If you or a loved one suffered from an injury due to a dog bite, you could be entitled to receive compensation for those injuries. If an animal harmed you, the owner could be liable for the damages.
A Valdosta dog bite attorney with Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can handle every aspect of your case.
Dog Bite Laws in Georgia that Could Affect Your Personal Injury Case
Dog bite laws were put into place in Georgia to protect victims and hold dog owners accountable. These laws:
- Protect the general public and encourage responsible dog ownership
- Apply to dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals (excluding livestock)
Some Dog Owners Benefit from Laws that Waive Liability in Cases of Bite Injuries
O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7 states that the animal’s owner is liable for damages. However, if the dog was provoked or the victim was trespassing/breaking the law at the time of the bite, the owner might not be liable for the bite injuries.
Dogs used by police personnel are also excluded from dog bite liability laws. When police dogs bite while performing their duties, the police are usually exempt from any litigation related to the dog bite. Another exclusion to consider is when a dog bites someone after the owner warns them the dog has a history of vicious behavior.
An attorney from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers who handles dog bite claims can review these exclusions. We will go over all the details that can affect the outcome of your claim.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Valdosta, call (404) 888-8888
Valdosta Dog Bite FAQs
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An animal could also cause scratches or fall-related injuries. Dog bites themselves can also lead to conditions that affect your life long after the bite has healed.
These conditions include:
- Rabies
- MRSA
- Broken bones
- Tetanus
- Nerve damage
Valdosta Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Recoverable Damages You Could Be Entitled to After Suffering a Dog Attack
Dog bites can cause serious damage – both mentally and physically. Medical insurance won’t cover some losses, though. Your attorney can explain this to you in detail and help you file your claim to list all possible recoverable damages. Dog bite claims can recover compensation for your losses.
The damages you suffered could include:
- Medical bills: Emergency room visits, future medical expenses, any surgeries needed, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and prescription medications
- Lost wages: The money you lost while out of work during recovery
- Property damage: If there was any property damaged during the altercation
- Emotional distress: If you suffer from any recurring anxiety, depression, flashbacks, or nightmares due to the trauma of the dog bite (and related therapy bills related to the dog bite injury)
- Pain and suffering: If the dog bite left you with significant pain that negatively affects your quality of life
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What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite Injury
Immediately after a dog bite, obtain medical attention, even if you don’t think the injury is severe. You should also gather information that may be useful to your attorney when filing your claim.
What Information do I Need to Collect for My Lawyer?
- Ask the dog owner for their information: Collect the dog owner’s name, address, and insurance information.
- Take photos and gather evidence: Once your injuries are stable, take photos of the wounds you sustained, the dog, any damaged clothing or property, and any signs the dog owner was negligent (example: a broken fence that a dog could slip through).
- Medical records and information: Compile all medical records in a file to provide for your attorney as evidence. You can also store any police reports related to the dog bite in this file.
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How Valdosta Attorneys from Our Firm will Support Your Dog Bite Case
A dog bite or attack can be one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Our attorneys will navigate the legal process so you can focus on healing. We are committed to supporting you in the following ways:
- You will speak with your attorney or case manager on the day you call.
- We will provide you with regular and timely updates on your case.
- Our team will use our resources and knowledge to your benefit.
- We will answer your questions and provide information about your case in terms that are easy to understand.
- If we can’t negotiate a settlement with the liable party’s insurance company, we could take your case to court to recover fair compensation.
We will be there for you during this time in many more ways, too. “Our Service Commitment” page has information on how Bader Scott Injury Lawyers will support you with your claim.
Don’t Wait to File a Dog Bite Claim for Related Losses
According to the O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for personal injuries is two years. That means you have a limited amount of time to act. The statute of limitations begins on the day the dog bit you.
If you wait to file your lawsuit past this date, your opportunity to pursue compensation in court closes. You must know the timeline’s end date so the court can hear your case. The attorneys at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can assist you with deadlines.
Call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
Call our team today to speak with a member of our team. We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your claim. Call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today at (404) 888-8888 for your free, no obligation consultation. For more information about each of our locations, talk to our staff members. Our case results are also featured on our website.
We offer help with many Valdosta-based personal injury cases, including dog bites. You could also pursue legal action if a dog attack resulted in your loved one’s passing.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form