Unless you’ve been bitten by a dog in Tifton, you might not give much thought to them. Many of us love the furry friends in our lives and don’t want to think of them doing serious harm. However, dog bites do still happen—and when they do, the victim should not have to pay for the costs. If you were injured during a dog bite, an experienced Tifton dog bite and animal attack lawyer can help.
Our dog bite lawyers at John Foy & Associates have 20 plus years of experience helping victims win the recovery they deserve. We do not take a fee unless we win you money, so there’s no risk in hiring us or reaching out to us. Our compassionate attorneys are ready to speak with you about your case during a FREE consultation.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with your FREE consultation today. We’ll go over the details of your situation and discuss the best ways we can help your case. Call (404) 400-4000 today.
Dogs that Bite the Most Often in Georgia
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), a 2019 study of dog bite injuries found these breeds had the highest responsibility for reported bites based on data from the last 15 years:
- Pit bulls
- Mixed breeds
- German shepherds
Pit bulls and mixed breeds were also found to have the highest average damage per bite.
The breeds with the lowest likelihood for bite risk were:
- Dalmatian
- Pointer
- Great Dane
- Pekingese
- Spitz
Although these breeds had a low risk of biting, the damage from bites when they did happen was typically severe.
What leads to dog bites also depends on various factors, including not alone breed but behaviors of the dog’s owner and victim.
Why Dog Bites Happen in Tifton
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the answer to “why do dogs bite?” can have several different answers. Even the smallest and most cuddly dogs can bite under certain circumstances, such as if they are feeling provoked.
Dogs typically bite in reaction to something that upsets them. That might be:
- Because of a stressful situation
- If they feel like they have to defend their territory
- When they are startled, scared, or feeling threatened
- To protect something that they find valuable, such as a toy, treat, bone, or food
- If they are feeling sick
- During play, if they get too carried away
No matter how a dog bite happens, it’s a pet owner’s responsibility to make sure they are safe to be around other people and animals. Proper socialization is usually required to best ensure this. If the dog is not socialized or safe around others, the dog owner must make sure they are properly enclosed and restrained in a way that doesn’t cause harm.
Children should also be educated on how to approach and interact with dogs in the home or that they come into contact with on a regular basis. Although some dog owners will try to blame others for provoking or otherwise causing their dog to bite, the owner is typically legally liable for damages.
How to Obtain Compensation from a Dog Bite or Animal Attack
If you were injured by a dog bite or animal attack, you have the right to seek compensation from the negligent party. As we’ve already covered, this is nearly always the dog’s owner. You can usually file a personal injury claim with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance for your damages.
Many times, you’re not dealing with the dog owner much at all when seeking compensation. Most of your communication happens with the insurance company. While it’s probably a relief not to have to seek money directly from the dog’s owner, especially if you’re friends with them, the insurance company doesn’t make it much easier.
We would highly encourage you to contact an experienced dog bite and animal attack lawyer in Tifton after the dog bite happens. They can help you build a strong claim and handle the insurance company for you. This is the best way to seek the full settlement you deserve. The goal is to get you compensation for dog bite damages like:
- Past, present, and future medical care resulting from your dog bite injuries
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
- Physical and mental pain and suffering you have experienced because of the attack
Damages from a dog bite or animal attack can be incredibly serious. Even seemingly minor bites can lead to infections or worsen with time. Plus, being attacked by a dog can lead to emotional damages that stay with you for many years (if not forever).
The right lawyer will consider every way the dog bite has affected you. They’ll often wait until your treatment is complete or until you have a good idea of your future medical needs. That way, you won’t have surprise expenses down the road for which you can no longer seek recovery.
Make sure you work specifically with a dog bite lawyer who has many years of experience winning settlements and awards on these types of claims. At John Foy & Associates, we are proud to bring more than 20 years of dog bite and animal attack case experience to the table. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get a FREE consultation with us.
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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.
Don’t Wait Too Long to Get Started on Your Claim
In Tifton and the rest of Georgia, you typically have two years from the date of the dog bite or animal attack to bring a case for compensation. While this might seem like a lot of time, it’s really not.
You will need to compile evidence of the bite, the owner’s negligence, and your damages. You’ll also need to deal with the insurance company, and you’ll likely need to negotiate for a settlement that is actually fair to you. If the insurance company won’t budge, you might even need to file a lawsuit.
To make sure you start on track and don’t miss any legal deadlines, speak with a dog bite lawyer today.
Talk to a Tifton Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping dog bite victims win the money they need for over 20 years. Plus, there is no risk to work with us because we don’t charge a fee unless we win you money. To discuss your case (and how we can help) during a FREE consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
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