Keeping dogs as pets is a common practice in Marietta. Unfortunately, not every dog owner takes the responsibilities of pet ownership seriously. Some dog owners fail to secure their animals or warn the public of their dangerous nature. These actions can result in severe injuries under the wrong circumstances.
If you have suffered injuries following a dog attack, you might be wondering if you have the right to hold the owner accountable. While the answer to this question is complex, you could be entitled to pursue a claim or lawsuit for monetary compensation. Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can pursue legal action against negligent dog owners.
To learn more about how we can help, call (404) 888-8888 to discuss working with a Marietta dog bites lawyer.
What to Do Following a Dog Bite
The steps you take after a dog attack can dramatically impact both your health and your ability to pursue legal action against the dog’s owner in the future.
Consider the following steps if you or someone you love is bitten by a dog:
- Clean the wound. Your first step should be to clean the wound as soon as possible. Using soap and warm water for at least five minutes could greatly reduce your chances of an infection or a disease taking hold.
- Seek medical care. No matter how minor your injury seems, you should seek medical care. A doctor can advise you on whether you need stitches or if it is in your best interest to take antibiotics.
- Contact animal control. If a stray dog bit you, they are likely to bite someone else. Contact animal control as soon as you can so that they can catch the dog.
- Document the bite. Take pictures of your injuries and keep copies of your medical records. They will be important if you pursue a personal injury claim.
- Talk to witnesses. If eyewitnesses saw the attack, be sure to collect their contact information. Their testimony could be particularly valuable.
After being injured by a dog, it is important that you leave your healthcare in the hands of a medical professional. The same is true for any future personal injury claim you intend to pursue. Dog bite claims can be challenging depending on the circumstances, which makes it important that you give yourself every possible advantage.
Let the team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers help you build your case. We understand what it takes to investigate and win dog bite injury cases, and we look forward to lending our experience to your claim. To learn more about working with a Marietta dog bites lawyer, call (404) 888-8888.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bites lawyer serving Marietta, call (404) 888-8888
Understanding Georgia’s Dog Bite Statute
In Marietta, civil liability for a dog bite is governed by the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-2-7. The statute is complicated in that it is not always clear when it applies. To pursue a personal injury claim against the liable party, you must first show that their dog was dangerous. Next, you must prove that the dog’s owner acted negligently in properly restraining the dog and protecting other people from harm.
You Must Show that the Dog Was Dangerous
Without showing that the dog that attacked you was dangerous, you may not be able to prevail in your dog bite injury claim. Thankfully, there is more than one way to establish that a dog is dangerous. There are various types of evidence you could use to establish that the dog was dangerous and that the owner was aware of the threat it posed. For instance, if the dog killed another animal, you could use this information to build your case.
You may also be able to argue that the owner was in violation of an ordinance by not having their pet on a leash. You could say that because the dog’s owner did not restrain their animal, you were injured and deserve compensation.
Marietta Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Proving Negligence in a Dog Bite Injury Claim
Proving negligence in a dog bite claim starts with proving that the dog’s owner was aware that their animal was dangerous. This is often one of the central challenges in pursuing a dog bite claim. However, there is no need to establish that the owner knew their dog was dangerous in cases where they violated a local leash law or a similar ordinance.
In addition to establishing negligence, you must also prove that you did not provoke the animal prior to the attack. If the other party can show that you provoked their dog, they could argue that they are not liable for your injuries.
Finally, you must also demonstrate that you were legally able to be present at the location where you were injured. This could be on your own property, in a public place (like a park), or on the premises of another person with their permission.
If you were trespassing on another party’s property and were attacked by their dog, you may not be entitled to compensation. Yet, do not make any assumptions regarding your eligibility to recover damages. A representative from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can determine whether you have the basis of a personal injury case.
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Recover Compensation Following a Dog Bite
If you are recovering from a dog bite, the owner of the animal could face liability for your injuries. If you choose to pursue a claim, you may want to consider how a Marietta dog bites lawyer can help you. Dog bite cases can be complicated without an advocate at your side.
The team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers is ready to help you succeed with your dog bite claim. To learn more, call (404) 888-8888.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form