and their veterinarian’s information.
If the dog’s owner is not at the scene, they fled the scene, or they are not willing to give you information, there are other ways you can find out about the dog:
- First, no matter what, you will want to report the dog bite to the police and Gwinett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement. They can see if the dog has been reported on before or has a history of biting.
- Besides reporting the dog bite to the authorities, you can also ask around the neighborhood. Talk to any witnesses or neighbors who might recognize the dog and know who it belongs to.
- You’ll also want to contact an experienced dog bite and animal attack lawyer in Peachtree Corners. They can help you investigate the bite and get information on the dog.
Keep Track of Your Expenses
Be sure to keep records of any and all costs you face because of the dog bite. These costs may include:
- Doctor bills
- Hospital stays
- Prescription medications
- Tests, surgeries, or other procedures
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Pain and suffering damages will not have a clear dollar amount like medical costs and lost wages. Your dog bite and animal attack lawyer will work to determine the value of your pain and suffering damages, which refer to how your injuries have impacted your life.
It’s a good idea to keep a folder for copies of medical bills, receipts, and other costs related to the dog bite and your injuries. If you need help obtaining some of this information, contact your lawyer.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Peachtree Corners, call 404-400-4000
Do Not Apologize
It’s human nature to say “sorry” or seem apologetic after an injury happens, but be careful what you say after a dog bite. The owner is almost always at fault, but they might try to say you provoked the dog or somehow acted in a way that led to it biting you. If you apologize or imply that the incident was your fault, the owner or their insurance company might try to use it against you.
Never Accept the First Settlement Offer
A common tactics insurance companies use to reduce how much they have to pay is offering a lowball settlement soon after an injury accident. The dog owner’s insurance company (which is usually a homeowner’s insurance company) might call you or send something in the mail offering you a settlement.
While a quick settlement might be tempting to accept, especially if you are stressed about your mounting medical bills and other costs, you should never accept the first insurance offer. It will be a lowball offer that doesn’t come close to covering all of your damages.
Instead of trying to handle the insurance company yourself, get a dog bite and animal attack lawyer on your side from the beginning. They can determine exactly how much your case is worth, help you build a strong insurance claim, and make sure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of your vulnerable state.
Talk to a Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer in Peachtree Corners for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, our goal is to get you full compensation for the damages you face from a dog bite or animal attack. We are not afraid to communicate and negotiate with the insurance company to fight for your legal rights. We’ll start with a FREE consultation and case evaluation where we can answer your questions and discuss your options.
To get started with your FREE consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
Call or text 404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form