When a dog bites you in North Druid Hills, the injuries and can very serious—and even life-threatening. Plus, being bitten or attacked by a vicious animal can result in emotional trauma for many years, especially in young children. If you or a loved one suffered in this way, you/they are probably entitled to compensation for the damages—and a dog bite and animal attack lawyer in North Druid Hills can help.
At John Foy & Associates, our goal is simple: getting you the fullest compensation possible for your damages after a dog bite or animal attack. We have been doing this for more than 20 years, and we know what it takes to win these types of cases. Plus, there is no risk to you because we don’t charge a fee unless we win money for you.
Contact us today and we’ll start with a FREE, no-obligation consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started for FREE.
Dog Bite Laws in North Druid Hills, GA
Georgia’s dog bite laws are found under Georgia Code section 51-2-7. It states that the following must exist when it comes to liability of an animal’s owner after a bite or attack:
- The person owns or keeps a dangerous or vicious animal.
- The owner was careless in their management of the animal, letting them “go at liberty.”
- The injured person did not provoke the animal into causing the injury.
If the above can be proved in your dog bite claim, the owner will likely be liable for your damages. The statute also states that an animal can be proved as “vicious” simply by showing that the animal should have been on a leash or at heel (according to local ordinances) but was not when the injury happened.
A dog can also be considered vicious or dangerous if they have bitten or attacked someone in the past. Although Georgia laws used to be laxer about this, they have recently tightened so that even dogs who make failed attempts at biting, such as lunging at another person unprovoked, can be considered vicious.
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Animal Attack Laws in North Druid Hills, GA
Dogs are not the only animals covered under this section of Georgia law. For example, if you were attacked by a wild animal that someone let onto their property, you may be able to file a claim for damages. If the property owner knew or should have known about the animal and did not do anything to prevent it from coming onto and/or harming others on the property, the owner can be found liable.
There are a couple of exceptions to this statute. The following animals do not apply to the evidence needed to show vicious propensity:
- Domesticated fowl, such as spurs and roosters
- Domesticated livestock
If you were attacked by an animal other than a dog on someone’s property, you’ll want to contact a dog bite and animal attack lawyer in North Druid Hills right away. They can determine how Georgia laws and local laws apply to the attack and how to seek compensation for your damages.
How to Handle a Dog Bite or Animal Attack in North Druid Hills
After a dog bite happens, there are ways you can start legally protecting yourself. Although the dog’s owner is almost always found to be at fault, the owner might try to blame you or run away from their responsibility. So, gathering as much information as possible after the bite can help support your case.
Here are some ways you can start building your case right away. Although this advice refers to dogs specifically, it can apply to other animal attacks too.
Get Medical Attention
After a dog bite, you will need to file a claim with the dog’s owner’s insurance company for compensation. It’s typically their homeowner’s insurance company that you’ll be dealing with. One of the first things the insurance company will review is when you got medical care.
If you have serious or life-threatening injuries from the bite or attack, get emergency medical attention right away. If you’re okay even to stay at the scene and gather information, make sure you see a doctor as soon as possible that same day or within the next day.
Seeing a doctor soon after the accident will show the insurance company that:
- Your injuries were serious enough to require prompt attention
- The medical expenses you accrue directly resulted from the dog bite or animal attack and
- You received medical care and advice from a legitimate doctor
You should also keep track of all medical records, prescription receipts, and other evidence of damages from your medical treatment. This will be important for your dog bite claim.
Get Information About the Dog
If the dog that bit you is still at the scene, use your phone to take a picture of it. If you don’t have time to get a picture, note characteristics of the dog, such as its breed, size, coloring, and any distinguishable markings.
If the dog’s owner is at the scene when the bite happens, ask for copies of the dog’s vet records and find out if the dog has had its shots. If the dog has not had its shows, especially the rabies shot, you’ll need to tell your doctor right away. Also, find out if the dog has bitten or attacked anyone before.
If you cannot get information about the dog, the local animal shelter or Animal Control might recognize the dog or know more about its past. Neighbors or witnesses might also know more about the dog and its owner.
Document the Scene
Get as much evidence as you can from the scene of the dog bite or animal attack. Besides taking pictures of the animal that bit you, got shots of your injuries and the entire scene of the attack.
Also, if anyone saw the bite happen, get their names and contact information. Your lawyer will reach out to them later for witness statements to help support your claim.
Contact DeKalb County Animal Services to report the bite, as well. They can come and collect it if the dog is still running free and being vicious.
Get a Free Consultation with a Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer in North Druid Hills, GA for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping dog bite victims win the compensation they deserve for more than 20 years. We are not afraid to fight for your rights.
Call us today for a FREE consultation at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
