Dog bites are serious injuries that may require plastic surgery. They can cause infected wounds, nerve and muscle damage, and fractured bones. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, your best course of action is to speak with an experienced Gwinnett County dog bite attorney as soon as possible. Call Bross, McAllister & Williams, LLC in Suwanee, GA for sound legal counsel and guidance in personal injury cases.
Why Choose Bross, McAllister & Williams, LLC?
- We communicate clearly and proactively with our clients, keeping them up-to-date on the status of their claims.
- We have been recognized by our peers for our legal skills and experience with the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 award.
- We can negotiate skillfully on your behalf but will not hesitate to go to trial if necessary to fight for your right to fair compensation.
Dog Bite Statistics
A dangerous dog can attack anyone, even people that they are familiar with. Animal attacks are common accidents that can result in severe injuries on the victim. As reported in the Canine Journal and data by the CDC:
- 6,244 postal employees were attacked by dogs in 2017, according to USPS.
- Dogs bite one in every 69 people in the U.S.
- More than $530 million was paid out in dog-bite claims in a recent year.
- Over half of dog attacks occur at home with dogs we are familiar with.
- Children are at a greater risk of suffering from animal attacks.
- Among adults, men are more likely to be attacked by a dog than women.
Diseases Transmitted Through Dog Bites
Vicious dogs can cause serious injuries to people, spreading germs that can make their victims ill. Studies by the CDC estimate that up to 18% of dog bites become infected with bacteria. They can also transmit several different diseases, including:
- Rabies: Commonly spread through the bite and saliva of infected animals, rabies is a virus causing a serious disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms have appeared.
- MRSA: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph infection that is highly resistant to a group of antibiotics. Dogs carry MRSA bacteria without showing symptoms. However, it can cause infections in the lungs and urinary tract in people, or even spread to the bloodstream, causing a life-threatening infection.
- Tetanus: The tetanus toxin is produced by a particular type of bacteria that causes rigid paralysis that locks the jaws together. Tetanus may be an issue for victims with deep bite wounds.
- Pasteurella: These bacteria are found in more than half of infected dog bite wounds. It typically causes a painful infection at the site of the bite. The injured person may experience difficulty moving, swelling of the joints, and swollen glands.
What Is the One-Bite Rule?
The one-bite rule is a theory of liability in use in Georgia pertaining to dog bites. Georgia law states that a dog owner is only liable for injuries caused by a dog if the injured person can prove that the owner knew or should have known that the dog had a propensity to bite. Essentially, to recover compensation in a dog bite claim, you must show that the dog has bitten someone else previously. A Gwinnett County dog bite lawyer can help you prove liability and recover compensation for your injuries.
Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer
Medical treatment for serious dog bites can be extensive and costly. Children and older adults, in particular, are at risk for serious injuries from dog or animal attacks. In our state, the burden is on the injured victim to prove that the dog owner knew or should have known that the dog posed a threat to others. Our experienced injury lawyers in Atlanta can thoroughly investigate your case and provide the professional legal representation you need to help you pursue the best possible outcome.
Get In Touch with Our Personal Injury Firm
If you or your child has suffered serious dog bite injuries, you may have recourse through a civil action, depending mainly on whether the dog has bitten before. Contact a Gwinnett County dog bite attorney at Bross, McAllister & Williams, LLC today for a consultation to find out about your options under Georgia law. We can help dog bite victims in Atlanta and across Georgia recover compensation to cover medical expenses, we will handle negotiations with the insurance company so you can concentrate on recovering. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation, we serve clients in Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Norcross, and throughout Gwinnett County.