Dog Bite Lawyers in Canton, GA
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Canton, GA Dog Bite Injury Attorneys
Dog bites are a severe cause for concern in Georgia and the United States. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that more than 800,000 people require medical attention annually for dog bites. As many as 20 people die every year from the impact of their injuries.
You might be surprised to learn that as many as 30,000 dog bite victims require reconstructive surgery and medical intervention due to the extent of their injuries. Dog bites are some of the most traumatic accidents a person can suffer. If you have been critically injured and are unsure where to turn for help, do not hesitate to contact our experienced dog bite lawyers in Canton, GA, at The Champion Firm.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Cherokee County?
In the aftermath of your dog bite in Canton, you may need clarification about your next steps. There are specific things you can do to build a solid case against the liable party from the start. Here are some of the most important things you need to do after a dog bite:
- Bring emergency responders to the scene of the accident immediately. Dog bites may initially seem minor, but the impact could be far more devastating than first expected. You will need treatment for any traumatic injury.
- Do what you can to clean the wound if it seems superficial but keep an eye on it. Dog bites are often prone to infection. Ensure you follow your treatment plan, as this information will be included in your medical records.
- Ensure you get the dog owner’s contact information to provide it to animal control or use it in your insurance claim. You might request the dog’s veterinarian’s information, as well.
- Contact a dog bite lawyer in Canton, GA, to discuss your legal options to hold a liable party accountable. Your dog bite attorney can gather valuable evidence to support your case while you get the medical help you need and recover from your injuries.
Get Compensation for Your Dog Bite Claim
When you have been critically injured in a dog bite or attack, you have the right to be repaid for every loss. This should include compensation for not only your economic damages but your non-economic damages as well.
Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical expenses to treat your dog bite injuries
- The money lost from taking time away from work
- Any future medical costs related to your dog bite injuries
- Loss of household services
- Diminished earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from continuing in your current profession
- Loss of employee benefits, including employer 401(k) or retirement savings contributions and health insurance coverage
Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Physical pain and suffering related to your injuries
- Emotional trauma stemming from the horrifying nature of the attack
- Loss of consortium
- Skin scarring and disfigurement
- Embarrassment, shame, anticipation, fear, and shock
After carefully examining how your life was affected by your dog bite injuries in Canton, you can rely on your dog bite attorney to provide insight into how much compensation you could get through an insurance claim or by bringing your case to trial.
Don’t wait around for answers or a resolution.
Who is Liable for a Dog Bite in Canton?
Generally, dog owners are held accountable for their pet’s actions, particularly when they know their pet has a propensity towards violence or aggressive behavior. This means the dog has attacked or bit someone in the past.
Under the Georgia dog bite statute, O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7, dog owners can be held accountable when bringing their dogs outside in violation of a state or local law requiring the dog to be under the owner’s control. However, anyone responsible for the dog during the attack can be held accountable because it’s their responsibility to maintain control of the animal.
What Insurance Applies to Dog Bites?
There are multiple ways to recover compensation for damages after a dog bite. One of the top ways to obtain full compensation for your injuries is by filing a claim with the insurance company.
There are multiple types of insurance claims you could file. For example, if the dog’s owner has homeowners’ insurance coverage, you might have a chance to file a claim with their insurance provider. You may also have the right to file a dog bite claim through a renters insurance policy, general liability claim, or other insurance policy.
You should always be prepared to bring your dog bite case to trial to maximize the compensation you win.
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Canton Dog Bite FAQs
There are other laws and things you need to be aware of as you seek the compensation you deserve following a dog bite in Canton.Under Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law, dogs can be declared vicious if they kill another pet, aggressively attack someone who believed the dog posed a severe threat to themselves or others, or cause a significant puncture wound to a person’s skin with their teeth.
When a dog has been declared vicious, dog owners should ensure their pet does not cause further injury or death, or they could face civil and criminal liability.
If the dog was provoked, there are two separate issues at hand. First, you could be at risk of having your settlement reduced by your portion of the liability under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence laws. If you provoked the dog, the judge could find you share fault for the injuries you sustained. If the portion of responsibility assigned to you is less than 50%, you can expect your injury settlement to be reduced in proportion to your percentage of liability.
Additionally, when a dog attacks a trespasser to protect itself from abuse, or if they were defending itself or someone else, the dog will not be considered a vicious or dangerous animal.
When a dog bite happens at the dog owner’s home, you might be concerned that you do not have grounds for a claim. However, unless you were intruding or trespassing on the property, you still have the right to seek compensation for your damages.
When you are a guest in someone else’s home, the dog’s owner should ensure your safety from their pet. However, if you attempted to commit a crime, and the dog defended their home as intended, you may not have the right to compensation for your losses by filing a claim against the dog’s owner.
Those interested in filing dog bite lawsuits must do so before the statute of limitations for personal injury claims expires. Georgia law allows for up to two years to pass before this deadline.
Contact a Canton Dog Bite Lawyer Today
A knowledgeable and dedicated Canton, GA, dog bite lawyer working on your case could make all the difference in your ability to recover maximum compensation for your damages.
When you need to prove the dog owner's liability but need a legal advocate on your side so you can focus on recuperating from the devastation of your injuries, do not hesitate to contact The Champion Firm to discuss your legal options for financial relief. Please fill out our online contact form or call our office at 770-874-1755 to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation today.
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