While people love their pets, animal bites can cause significant damage to skin and tissues and sometimes leave disfiguring scars. When you or a loved one are hurt by another person’s dog, state law could provide you with the opportunity to seek compensation. These situations can be complex, however, especially if the dog owner is someone you know.
You do not have to deal with this process alone. An experienced personal injury attorney understands how to handle your claim with care. For help with your case, consult a seasoned Flowery Branch dog bite lawyer at Smith Hulsey.
Dog owners are not automatically liable for injuries their pets cause to other people. For a defendant to be financially liable for their dog’s action, a plaintiff must prove the dog had a history of aggressive tendencies. This conduct might include acts such as, but not limited to:
Georgia Code § 51-2-7 establishes an injured person only has the right to take legal action pursuing civil compensation if they can prove this history of behavior. Even if the plaintiff was not originally aware of a dog’s aggressive tendencies, an investigation of the pet’s history may reveal it.
After experiencing a dog attack, an injured party should call an attorney to investigate the facts of the case as soon as possible. The earlier someone initiates a claim, the more likely it is there will be usable evidence. A potential plaintiff should collect any documentation, pictures, or other self-collected evidence and provide it to their attorney. Additionally, a Flowery Branch attorney could use their resources to investigate a dog attack by reviewing:
Insurance companies may cover dog bite injuries, but will try every possible mechanism to reduce their payouts. They may argue the plaintiff provoked the dog or that their injuries are not as severe as they claim. By finding evidence that an owner was aware their dog had aggressive tendencies or failed to prevent their dog from hurting someone, an attorney could help injured parties secure fair compensation.
The costs associated with a dog attack can be high. Physical injuries may require long-term treatment, surgeries, and ongoing assistive care. The psychological trauma associated with the attack can also be devastating. Recoverable damages in these cases may include:
A lawyer could review the circumstances of a dog attack to determine how the resulting injuries affected someone’s life. Then, they could build the strongest possible case to pursue comprehensive payments for these losses. A legal professional in Flowery Branch could provide more specific insight into what damages may be available in a specific dog bite case.
Understanding the complexities of injury claims is critical for enforcing your right to compensation. A skilled Flowery Branch dog bite lawyer could provide a detailed analysis of your case, guiding you through the next steps you should take. Contact Smith Hulsey today to schedule a consultation.
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