Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs have become part of many people's families over the years, with more and more attention and care given to our pets. That also means that there are plenty of dogs operating as members of society, and when they have not been properly socialized or trained, they can present a real risk to bystanders. While most dogs won't bite or cause harm to anyone, the sheer number of dogs in America means that millions of injuries from dog bites will be sustained each year.

If you've found yourself the victim of a dog attack, it may be time to find a Jefferson dog bite attorney to look over your case.

When Should I Call A Jefferson Dog Bite Attorney?

As with most personal injury cases (which is what a dog bite case is legally classified to be), the sooner you get in touch with an attorney, the better. A big part of an attorney's job during a personal injury case is gathering evidence. This is called the "discovery" phase, and it may consist of gathering documentation from medical institutions, collecting witness statements, viewing and maintaining video or audio footage, and more.

For a dog bite case, many of these elements of discovery work best when they happen soon after the incident. Witnesses will likely remember things in more detail and there is less time for video footage to be erased. Physical evidence at the site of the incident is more likely to be preserved.

On top of that, there is a statute of limitations on these kinds of incidents. In most cases, if you haven't filed a lawsuit within two years of the incident, then you'll likely be ineligible to do so in the state of Georgia.

What Happens When Someone Is Attacked By A Dog?

The most pressing issue following a dog bite is medical attention. Many bites will be minor and will not require hospitalization or skilled medical care. Because of the risk of infection and bacteria, however, even a minor wound can present a serious threat. Anyone who has been bitten by a dog should seek the advice of a medical professional. If the dog and/or the victim is not fully up on vaccinations, there may be a course of preventative treatments to protect against the most serious diseases like rabies and tetanus.

Once the wound has been treated, the victim of the dog bite will likely have a stack of medical bills as well as time lost from work. They may also be suffering emotional damages and have fears of dogs in future settings. These damages deserve compensation from the responsible party. If the dog bite could have been prevented and was the result of negligent dog ownership, the victim may have a legal case for receiving payment.

What Are The Most Common Injuries Caused By A Dog Bite?

According to the ASPCA, there are about 78 million dogs kept as pets in the United States. The vast majority of those dogs will never cause any harm, but as with so many animals — with varying levels of care and supervision — out in the world, serious injuries are inevitable. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that more than 4.5 million people will be bitten by dogs each year. What's more, 20% (one out of every five) of those bites will require medical attention.

Children are the most vulnerable to dog bites for multiple reasons. First, they're more likely to be bitten by dogs in the first place. Second, they're more likely to require serious medical attention for the bites they do receive. While most dog bites can be prevented with proper supervision and care around the animals involved, it can be hard to predict which dogs will bite. It's not about breed or size, and even a mild-mannered dog without a history of outbursts can bite when the circumstances shift.

The most common injuries requiring medical attention sustained from dog bites include the following:

• Puncture wounds
• Broken bones
• Muscle/tendon damage
• Secondary infection
  • Rabies
  • MRSA
  • Tetanus

FAQ — Answers For Your Questions

Should I get a lawyer for a dog bite?

If you have been injured by a dog bite and sustained significant losses (through medical bills, lost wages from time off work, or psychological harm), then a personal injury lawsuit is likely the best way to recoup some of your expenses. Getting a lawyer to help with your case is important for a successful suit.

Can I sue after a dog bite?

If the incident is within the statute of limitations (two years) and the owner was negligent, then yes, you can sue for a dog bite.

What questions should I ask a Jefferson dog bite attorney?

Your Jefferson dog bite attorney will be gathering evidence and mounting an argument about the incident. Ask how they approach discovery, what similar cases they have won in the past, what their honest opinion of your case is, and how they communicate with clients.

Who Is Responsible For Injuries From A Dog Bite?

You may have heard of a "One Bite" rule for dogs that imposes strict penalties for any damages done from a dog bite. This is not the case for Georgia. Instead, a large part of the legal case involves demonstrating liability on the part of the dog's owner. In order to support a case for damages under Georgia's dog bite statute, O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7, it is necessary to show two things:

1. that the dog was vicious or dangerous; AND
2. that the owner had knowledge of the dog's vicious or dangerous propensity.

Making a case for liability is not a simple question of "yes" or "no." It requires investigation and the crafting of a full picture of the dog and the dog's owner's history. A Jefferson dog bite attorney will look into details that can help make the case. These include the following:

• The dog's past behavior - Does the dog have a history of aggressive behavior? Has the dog been involved in a biting incident in the past? If so, this may help demonstrate that the owner had a reasonable expectation that their dog could act aggressively and should have taken more precautions.
• The owner's preventative actions – Was the dog off-leash in an area where it was prohibited? Did the dog escape through a poorly-maintained fence? Was the dog inadequately supervised? These questions help demonstrate that the owner did not take reasonable precautions to prevent injuries.

At the same time, the defense team will be trying to demonstrate that the dog's owner is not responsible for the accident. Part of your legal strategy will involve preparing for questions involving your own responsibility in the incident:

• Treatment of the dog - Did the dog bite victim provoke the dog? Was the victim acting in a way that was aggressive or threatening to the animal? If so, the defense will likely try to argue that the bite was not the owner's responsibility.
• Location and circumstances – Was the dog bite victim somewhere they did not have a legal right to be? Was the victim trespassing? If so, the defense will try to use these details to demonstrate that the owner did not have a reasonable expectation to prevent the attack.

Taken together, these arguments will paint a picture of what happened and who is responsible.

Jefferson Dog Bite Attorney Near You

As you can see, the circumstances surrounding a dog bite can be complicated and filled with debate over the details. It's important to have an experienced, dedicated dog bite attorney on your side who can gather the evidence you need to make your case.

Contact us right away to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

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Key Statistics

• 214+ reviews
• About 78 million dogs kept as pets in the United States
• More than 4.5 million people bitten by dogs each year
• 20% (one out of every five) of dog bites require medical attention
• Two-year statute of limitations for dog bite lawsuits in Georgia

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