Dog bite cases can be tricky, and consulting with a personal injury law firm is an excellent idea in the event of a bite. There are many circumstances of the incident that have to be examined. Witness statements must be taken. The animal’s owner has to be contacted. Medical documentation has to be gathered. And each state treats dog bite cases a little bit differently.
Here is what to expect when you call a personal injury law firm for a dog bite:
An Important Question: Is the Dog’s Owner Liable?
An attorney will advise you regarding your state’s rules about owner liability. In some states, the dog’s owner is always held liable for their pet’s actions. It doesn’t matter whether they tried to stop the attack or even know that their dog is potentially dangerous. In other states, the victim will have to prove that the dog’s owner knew the animal has “dangerous propensities.” Your personal injury attorney will help you establish the law governing your case.
Possible Defenses
There are some circumstances when you are less likely to have a strong case against the dog’s owner. For example:
- If you jumped a fence and got bit, it’s not a stretch to think that a reasonable person would not have jumped that fence.
- If the owner posted a Beware of Dog sign, it should have served as sufficient warning for you to stay away.
- If the owner can prove that you were threatening or provoking the dog before you got bit, you probably don’t have much to go on.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
You could receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damages, and your pain and suffering if your case succeeds. Punitive damages are intended to punish the guilty party by hitting them in the pocketbook. Punitive damages almost always require you to prove that the owner acted recklessly. For careless owners of dangerous dogs, this may not be too hard to do.
Georgia Personal Injury Law Firm for Dog Bite Cases
Dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite injury can be so difficult. Various treatments may be required to prevent or treat infections. Surgery could even be needed if the bite caused severe damage to your body. All of these medical bills will quickly add up. Add to that the painkillers you need to help you recover. Physical therapy could be necessary to help you regain full function of a damaged appendage. It’s a scary time.
A personal injury law firm can make that period of time a lot easier. The legal effort to secure the compensation you deserve is best left in the hands of an experienced lawyer.
Find out what you need to know about a personal injury law firm by calling the Law Offices of Andrew Goldner at 404.869.1580.