Marietta Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bite victim? Help starts with The Champion Firm.
Over $100 Million Won.
Dog owners who fail to uphold their legal duties can be held responsible when their dogs cause injuries in Cobb County. The Champion Firm focuses on recovering compensation and justice for Marietta dog bite victims. Our dog bite lawyers are available to answer your questions by phone, text, or chat. We don’t charge a fee unless we win.
Dog Bite Attorney in Marietta, GA
Dog bites can be one of the most traumatic injuries you can experience, leaving you with both physical and emotional scars. Unfortunately, dog bites are quite common. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Georgia ranked among the top ten states for reporting dog bites in 2020.
Dog owners who fail to uphold their legal duties can be held responsible when their dogs cause injuries in Cobb County. So, if a dog has bitten you, you need to find the right legal support. The Champion Firm, located in Marietta, GA, offers legal assistance to dog bite victims. Our award-winning Marietta dog bite lawyers can help prove liability and find sources of insurance, and we don’t charge any fees unless we win your case.
Why Choose The Champion Firm’s Marietta Dog Bite Lawyers?
The Champion Firm stands out for our dedication to achieving exceptional results for dog bite victims. Every client is our most important client. Going through an animal attack can be an extremely traumatic event. Our experienced team of Marietta dog bite lawyers is here to help you feel comfortable. We give you regular updates on your case’s progress, and we are always happy to answer your questions or address your concerns.
Our Marietta dog bite lawyers handle all aspects of your claim. The Champion Firm connects you with medical care, gathers proof of injury and damages, files your insurance claim (for both bodily injury and property damage), and fights for maximum compensation from all liable parties. You take care of your health and your loved ones – our firm will do the rest.
Our Marietta dog bite attorneys get great results for our clients. Since The Champion Firm opened in 2014, our team of personal injury lawyers has recovered more than $100 million in damages for our clients. We are committed to getting justice for victims of dog and animal attacks who were hurt through no fault of their own.
Our Marietta dog bite lawyers are always prepared to go to trial. The vast majority of dog bite cases are resolved with an insurance settlement; however, our team can take your case to trial if the other side will not negotiate with us in good faith. By always preparing for each case as if it were going to trial, The Champion Firm is ready to litigate if we cannot negotiate.
Located conveniently in Marietta at 445 Franklin Gateway SE Suite 100, near landmarks like Marietta Toyota and Kennesaw State University, our office is easily accessible to local residents. Contact us at (404) 596-8044 to schedule a free case consultation with our Marietta dog bite lawyers.
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Marietta Dog Bite Compensation
The Champion Firm works to make sure our clients receive full and fair compensation after a dog bite accident.
The average cost per claim increased by 12.3 % in 2020 to $50,425 from $44,760 in 2019. The average cost per claim nationally has risen 162% from 2003 to 2020 due to increased medical costs as well as the size of settlements and awards given to plaintiffs, which are trending upwards. However, there is no set amount of compensation for a dog bite.
How much your case is worth depends on several factors, and our dog bite lawyers will go over those with you personally. Generally, the more extensive your injuries, the higher your damages, and therefore a potentially larger settlement. This may include:
Medical Expenses
This covers all costs related to medical treatment, from emergency room visits to ongoing therapies and any required surgeries. To recover these costs, it’s necessary to present detailed medical records and bills. The Champion Firm works closely with medical professionals to ensure that all current and anticipated medical expenses are accounted for. We gather and present all necessary documentation to substantiate these claims.
Lost Income
Victims may miss work due to their injuries, leading to lost wages. In more severe cases, a victim might lose the ability to work permanently or temporarily, impacting their future earning capacity. To recover these losses, The Champion Firm provides evidence such as pay stubs, employment records, and, in cases of long-term impairment, expert testimony regarding the victim’s reduced earning potential. We ensure that any settlement or award includes compensation for both past and future lost income.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering is a non-economic damage that is subjective and covers the physical pain and emotional distress suffered by the victim. We may use medical records, psychological evaluations, and your personal accounts to illustrate the extent of the pain and suffering you have endured.
Property Damage
In some dog bite incidents, your personal property, such as clothing or electronic devices, may be damaged. Recovering these costs involves presenting receipts or estimates for repair or replacement of the damaged items. The Champion Firm assists our clients in compiling this evidence to ensure inclusion in the compensation package.
Future Care and Rehabilitation Costs
Often overlooked, future care includes ongoing medical treatments, physical therapy, counseling, and any necessary adjustments to living arrangements due to long-term injuries. The Champion Firm collaborates with medical experts to estimate these costs accurately, ensuring that your future care needs are comprehensively addressed in any settlement or judgment.
Emotional Trauma
Similar to pain and suffering, emotional trauma deals with the psychological impact of the dog bite. This may include anxiety, fear, PTSD, and other mental health issues. Recovery of these damages often requires psychological evaluations and testimony, which The Champion Firm arranges and presents effectively to support the claim.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the dog owner’s behavior was particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages might be sought. These punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
The Champion Firm assesses the circumstances of each case to determine if pursuing punitive damages is appropriate. Consider the following scenario:
A homeowner in Marietta, GA, owns a large dog known to have aggressive tendencies. Despite multiple complaints and warnings from neighbors and previous minor incidents, the owner repeatedly allows the dog to roam freely in a neighborhood park without a leash. The owner is aware of the dog’s aggressive behavior but takes no steps to restrain or properly train the dog.
One day, the dog attacks a child playing in the park, causing severe injuries. The investigation reveals that the owner was aware of the dog’s propensity for aggression and had neglected to take any precautions to prevent such an attack.
In this case, we would seek punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. The owner’s blatant disregard for the safety of others, particularly after being aware of the dog’s aggressive nature and previous incidents, demonstrates a level of recklessness that could warrant punitive damages.
Our Marietta dog bite attorneys are skilled in evaluating both current and future damages to ensure a comprehensive settlement or court award. We understand that compensation should reflect not just immediate medical costs but also ongoing care, emotional trauma, and any lost earning capacity.
WATCH: Darl Champion Discusses Dog Bite Cases
Where Can Dog Bite Incidents Happen in Marietta, GA?
Dog bite incidents in Marietta, GA, can happen in a variety of locations. Being aware of these common settings can help residents and visitors in Marietta understand the potential risks and take necessary precautions. Here are some specific locations in Marietta where dog bite incidents could happen.
Public Parks and Recreational Areas
Marietta is home to several parks where people often bring their dogs for walks or play. Popular parks like Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Laurel Park, and Marietta Square’s Glover Park are common areas for community members and their pets. While these parks offer great opportunities for outdoor activities, they can also be sites for potential dog bite incidents, especially if pet owners do not adhere to leash laws.
Residential Neighborhoods
Many neighborhoods in Marietta, including East Cobb, West Cobb, and the historic Marietta districts, are family-friendly areas with a high density of pet owners. Dog bites can occur on sidewalks, in front yards, or even when dogs escape from their homes and roam the streets.
Hiking and Walking Trails
Trails such as those found in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area or the Sope Creek Trail are frequented by dog walkers. While these are wonderful spots for exercise and enjoying nature, they can also be locations where off-leash dogs might approach and potentially bite pedestrians or other trail users.
Retail and Outdoor Shopping Areas
Locations like The Avenue East Cobb and Marietta Square Market, which are popular for shopping and dining, can also be spots where dog bite incidents happen, especially in areas where dogs are allowed and the environment is more crowded.
Public Streets and Sidewalks
Busy streets in downtown Marietta, around WellStar Kennestone Hospital, or near Marietta High School are areas with significant foot traffic where pedestrians may encounter dogs. Incidents can occur if a dog is not properly restrained or becomes agitated in a crowded environment.
Dog Parks and Pet-Friendly Spaces
Marietta has several dog parks, such as Sweat Mountain Park and Lewis Park, where dogs are allowed to roam off-leash. While these parks are designed for dogs to play, they can also be sites for dog bite incidents, particularly if a dog becomes aggressive or is not properly supervised.
The Champion Firm handles cases involving dog bites that occur in these and other locations around Marietta. Our familiarity with local ordinances and understanding of the unique aspects of each area in Cobb County enables us to provide informed and effective legal representation to dog bite victims.
By acknowledging the specific risks associated with different locations in Marietta, The Champion Firm can build stronger cases for our clients, taking into account the context and circumstances of each incident.
Our Focus on Marietta Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite cases can range from minor incidents to severe attacks.
The Champion Firm handles a variety of dog bite cases, including:
- Unprovoked Attacks: These occur when a dog bites without any apparent reason or provocation. Such incidents might happen in public spaces like parks or on the street, where a dog suddenly becomes aggressive towards a passerby.
- Provoked Attacks: Sometimes, a dog might react aggressively if it feels threatened or provoked. This can happen if someone, especially a child, unknowingly disturbs the dog while it’s eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
- Territorial Aggression: Dogs are often protective of their home and surroundings. Bites can occur when a person enters what the dog perceives as its territory, such as a yard or home, even if the person enters lawfully, like postal workers or utility personnel.
- Leash-Related Incidents: These happen when a dog is on a leash but manages to bite someone due to inadequate control by the owner. This could occur in neighborhoods, parks, or any public area where dogs are walked.
- Off-Leash Incidents: In areas where leash laws are in effect, like many parts of Marietta, dogs that are off-leash can pose a risk. Bites can occur when an unleashed dog approaches and attacks a person or another animal.
- Dog Park Incidents: While dog parks are designated for dogs to interact and play, they can also be sites for biting incidents, particularly if dogs are not properly supervised or if there is a mix of temperaments and sizes.
Dog bites can result in a wide array of injuries, ranging from flesh wounds to severe trauma. The nature and severity of these injuries can vary based on several factors, such as the size and breed of the dog, the circumstances of the attack, and the vulnerability of the victim.
Understanding the types of injuries that can occur is crucial for both immediate treatment and legal recourse. Below are some of the common injuries associated with dog bites, offering insight into their medical implications and potential long-term effects.
Puncture Wounds
Puncture wounds occur when a dog’s teeth penetrate the skin, potentially causing deep tissue damage. These wounds are particularly concerning because their depth can make them more prone to infection. Bacteria from the dog’s mouth or the victim’s skin can become trapped deep within the tissue.
Treatment typically involves thorough cleaning and, in some cases, antibiotics to prevent infection. In a legal context, documenting the extent of puncture wounds and associated treatments is necessary for claiming compensation, especially if the wounds lead to complications like infections or require extensive medical intervention.
Lacerations and Abrasions
Lacerations involve tears or cuts in the skin, which can be quite deep and may affect underlying tissues. Abrasions, or surface scrapes, often occur when a victim falls or is dragged during an attack. These injuries can be painful and may leave significant scarring.
Treatment may involve stitches or surgery for more severe lacerations. From a legal perspective, the focus is on the extent of the injury, the cost of medical care, and any lasting disfigurement or scarring.
Broken Bones
In attacks by larger or more aggressive dogs, victims may suffer broken bones. These are most commonly seen in the arms, legs, or hands as people instinctively try to shield themselves or escape.
Broken bones require immediate medical attention, potentially including surgery and rehabilitation. Legally, these injuries can lead to claims for extensive medical expenses, loss of income, and compensation for long-term impacts or disabilities resulting from the injury.
Head and Neck Injuries
Children are particularly susceptible to head and neck injuries from dog bites due to their height. These injuries can be extremely serious, involving the face, eyes, and ears, and can result in long-lasting or permanent damage.
These injuries often require emergency treatment and possibly reconstructive surgery. In legal terms, these cases may involve higher compensation due to the severity of the injury and the potential for lifelong impairment or disfigurement.
Infections
Dog bites can introduce harmful bacteria into the wound, leading to infections like cellulitis. Although rare, rabies is a serious concern, especially if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown.
Treatment for infections typically involves antibiotics and, in the case of rabies, immediate post-exposure prophylaxis. Legally, the focus would be on the cost of medical treatment and any long-term health issues resulting from the infection.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Severe dog bites can lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement, particularly when the face or other visible areas are involved. These injuries can have profound psychological as well as physical impacts.
Treatment may involve multiple surgeries and long-term rehabilitation. In a legal context, these injuries can justify claims for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and costs associated with cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
The psychological impact of a dog bite can be as debilitating as the physical injuries. Victims may suffer from anxiety, fear of dogs, and PTSD, which can affect their daily life and well-being.
Treatment may involve counseling or therapy. Legally, compensation for emotional and psychological trauma is recognized, though it can be challenging to quantify. Documentation from mental health professionals can play a key role in these claims.
Each type of injury from a dog bite carries its own set of challenges and implications, both medically and legally. Understanding these injuries helps us get you proper treatment and build a comprehensive legal case. The Champion Firm ensures that victims receive the care and compensation they need for recovery and justice.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Marietta Dog Bite Incident
Dealing with insurance companies after a dog bite incident in Marietta, GA, can be one of the most challenging aspects of the entire process for victims. These companies, driven by a profit motive, often use tactics to minimize the value of claims. The Champion Firm and our experienced Marietta dog bite attorneys know how to counter these strategies, advocating for the rights and interests of dog bite victims.
Here are some of the tactics we’ve seen used by insurance companies to devalue or deny claims:
Quick Settlement Offers
One common tactic is the presentation of a quick settlement offer. Insurers often approach victims soon after the incident with an offer that might seem appealing but is typically far below the claim’s actual value. This tactic preys on the victim’s immediate need for financial support and their lack of knowledge about the true worth of their claim.
Disputing Liability
Insurance companies may attempt to dispute their policyholder’s liability, arguing that the victim provoked the dog or was in a place they shouldn’t have been. This shifting of blame aims to reduce the insurer’s payout.
Underestimating Medical Expenses
Insurers often challenge the extent and cost of medical treatment required for dog bite injuries. They might argue that certain treatments were unnecessary or too expensive, aiming to reduce the medical expense component of the claim.
Downplaying the Severity of Injuries
Another common approach is to downplay the severity of the victim’s injuries. Insurers might claim that the injuries are less severe than reported or that the victim had pre-existing conditions that account for their current medical issues.
Recorded Statements and Misinterpretation
Insurers may request recorded statements from the victim and then use these statements out of context to minimize or deny the claim.
Delay Tactics
Sometimes, insurance companies use delay tactics, prolonging the settlement process in hopes that the victim will become impatient and settle for less.
Why Insurance Companies Use These Tactics
Insurance companies are for-profit entities, and one of their primary goals is to minimize financial losses. By using these tactics, they aim to protect their bottom line by reducing the amounts paid out in claims.
Understanding this motivation is key to effectively countering their strategies. Here’s how The Champion Firm fights against these tactics:
- Analyzing and Rejecting Lowball Offers: Our Marietta dog bite attorneys at The Champion Firm analyze settlement offers and identify when they are unfairly low. We advise our clients on the true value of their claims and negotiate aggressively for fair compensation.
- Establishing the Liability Clearly: By gathering comprehensive evidence, including witness statements, medical reports, and expert testimonies, The Champion Firm strengthens the case against the dog owner, and counters attempts to shift blame onto you as the victim.
- Documenting Medical Expenses and Needs: The Champion Firm works with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries and the necessary treatments, thereby countering any underestimation of medical expenses by insurers.
- Highlighting the True Impact of Your Injuries: Through detailed medical records and, if necessary, expert medical opinions, The Champion Firm ensures that the severity of your injuries is fully understood and accounted for in the claim.
- Advising on Communication with Insurers: Our Marietta dog bite attorneys guide our clients on how to communicate with insurers, cautioning against providing recorded statements or information that could be used against them.
- Addressing Delay Tactics: Our firm is prepared to push back against delay tactics by insurers, maintaining a steady pace in negotiations and, if necessary, proceeding to litigation to expedite a fair resolution.
Succeeding in insurance claims following a dog bite in Marietta requires both legal representation and an understanding of insurance companies’ tactics. The Champion Firm provides you with top-tier legal representation, ensuring you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. Our approach is not just about countering tactics used by insurance companies but also about building a strong and comprehensive case that fully represents your interests.
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Download Your CopyMarietta Dog Bite FAQs
Below, we've answered a few of the frequently asked questions we get about dog bites in Marietta.
A good place to start is to call our dog bite lawyers for a free consultation. We take care of all the insurance and legal details so you can rest and recover. You should know that our Marietta dog bite lawyers can help you recover damages by filing a claim against your neighbor’s liability or property insurance, not your neighbor’s personal finances.
Aside from contacting our lawyers, you can report the dog bite to local authorities, such as animal control or the police. This creates an official record of the incident, which can be used for legal action.
Inform your neighbor about the incident in a non-confrontational manner. Notify them, but avoid getting into detailed discussions or negotiations about liability or compensation at this stage.
Dog bites may leave you vulnerable to infections and diseases that are transmitted through blood and saliva. Some of these diseases may not have immediate symptoms, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t get sick. The Mayo Clinic suggests that you get medical care for dog bites to be sure you aren’t infected with serious and sometimes fatal diseases.
Also, the insurance company may not take your claim seriously if you didn’t see a doctor or get medical care. They could argue that you are simply not that injured.
Prompt medical attention helps establish a clear timeline between the dog bite and your injuries. This can be important in legal cases, as it directly links the incident to the injuries sustained, reducing the chances of the defendant claiming that the injuries were caused by a different event.
Beyond the physical injuries, dog bites can be traumatic, especially if the attack was severe or unprovoked. Medical professionals can not only address the physical wounds but also refer you to mental health support if needed. Getting a professional assessment and treatment can also alleviate anxieties about the potential health consequences of a dog bite, such as infections or rabies.
When you hire a dog bite lawyer with The Champion Firm, we can talk to the hospital about delaying payment while we actively pursue damages. We include your ER bill and all other related expenses in your claim.
In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy is responsible for covering your medical expenses. This is particularly true if the dog bite occurred on the owner’s property or if the dog was under the owner’s control when the bite happened.
The Champion Firm has experience in negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that they pay a fair amount that covers all your medical expenses. We understand the tactics insurance companies may use to minimize payouts and are prepared to counter these. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, The Champion Firm is prepared to take legal action to seek compensation. This might include filing a lawsuit against the dog owner to recover costs.
Georgia’s laws regarding dog bites can also affect how compensation is pursued. The state follows a modified version of the “one-bite rule,” which means the dog owner may be held liable if they knew or should have known about the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
If you have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as part of your own insurance, this can also be used to cover initial medical expenses. The Champion Firm can assist in determining if this is an applicable option in your case and how it might affect your overall claim.
Under certain circumstances, you may be able to pursue compensation for damages when another dog attacks your dog. For the owner of the attacking dog to be held liable, it must be demonstrated that they knew or should have known about their dog’s aggressive tendencies. This could be previous aggressive behavior towards other animals or people.
If the owner of the aggressive dog was negligent (e.g., not adhering to leash laws) or violated local ordinances (such as specific regulations about controlling pets), they can be held liable for damages caused by their dog.
The types of damages you might be able to claim include:
- Veterinary Bills: The most direct expense is veterinary bills for treating your dog’s injuries. This can include emergency care, surgery, medications, and any follow-up treatments.
- Rehabilitation Costs: If your dog requires ongoing care or rehabilitation due to the attack, these costs can also be included in the claim.
- Replacement or Loss: In tragic circumstances where a dog dies due to the attack, the owner may claim the value of the pet. While this can be a challenging aspect to quantify, it generally includes the market value of the dog and may consider special training or breeding potential if applicable.
Any dog, regardless of its breed, can become aggressive under certain circumstances. However, statistical data and studies have identified certain breeds that are more frequently involved in biting incidents. The tendency for a dog to bite is influenced by several factors, including the dog’s upbringing, training, socialization, and the specific situation.
- Pit Bull-Type Breeds: Pit bulls are frequently cited in studies and reports as being one of the most commonly involved breeds in attacks on people. This includes different breeds and mixtures, such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
- Rottweilers: Rottweilers are another breed often associated with aggression and biting incidents. They are powerful dogs and can cause serious harm in the event of an attack.
- German Shepherds: As a popular breed, German Shepherds are also commonly involved in bite incidents. Originally bred for herding and protection, they can be territorial and protective, which might lead to aggressive behavior if not properly managed.
- Bulldog Breeds: Various bulldog breeds, including the American Bulldog, have been reported in biting incidents. Their strong build and powerful jaw can make bites from these dogs particularly dangerous.
- Mixed Breeds: Mixed-breed dogs are also frequently involved in biting incidents. This is likely due to their high population numbers. Mixed-breed dogs can inherit behavioral traits from multiple breeds, making their behavior less predictable.
It will not cost you a dime to hire us. Our Marietta dog bite lawyers work on a contingency basis, and we are only paid if we successfully recover damages on your behalf.
What to Do After a Marietta Dog Bite
After a dog bite, there are several steps you can take that can strengthen your case:
- Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries and the location where the incident occurred.
- Gather Witness Information: If anyone saw the attack, get their contact details.
- Preserve Medical Records: Keep all records of your medical treatment and expenses.
- Avoid Discussing the Incident: Be cautious about what you share publicly, especially on social media.
Bringing this information to The Champion Firm can significantly enhance your chances of a successful claim.
If you've been the victim of a dog bite in Marietta, GA, The Champion Firm is prepared to help you resolve your legal claim. Our dedication to client care, combined with our decades of legal experience, makes us a strong ally in seeking justice and compensation. Contact our Marietta personal injury lawyers at (404) 596-8044 for your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery and closure.
The Champion Firm – Marietta Office
445 Franklin Gateway SE
Suite 100,
Marietta, GA 30067
Ph: (404) 737-8901
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