Dog bite injuries are a legitimate public health issue in Union City. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4.7 million people suffer dog bites each year. If you are one of those dog bite victims, you should know that the law is on your side. You have the right to compensation for your costs, and a Union City personal injury lawyer can help you get it.
Let John Foy & Associates help you with your dog bite case. We have been helping dog bite victims win the compensation they need for over 20 years. We are not afraid to stand up to the insurance company if they try to offer you a lowball settlement—and we will fight for your legal rights every step of the way.
What to Do If You Were Bitten by a Dog in Union City
After any dog bite, it’s important to gather as much information as you can about the situation. In order to legally seek compensation for your costs, you will need to know the name of the at-fault party. In almost every dog bite case, the responsible person is the dog’s owner.
You will also need to have evidence of your damages before you can file a successful personal injury claim. Some of that evidence can be compiled right at the scene of the bite.
Here are some things you can do to strengthen your case:
- Call Fulton County Animal Services to report the dog and request assistance.
- Take pictures of the dog (if you can), your injuries, and the scene of the bite.
- Note nearby streets or landmarks so you can remember exactly where the bite happened.
- Talk to any witnesses, ask if they know anything about the dog that bit you, and get their contact information.
- If the dog owner is present or you figure out who they are, ask them if the dog has had their shots.
- Get medical attention right away if your injuries are very serious.
It’s also best to contact a dog bite and animal attack lawyer as soon as you can. They can help you continue gathering evidence of the incident. They’ll also make sure your rights are protected and that you are doing everything possible to increase your chances of full compensation.
Is It Worth Suing for a Dog Bite?
If you had to pay any medical bills to treat your injury, then yes, it very well could be worth filing a personal injury claim. As long as someone else was responsible for your damages, they could be liable, and as a victim, you don’t deserve to pay for your treatment out of your own pocket.
A dog bite lawyer in Union City can help you pursue compensation for your injury. You may be tempted to let the bite go – dogs will be dogs, after all. However, medical bills often become much more expensive than you expect, even for minor accidents. You don’t have to pay anything upfront for your lawyer, so there’s no risk of losing money.
You shouldn’t try to sue on your own, though. If you try to represent yourself in court, you may find that the obstacles presented by the other party’s lawyer and the insurance company are impossible to get past.
If you’re not sure whether it’s worth it to sue for your dog bite, you can always get a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Union City. Our team will listen to your story and tell you what steps you should take, including whether it’s worth pursuing a claim.
How Much Is a Dog Bite Lawyer?
One of the things that make it worth hiring a dog bite attorney in Union City is that we don’t charge anything upfront. Our lawyers work on a contingency-fee-basis, which means we don’t make any money unless you win your claim. That means there’s no risk in hiring a lawyer from our firm.
Our lawyers get paid via a portion of your initial compensation, so you’ll never have to pay your lawyer more than you stand to make from your settlement. The amount of money we’ll charge, however, varies from case to case, as we treat each client and their claim as individuals. Factors that may affect your dog bite lawyer’s fees could include:
- The difficulty of your case
- The amount of time that your lawyer puts into your claim
- Any extraneous costs, such as subpoena fees or other legal expenses
When you hire your personal injury attorney, they will come to an agreement with you as to how much they will charge. When it comes time for you to get compensation, the check will go to your lawyer, who will take out their agreed-upon fee and send the rest on to you so you can move on from your dog bite.
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Who Is Liable After a Dog Bite?
If a dog bites you, its owner is responsible for its actions. The owner might try to say that you provoked the animal or caused them to bite, but this is rarely the case. Don’t let anyone blame you or make you feel like you can’t seek financial recovery for the costs of your injuries.
The dog’s owner might also try to settle things just between the two of you, but this is a bad idea. Not reporting the bite means you won’t have formal evidence of it happening. This leaves you vulnerable, especially if the dog’s owner cannot afford to cover the costs of your injury (which is extremely likely).
You should also keep in mind that there are many costs a victim faces after a dog bite. Besides the medical costs, which can easily add up to thousands of dollars, many dog bite victims are left with emotional trauma or other pain and suffering damages that last for many years. Your lawyer can look at your situation and help determine your total damages.
Types of Compensation You Can Collect in a Dog Bite Case
Under Georgia law, you have the right to compensation for all costs that were caused by the dog bite and its owner’s negligence. This includes damages like:
- Medical costs from doctor visits, bills, tests, prescription medications, surgeries, physical therapy, and more
- Lost wages from work time you’ve had to miss because of your injuries
- Pain and suffering damages resulting from your physical injuries
Children are especially vulnerable to pain and suffering injuries, but a dog bite can be traumatic at any age. Don’t assume your costs stop at your immediate medical bills. There are likely ongoing consequences you will face because of the bite—and you should be fairly compensated for them.
What to Do If the Dog Owner Is a Friend
It can be hard to report a dog bite if the owner is someone you know personally. You might worry about creating tension between you or worry about the dog’s well-being. However, if a dog bites you, their owner is still responsible, friend or not.
It’s important to always follow the proper protocol and protect your rights. You should also know that in most situations, the dog is not in danger of being put down unless they have bitten before or are a breed considered to be very aggressive. Your friend should understand that filing an injury claim means your costs can be covered and you won’t get left paying the bills for their dog’s actions.
If you need help handling the legal side of things after a dog bite from a friend’s dog, contact a Union City dog bite and animal attack lawyer. They can help you navigate these delicate waters and remind you of what you need to do to protect yourself.
Get a Free Consultation with a Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer in Union City
The Union City dog bite lawyers at John Foy & Associates are ready to help you with your case. We have been helping dog bite victims win the recovery they need for over 20 years. We are not afraid to negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement that is actually fair to you.
Working with us is risk-free because we don’t take a fee unless we win you money. Plus, the consultation is always FREE. To get started today, call us or contact us online.
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