According to a study by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 4.7 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. In 2014 alone, roughly 1 million Americans required medical attention from dog bite injuries and over 28,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of dog bites.
WHEN A BIG DOG BITES – FOSTER FIGHTS!
If you were bitten by a dog in Atlanta or Mobile, your first priority should be to get medical attention if necessary. After that, it is very important to collect the name and address of the owner. You should photograph the dog and your injuries and note the contact information of any witnesses. Then contact the police and file a report. Finally, you need to call a dog bite lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia or Mobile, Alabama. In both Alabama and Georgia, you have only 2 years from the date of the incident to file a dog bite claim, so it is important that you act quickly.
WHAT DAMAGES CAN MY ATLANTA OR MOBILE DOG BITE ATTORNEY HELP ME RECOVER?
Atlanta dog owners are legally responsible for injuries their dogs cause. Dog bite lawsuits are personal injury claims. Your Mobile dog bite lawyer can help you get compensation for your damages, including:
- Medical expenses,
- Property damage,
- Pain and suffering,
- Mental distress,
- Disfigurement, and
- Lost income.
Generally, compensation comes from the owner’s homeowner’s insurance.
HOW WILL MY ATTORNEY PROVE MY CASE?
Your Atlanta and Mobile dog bite lawyer must prove that the dog owner was negligent. They show this by gathering evidence that the owner knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous. A dog’s breed alone is not proof of aggression. Growling and barking are not acts of aggression. A “dangerous dog” is one that attacks aggressively so as to pose an imminent threat of serious injury to someone or kills another pet while away from the owner’s property. A “vicious” classification is for dogs that caused serious injury to someone by biting or mauling them. It is illegal for an owner to have a dog that was already classified as dangerous or vicious without a certificate of registration. Your attorney will obtain any prior records from local animal control or police.
Your attorney must also show that the dog owner carelessly managed their dog by letting it have too much liberty. For example, the owner may have failed to maintain their fence on their property or violated local Georgia or Alabama leash laws.
Exceptions
Certain animals and situations are exempt from Georgia and Alabama dog bite laws. For instance, in Georgia, military and police dogs are exempt. In both Georgia and Alabama, dog attacks that happened against someone trespassing or committing a crime are exempt. If the dog was defending itself against abuse, that is also exempt.
CONTACT FOSTER COUNTS LLP, YOUR ATLANTA AND MOBILE DOG BITE ATTORNEY
The legal process can be daunting for someone that does not have the necessary experience. You need an experienced dog bite attorney to represent your interests and ensure that no boxes are left unchecked. Foster Law LLC can help you collect compensation for your claims. They can represent you throughout the legal process, including:
- Investigating your case;
- Determining who is liable;
- Helping you collect evidence;
- Interviewing parties and witnesses;
- Dealing with insurance companies and defendants on your behalf;
- Negotiating settlements; and
- Representing you at trial.
At Foster Law LLC, your Atlanta and Mobile dog bite lawyer does not collect any fees unless you win compensation. Our law firm has the experience, skills, and resources necessary to help you through the legal process. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced Georgia and Alabama dog bite attorneys.