Dog bites are, unfortunately, a very commonly occurring injury in Georgia. Even friendly household pets can cause serious injuries when they bite an unsuspecting victim, and any person regardless of their age can become a victim of this type of assault. The state of Georgia imposes strict liability on dogs that are unleashed or “at large,” but there can be exceptions to this law depending on the circumstances. For this reason, it’s imperative you contact a dog bite lawyer.
After being bit by a dog, it’s important to first seek medical help. Even the most minor bump, cut or bruise can become a serious injury if it does not get adequate medical attention right away. Go to the emergency room or see a medical professional immediately after being bitten by a dog. Not only is it smart to nurse your injuries, but it is also beneficial to have your medical history after the dog bite accident.
Next, it is important to find out who owns the dog. The owner will have information regarding the dog’s vaccination history, and this will help disclose any pertinent information that you may need to know for your medical record. Additionally, the dog bite owner will likely be held responsible for their pet’s actions, so knowing who they are essential to the outcome of your case.
The next step you should take is to call a dog bite lawyer in Atlanta. Not all Georgia dog bite lawyers offer a free, no-obligation consultation, but The Angell Law Firm does. You can contact our office and schedule an appointment, at no cost to you, in order to have your preliminary questions answered as soon as possible.
What Should I Do If I Am Contacted By An Insurance Company?
It is more than likely that a dog owner will have homeowners’ insurance, under which their dog may be covered. If you have been bit by a dog on a homeowners’ property, their insurance company may contact you after the dog bite accident occurred. If this happens, do not panic.
You may be asked a handful of questions regarding your dog bite claim, such as the time, date, and location of the dog bite. The insurance company will try to get as much information from you as possible. In this instance, you are not obligated to discuss the details of your accident with an insurance company without a lawyers’ representation by your side. Be sure to take down the insurance company’s name, phone number, claim number, and address of their office for you and your lawyers’ records.
It is never a smart idea to try to go against a big insurance company by yourself. Insurance companies will likely try to pay out the least amount of money possible in order to protect their client, the homeowner, and dog owner. You need the legal expertise and representation that only a qualified Georgia dog bite lawyer can provide, and without an attorney, you may not stand a chance against the homeowners’ insurance company. The sooner you call, the sooner you can equip yourself with the defense that you need.
What Kind Of Compensation Can I Receive After A Dog Bite Accident?
A victim of a dog bite can seek several types of compensation for a variety of expenses related to the dog bite or dog attack you suffered. With the help of a lawyer, you may be compensated for your medical bills, including doctor co-pays, the cost of prescription medication, hospital visit bills, or any other expenses related to the medical treatment you need. You may even be eligible for compensation that covers future medical expenses if your injuries are so extreme that you will need continued medical attention well into the future. This might include physical or occupational therapy, rehabilitation services, or the projected cost of more doctor visits.
When you take time off to nurse your injuries, you miss out on money in your paycheck. When you can’t work due to an injury, you and your loved ones may experience financial hardship. For this reason, your dog bite lawyer will work to award you compensation for lost wages so you don’t have to stress over paying your bills or putting food on the table while you rehabilitate.
In especially severe cases, you can also seek compensation for pain and suffering, as some dog attacks can be traumatizing, or leave a victim so injured they are subject to depression, anxiety, and mental health concerns.
The type of compensation dog bite victims receive is always different, as no two accidents ever occur under the same circumstances. The only way to get a strong idea of how much money you may get in a settlement is to contact an Atlanta dog attack lawyer and schedule a consultation. In many cases, the at-fault party’s insurance company may not settle with you until you are represented by a lawyer.
Contact The Angell Law Firm Today To Schedule A Consultation Regarding Your Dog Bite
If you have been injured in a dog bite or dog attack, the first thing you must do is seek the medical attention you require. Next, the second most important step is to contact a dog bite lawyer in Atlanta in order to be represented by an attorney who understands this specific type of law.
Not all dog bite lawyers in Atlanta offer a free consultation. At The Angell Law Firm, we never charge for an initial consultation, and we never will. We are committed to helping injured dog bite victims understand the scope of Georgia dog bite law, and our attorneys will be committed to the success of your case from the very first day you call us.
To schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation, call The Angell Law Firm at (770) 217-4954. Our attorneys will review your dog bite accident, provide answers to your initial questions, and walk you through the process of filing a dog bite lawsuit together. Don’t try to take on big insurance companies alone – speak with a dog bite lawyer today to take the first step to recovery after your accident.
Bryce is considered a highly esteemed trial lawyer and a passionate client advocate amongst his peers in the Atlanta legal community. Never afraid to go the extra mile for his clients, Bryce Angell works tirelessly to ensure that each client’s personal injury case gets the attention that it deserves.