Unfortunately, dog bites are a common occurrence and affect millions of people nationwide. Many of the most seriously injured victims are young children or adults whose injuries leave them struggling to return to work. If a dog has bitten you or a relative in Stockbridge, it’s important to get help from an experienced dog bite lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, we have two decades of experience helping dog bite victims get the financial recovery they’re entitled to. In addition, our Stockbridge dog bite lawyers offer a free consultation to talk about your claim. Call us today or fill out our online contact form.
An aggressive rottweiler barking. Dog owners are responsible for keeping their pets safe from others. If a dog bites you, our lawyers in Stockbridge will help you recover financial compensation.
How Will Our Dog Bite Lawyers in Stockbridge Help You?
Insurance companies have no reason to give you the proper amount of compensation you deserve after a negligent dog owner allows their dog to bite you. Instead, you may get offered a settlement that’s way below what you need to cover the damages and injuries you sustained.
Our Stockbridge dog bite lawyers know how insurance companies work. We have the legal experience and dedication needed to ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation available for your case. We won’t let the insurance company get away with a lowball settlement offer. The very act of hiring a lawyer is more than enough to get the insurance company to negotiate properly.
What Should I Do After Getting Bit By a Dog in Stockbridge?
First, you should take care of your medical needs and call an ambulance to the scene if necessary. If you do not need immediate medical care, you can help your case by getting information about the dog and its owner. Here are some questions to ask:
- Whose dog is this, and where do they live?
- Has the dog had its shots, and if so, which ones and when?
- Does this dog have a history of biting people?
The dog’s owner may not want to answer your questions, and that’s not unusual. Or you may be unable to find the owner. But don’t let that discourage you. At John Foy & Associates, our investigative team will get the information we need to support your case.
We will visit the neighborhood and talk to people. We’ve found that in many cases, someone knows the dog and the owner. We can also research public records to learn about previous dog bites.
Do I Need to Report My Dog Bite?
You should always report dog bites in Stockbridge. Here are the two authorities that you should contact:
- The Henry County Police Department. Get yourself to safety and call the police while you are still at the scene. The police will prepare an incident report which can be essential to your claim.
- Animal Control. Animal control reports all animal attacks. They may be able to identify the dog and its owner, help locate the dog, and know whether this dog has a history of aggression.
Reporting your dog bite, even if you don’t know who the owner is or whether the dog was a stray. Making a report ensures that there’s an official record of your dog bite occurring, which is instrumental in proving your claim.
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What Will Happen If I Report the Dog that Bit Me?
It’s highly unusual for a dog to get put down after biting one person. As long as the dog is not a member of an especially aggressive breed, Georgia law will give the dog “one free bite” without any penalty. However, the rules may be different for dogs that have bitten people repeatedly or for dogs whom the state considers “aggressive,” such as:
- Rottweilers
- Pit bulls
- Dog/wolf blends
- Dogs from breeds created for fighting
While it may seem cruel to be the catalyst that puts a dog down, ultimately, it is done for public safety to ensure that this incident doesn’t happen again. What matters the most is getting justice and holding the dog owner accountable for their pet.
Are Dog Owners Liable When Their Dogs Bite Someone?
Dog owners are always liable for dog bites. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-2-7 states that animal owners must keep control of their animals at all times. If they don’t, they are responsible for the consequences.
So when an owner doesn’t crate, leash, or properly supervise a dog and the dog bites someone, the owner must bear the cost. The dog’s owner may be quick to blame you or minimize the damage, but legally the owner is liable.
What Damages Can I Be Compensated for Through My Claim?
If a dog has bitten you, the local courts will follow Georgia law and allow you to recover for all of the expenses and damage that resulted. Most dog bite cases involve these types of damages:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation or ongoing physical therapy
- Treatment for psychological injuries
- The pay you lost if you missed work as a result of the bite
Some dog bite victims recover much more in the form of court awards for pain, suffering, disabilities, and other severe losses. Money can never put you where you were before the dog bite, but it can help you and your family maintain your financial equilibrium while you heal.
Our dog bite attorneys in Stockbridge use various formulas to ensure that you get all of your damages accurately accounted for. We won’t leave a single penny out of your final settlement total. Our primary goal is to get the insurance company to pay you fairly for your damages.
How Much Is the Average Dog Bite Settlement Worth?
On average, dog bite settlements can result in thousands of dollars of compensation. Depending on the severity of your injuries and damages, you can walk away with even more in your settlement. No two dog bite cases are the same. For an accurate estimate on how much your settlement is worth, you need to get in touch with one of our dog bite attorneys.
What Should I Do If I Was Bitten By a Friend’s Dog?
We’ve seen many dog bite victims who were afraid to report the bite or pursue a claim because they didn’t want to upset their friend or damage a relationship. But suffering in silence isn’t good, and these same people have been happy and relieved when their friend’s insurance company paid for their treatment.
Always report a dog bite, and remember that your claim isn’t against your friend personally. Their homeowners or other insurance will handle it, and your friend won’t have to pay out of pocket.
What If a Dog Bites Me While I’m Working on Someone’s Property?
Report the bite, and remember that you have the same rights as anyone else. State law requires property owners to make their property safe for the people who work there. Dogs must be kept under control. In addition to filing a dog bite claim, you may also have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim, which may lead to a quicker and easier financial recovery.
Is It Expensive to Hire a Stockbridge Dog Bite Attorney?
You may wonder how much a dog bite lawyer will cost you. At John Foy & Associates, we believe that people who have gotten injured shouldn’t have to pay hefty amounts upfront for legal help. That’s why we offer a free consultation, and if you hire us, we won’t charge you a dime unless we can get you money. We want you to get the financial recovery you deserve.
The Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites in Stockbridge
OCGA §9-3-33 states that the statute of limitations for dog bites in Stockbridge is generally two years. However, certain circumstances can give you even less time. Never wait until the last minute to file your claim. Always take action and collect evidence while it’s still fresh. The more time you take, the less likely your chances become of winning a fair settlement.
Speak to a Stockbridge Dog Bite Lawyer for Free
There are a lot of dog bite lawyers out there, but there aren’t many who have experience winning dog bite cases. John Foy & Associates has a 20-year record of successfully helping dog bite victims recover the money they need and deserve. At our free consultation, we’ll discuss your case and explain your options. Call us or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
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