If you suffered injuries from a dog bite in Lawrenceville, the personal injury lawyers at Butler Kahn can help you demand compensation from the dog’s owner. We assist people who need real help after an accident. While some law firms want you to accept a quick settlement, we will take the time to understand your needs and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
At our law firm, we don’t think cost should be a barrier to justice. We will charge you a fee only if we successfully secure compensation for you. You deserve compensation for an animal attack that was not your fault. We are ready to help you fight for it. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Common Are Dog Attacks?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), dogs bite more than 4.5 million people each year across the United States. The AVMA also notes that about 1 in 5 people with dog bite injuries need medical attention for their injuries.
Are Certain People More Vulnerable to Dog Bites?
The AVMA reports children are the most common victims of dog bites and tend to suffer more severe injuries. Children are shorter than adults, which places them closer to a dog’s teeth. Children also weigh less than adults, making it easier for dogs to knock them down and inflict serious injuries. Children are likelier to startle or provoke a dog because they do not always recognize when it is safe to approach an animal they do not know.
Older adults are also more likely to suffer severe injuries from dog bites. Their bodies are more fragile and susceptible to injuries. They are likelier to lose their balance and fall when a dog attacks, putting them at risk for additional injuries. Also, adults with dementia or other neurological disorders might inadvertently incite a dog to attack because they are not fully in control of their actions.
What Safety Regulations Must Dog Owners Follow in Lawrenceville?
The Gwinnett County Animal Control Ordinance establishes the safety regulations dog owners must follow in Lawrenceville. The law includes the following provisions:
- Dog owners must take “reasonable care and precautions” to prevent their dogs from leaving their property.
- Dogs are not allowed to roam free.
- Dogs must be securely but humanely secured while on the owner’s property, either inside a house or outside an enclosure they cannot easily escape from.
- If the dog is not enclosed but is still on the owner’s property, the owner must keep the animal on a leash or under voice control in its “immediate proximity.”
- Dogs not on their owner’s property must be secured by a leash not longer than six feet.
- Owners of “vicious dogs” must take extra precautions if they keep the dog outside. These precautions must include a fenced-in area for the dog and a kennel or pen with an inward-opening door that is locked whenever someone is not attending to the dog’s needs.
How Can I Prove Liability in a Georgia Dog Bite Case?
Under Georgia law, anyone who keeps or owns a “vicious or dangerous animal” is liable for any injuries the animal caused if the injuries occurred due to the owner’s carelessness or because the owner allowed the animal to run free.
“Vicious or dangerous” animals can include dogs. A leash law violation is enough to show a dog could be dangerous. In other words, you likely have a case against the dog’s owner if you were not on their property when the dog bit you.
Proving liability is more difficult if a dog bites you on its owner’s property. In these circumstances, you generally must show you did not provoke the dog before you can recover compensation. You might also have to show that the dog’s owner acted negligently, or the dog had a history of aggressive behavior. A Lawrenceville dog bite lawyer at Butler Kahn can explain the potential challenges in your case.
What Compensation Can I Recover Through a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Georgia?
Your potential compensation from a dog bite lawsuit may include money for:
- Any medical expenses related to the incident
- Your lost wages while you heal
- Your reduced future earnings due to your injuries
- Your physical pain
- Your emotional distress
- Your diminished quality of life
Many people are understandably reluctant to claim compensation after being bitten by a dog owned by a friend or relative. However, you should understand that homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies typically cover dog bites. In other words, the money is provided by the owner’s insurance provider, not by the owner.
What is the Deadline for Filing a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Lawrenceville?
Under Georgia law, you generally have two years from the date when a dog attacks you to file a personal injury lawsuit. Two years might sound like a long time, but waiting too long to talk to a lawyer could compromise your case and reduce your compensation. The sooner you speak to an attorney about the attack, the more they can do to help.
What Should I Do if a Dog Attacked Me?
Here is how you can protect your right to compensation after a dog bite in Lawrenceville or elsewhere in Georgia:
- Secure the dog if you can do so safely.
- Look for the dog’s collar, ID tag, or other identifying information.
- Contact the dog’s owner.
- Take pictures of the dog and any injuries you sustained.
- Seek medical attention.
- Save all your medical records.
- Do not give any statements to insurance companies.
- Stay off social media.
- Consult with a dog bite lawyer as soon as you can.
Our Lawrenceville Dog Bite Lawyers Are Ready to Help You
The personal injury attorneys with Butler Kahn are prepared to defend your rights and help you demand fair compensation for your injuries. If you were injured in a dog attack in Lawrenceville, we can provide a free consultation, review your options, and discuss the role we can play in your recovery. Contact us today to get started.
