Atlanta embraces dogs and their owners as more people value the company of their four-legged friends. Dog encounters occur daily, often in neighborhoods and while visiting with friends and family. Unfortunately, not every interaction with a dog ends well.
If you are bitten by a dog in Atlanta, there are steps you should take to report the incident and document your injuries. Working with an Atlanta dog bite lawyer can protect your claim from missteps, providing the best avenue for pursuing your claim. John Foy & Associates believes in transparent communication with each client, providing ethical representation for Georgia residents filing dog bite claims to recover from the negligence of others.
Filing an Atlanta, GA, Dog Bite Report
Dog bites should be reported immediately for your best interests and the safety of others. Reporting a dog bite begins the documentation process should you need to file a personal injury claim and also prevents potential bites. If you are bitten by a dog in Atlanta, GA, take the following steps:
- See a doctor after a dog bite, call 911 for severe injuries
- Contact Fulton County Animal Services at (404) 613-0358
- Because of the extensive number of counties in Atlanta, ensure you contact the appropriate county shelter where the incident occurred to file a report
- After filing a report with animal services, contacting law enforcement, especially when an aggressive dog is involved
Dog bites may be caused by a friend or family member’s pet, which makes filing a report feel questionable. While no laws require you to report a dog bite in Georgia, a report will be part of the necessary evidence in an Atlanta dog bite claim. A dog owner’s insurance company will be responsible for most dog bite injury claims unless the extent of your damages exceeds insurance coverage, requiring you to file a personal claim against the owner.
Steps to Take After an Atlanta, GA Dog Bite
Dog bites are shocking incidents, and knowing what to do if a dog bites you is essential after seeking medical treatment and contacting the appropriate county’s animal services. Informing the treating physician that your injuries were sustained from a dog bite will likely prompt them to contact animal services. Additionally, an Atlanta dog bite attorney can assist with the appropriate documentation of a dog bite in Atlanta, recommending these steps:
- Collect the dog owner’s contact information, when possible, and eyewitness information
- Take pictures of your injuries and the biting dog when it is safe, including photos of the location where the bite occurred
- Write down a personal account of the incident to more accurately record the incident
- Follow the physician’s treatment protocol and keep follow-up appointments
- Contact a dog bite lawyer in Atlanta
As the costs of an Atlanta dog bite grow, filing a claim is necessary to financially recover. Having the incident thoroughly documented provides solid evidence for a claim that may be otherwise lessened or denied by the insurance company. John Foy & Associates will strive to protect your insurance claim and negotiate a successful settlement.
Filing an Atlanta Dog Bite Claim with the Insurance Company
A claim to recover damages compensation will be filed against the dog owner’s home insurance policy. Filing a claim too soon may lead to the insurance company settling your claim before the full extent of your damages is known. In addition to helping you document your claim, a dog bite attorney in Atlanta may offer the following services:
- Initiate an investigation to determine a dog’s owner when the unknown
- A thorough evaluation of the damages, allowing you to maximize a claim
- Serve as a point of contact between you and the insurance company, relaying only pertinent information necessary to pursue and settle your claim
- Negotiate a fair settlement for your injuries
- Take your claim to court when a fair settlement is unattainable
- Enlist the assistance of expert witnesses in court
- Interview eyewitnesses
- Ensure legal action is taken within the appropriate time limits
A fast settlement may seem beneficial but can significantly reduce the compensation you may legally pursue. Like other personal injury cases, an Atlanta dog bite lawyer will discuss whether you should sign a medical release for the insurance adjuster. Any past documented injuries impacting the area of the body affected by a dog bite may be used to reduce your claim.
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Possible Damages for a Dog Bite Injury in Atlanta
Each dog bite case is unique, and the damages you can claim after a dog bite injury will depend on your personal experience. In addition to your medical costs, you may have missed days at work for recovery or experienced other out-of-pocket expenses. Your injuries may require future corrective surgeries, which will be factored into the compensation you deserve.
While most dog bite cases in Atlanta do not go to court, a settlement may not meet your needs or restore you to your previous health or financial state before the accident occurred. Initial settlement offers are rarely a true reflection of the damages you experience. You are not required to work with an Atlanta dog bite attorney, but hiring a lawyer for a dog bite injury case may significantly improve your claim outcome.
A dog bite lawyer in Atlanta will also ensure a civil action is filed within the statute of limitations for dog bite injuries, allowing you to take the legal steps to recover damages. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA §9-3-33) states that a lawsuit must be filed within two years from when a dog bite occurs. It is best to begin preparing immediately for potential legal action instead of waiting to ensure the preservation of the evidence in a claim.
Assistance with Reporting an Atlanta Dog Bite
The moments following a dog bite may be chaotic and overwhelming, resulting in critical information about a dog bite being overlooked or lost. John Foy & Associates can help you take the appropriate steps to ensure a dog bite report is filed with the correct agencies and begin documenting your claim. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss an Atlanta dog bite injury.
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