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Being attacked by a dog can leave you with painful and debilitating injuries. At BMW Law Group, our Atlanta dog bite lawyers stand up for the rights of those injured in dog attacks. We understand how the law works in Georgia and how to protect your rights as you seek financial compensation from a pet owner.
Call us today at (770) 225-4710 for a free consultation. You won’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
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The average person does not have any experience navigating a dog bite injury lawsuit. Insurance companies know this and use it to their advantage. They use bad-faith insurance tactics to try to devalue clients’ injuries and save money on payouts.
Hiring a dog bite attorney gives you the power to fight back and negotiate for maximum financial compensation. This is especially important if you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a dog attack, such as lacerations or puncture wounds. Your Atlanta personal injury lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you need to move forward with financial stability and peace of mind.
If found liable for your dog bite injury, the pet owner may have to pay for many of your related losses. Homeowners’ insurance policies typically cover injuries and property damage caused by pets, as pets are property in the eyes of the law. The amount that you are eligible to receive will depend on the limits of the policy and the extent of your losses. You may receive compensation for the following, and more:
The value of your dog bite injury claim depends on your specific case. In general, the more severe your injuries are from a dog attack, the more your claim is worth. Speak to an Atlanta dog attack lawyer before accepting a settlement from the pet owner’s insurance company. An attorney will be more honest about the value of your personal injury claim than an insurance claims adjuster.
If you have been bitten by a dog in Atlanta, Georgia, do not hesitate to speak to an experienced dog bite lawyer about your legal options. There is a law called the statute of limitations in Georgia that applies to all personal injury cases. This law imposes a deadline on the ability to bring a cause of action. In Georgia, you have no more than two years from the date of the attack to file a related injury claim, per Georgia Code Section 9-3-33.
If a loved one passes away in a fatal dog attack, you have two years from the date of his or her death to file a wrongful death lawsuit, instead of the date of the attack (if they differ). If you fail to meet your filing deadline, the courts will most likely refuse to hear your case – meaning you will be unable to recover compensation, even if the pet owner is liable. Although there are some exceptions to the rule, it is critical to contact an attorney without delay after a dog bite injury.
If you get bitten by a dog in Georgia, try to remain calm. Get to a safe place, away from the vicious dog. Do not leave the scene of the incident, however, until you have collected certain information. Speak to the owner of the pet; get his or her name, phone number and insurance information. Ask about the dog, as well, such as if it is up to date on all of its vaccinations and shots. Take photographs of the dog, the location of the attack and your injuries. Go to a hospital immediately for professional medical treatment.
When you are ready, report your dog bite injury to the authorities. In Atlanta, Georgia, you should report a dog bite to Fulton County Animal Services, either online or by calling (404) 613-0358. If it is an emergency, call 911. Reporting the attack to the local animal control center is important for safety reasons. Reports are how the city keeps track of dangerous dogs in the community. If the same dog attacks someone else in the future, for instance, your report can help the victim hold the pet owner accountable. Reporting the injury can also put the dog in quarantine to check for rabies.
As the victim of a dog bite injury in Georgia, a dog owner may be financially responsible (liable) for your injuries and medical expenses. Georgia is not a strict liability dog bite state, meaning dog owners are not automatically responsible for dog attacks. However, a pet owner may still have to pay for your injuries if three things are true:
To recover financial compensation from a pet owner for a dog bite injury in Georgia, you or your Atlanta dog bite lawyer must have enough evidence to prove these elements as more likely to be true than not true. If your lawyer succeeds, the pet owner will be liable for your injuries and related losses.
When a dog bites, its teeth and jaws can cause significant injuries. Many dogs are strong enough to break bones when they bite, as well as severely lacerate the skin and soft tissues. Children and the elderly are the most prone to serious and catastrophic injuries in dog attacks in Atlanta.
Dog bite injuries can include:
In addition to physical injuries, dog attacks often inflict mental and emotional injuries on survivors. Many victims experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, for example, such as nightmares and flashbacks. The injuries and losses suffered due to a dog bite can reduce a victim’s overall quality of life.
If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog in Atlanta, seek medical attention. Then, discuss your legal options with a dog bite attorney from BMW Law Group. We have the experience and knowledge you need for a strong claim to damages. Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay for our services unless we win financial compensation on your behalf.
Learn more during a free consultation with our Atlanta dog bite injury lawyers. Request yours today.
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