Dogs have long been known as man’s best friend, but when dog owners in Winder are not careful, dog bites can happen. Injuries from dog bites can range from scratches and infections to the need for reconstructive surgeries. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog, you should not have to bear the costs. Talk to a dog bite and animal attack lawyer in Winder for help.
Our experienced lawyers at John Foy & Associates have been working on (and winning) dog bite cases for over two decades. We know what it takes to build a strong claim and seek full compensation for your costs. To get a FREE consultation today with a Winder personal injury lawyer, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
What You Should Do If a Dog Bites You in Winder, GA
It’s important to take action after a dog bite in Winder. You will probably have painful injuries that make it hard to think straight. Your adrenaline will be running high and you’ll feel shaken up. However, if you can gather evidence at the scene, it can really help your case.
Get Medical Treatment
The first priority after a dog bite is your well-being. If your injuries are serious or life-threatening, you should get medical attention immediately. It’s not worth the risk of your injuries worsening further. However, if you are well enough to stay at the scene, make sure you see a doctor as soon as you can after leaving the scene.
Talk to the Dog’s Owner
Most of the time when a dog bite happens, the owner is nowhere to be found. However, if the dog’s owner is at the scene when you get bitten, get their name, address, and other contact information. Also, ask them if the dog has had its shots and whether or not it’s had a history of violent behavior before.
Speak With Witnesses
Other people might have seen the dog bite or attack happen. Talk to these people and get their contact information. Your Winder dog bite lawyer will want to reach out to them later for statements.
Witness testimony can be really helpful for your claim. For example, the dog’s owner might try to say you provoked the dog in an effort to reduce their liability. A witness can back up the fact that you did nothing to provoke the dog into biting you.
Report the Dog Bite
Make sure you report the dog bite to Barrow County Animal Control. This will create a record of the bite and might give you more information. If the dog is a stray or has been allowed to roam freely in the past, animal control officers might recognize it or have history on the dog.
Talk to a Dog Bite Lawyer
As soon as you can, call a Winder dog bite and animal attack lawyer who can look over the details of your case. Most injury lawyers (like John Foy & Associates) don’t charge any upfront fees and offer a free consultation. To schedule a free consultation today, call us at (404) 400-4000.
How Dogs Are Handled After Bites in Winder
Many dog bite victims worry about what will happen to the dog when they report the bite. They might be afraid the dog will get put down. Winder and the rest of Georgia has a modified “one free bite” rule that prevents dogs from being punished until after the first time they bite someone. There are exceptions, however, especially for breeds that have been deemed “aggressive.”
How Owner Liability Works After a Dog Bite or Attack
Under Georgia law, all dog owners are responsible for their dog’s actions. They must always carefully control their dogs. Depending on the situation and specific county ordinances, this could mean having the dog on a leash, crating it, or keeping a close watch while off-leash.
When a dog owner is negligent and it leads their dog to bite someone, they are legally liable for the costs. You have the right to file a personal injury claim with the dog owner’s insurance company.
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You Are Entitled to Compensation in Damages
The damages you can claim in your dog bite claim include:
- Costs of medical treatment
- Tests, surgeries, and prescription medications
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages from missed work time
- Mental health treatment (as dog bites can be especially traumatic for victims)
- Pain and suffering damages
Pain and suffering damages are awarded more often after dog bites or animal attacks. The experience of getting bitten by a dog can leave victims with years of anxiety, fear, or even PTSD. This is especially common in children who are bitten. A dog bite lawyer can help you demonstrate these damages in your claim.
What to Do If the Dog Owner Was a Friend
Sometimes, dog bites happen when the dog belongs to a friend or family member. It’s normal for dog bite victims to worry that filing a claim will damage their relationship with the dog’s owner. However, it’s important to always seek compensation for the damages you suffered. Otherwise, you can get left with thousands of dollars in medical bills and much more.
Remember that you are not filing your claim directly against the dog’s owner. It’s their insurance company, often through their homeowner’s policy, that will actually be paying your damages. It’s more likely that you’ll have trouble dealing with the insurance company. They will look for ways to reduce your claim, which is why having a dog bite lawyer on your team is so vital.
Talk to a Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer in Winder, GA for Free Today
Make sure you work with a dog bite lawyer who has experience working on these types of cases. At John Foy & Associates, we have more than 25 years of experience helping dog bite victims win the full recovery they deserve. We can help you, too, starting with a FREE consultation.
To get started with your FREE consultation today, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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