Dog attacks can have a range of severe health consequences, which can lead to expensive medical bills and lasting trauma. In addition to the painful nature of a dog bite, these injuries can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement. In some cases, infections could be life-threatening.
If you were hurt in a dog attack, you could pursue damages through a personal injury claim. However, an owner is only negligent if they were aware of the dog’s “vicious propensities” and allowed the attack to happen. A Dawsonville dog bite lawyer at Smith Hulsey Law could help you prove an owner’s negligence and seek justice after an attack.
According to state law, dog owners are not automatically responsible for the injuries their animals cause. To be liable for the dog’s attack, the owner must have been aware of the animal’s “vicious propensities.” In many cases, this involves proving the owner was aware of a previous attack and therefore knew the dog was dangerous.
This might sound like a high standard to meet, but it is not the only way to prove an animal has vicious propensities. The definition of a vicious animal under state law includes any dog that is not on a leash when it should have been. The court may consider any instance of a dog running off leash in violation of local leash ordinances as an example of vicious propensities. A knowledgeable Dawsonville attorney could review local rules to determine whether an owner could be liable for compensating a survivor of a dog bite injury.
When an owner’s negligence is established, a monetary award could be available to potential plaintiffs. Depending on how an injury affected their life, an injured party can pursue different categories of damages.
Many people that are attacked by animals are unable to immediately return to the workplace. Some are physically unable to work due to pain, while others battle serious health issues like infections. A skilled attorney could help pursue compensation for the lost wages that result from this time away from work.
The medical expenses involved with treating a dog bite can be steep. Someone may require emergency care after an attack. Infections or nerve damage could require ongoing medical care. However, a well-practiced lawyer knows it is often possible to recover the cost of previous and anticipated medical treatment through legal action.
Physical pain is a common consequence of a dog attack. These bites usually involve bruising and the puncturing of the skin. This pain could last for some time, especially if it involves nerve damage. For these reasons, a compassionate Dawsonville attorney understands the importance of pursuing compensation for pain and suffering in a comprehensive dog bite injury case.
You have the right to take legal action if another person’s pet has attacked you. Dog bites can result in serious health consequences, and you should not have to deal with the cost of treating them on your own.
When someone was aware of their pet’s vicious propensities, but did not act to protect your safety, a determined injury attorney at Smith Hulsey Law could help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Reach out to a Dawsonville dog bite lawyer right away to learn more.
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