Carrollton Dog Bite Lawyer
Carrollton and Carroll County are both patrolled by Carroll County Animal Control. Both the city and the county have ordinances pertaining to leashes on dogs. These ordinances are commonly referred to as “leash laws.”
However, these laws do not always prevent pet owners from controlling their animals. If another person’s pet attacked you, it is important to seek assistance from a Carrollton dog bite lawyer. A skilled personal injury attorney could help you hold the negligent owner responsible and seek financial recovery.
How Does Someone Prove Dog Owner Negligence in Carrollton?
Courts in Carrollton apply the one-bite rule, which may allow negligent pet owners to escape liability in certain situations. According to Official Code of Georgia Annotated §51-2-7, an owner is only liable if they allow a vicious dog to attack an individual or if they are negligent in allowing their pet to run free.
This places a burden on an injured plaintiff to prove that the owner violated this law. One way to overcome this hurdle is to show that the owner knew of the dog’s violent nature, after a previous attack, for instance. Another is to demonstrate that the owner violated a law by allowing their dog to run free without a leash. A Carrollton lawyer could help someone gather the evidence needed to pursue an effective dog bite claim after an attack.
What to Do After a Dog Attack
There are several steps that a person should take following a serious canine attack. The dog bite attorneys at our firm in Carrollton recommend to:
- Get medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Find out who the dog’s owner is and their contact information.
- Take photos of the bite injuries and of any torn or bloody clothing that the claimant wore during the attack.
- Take photos of the dog and where the attack occurred
- Get the names and contact information of anyone who could act as a witness.
- Avoid contacting or giving a statement to the insurance company.
- Avoid signing any documents or paperwork from the insurance companies.
- Contact an attorney who understands the state dog bite liability laws and knows how to negotiate with insurance companies to obtain fair settlements.
What Forms of Compensation are Available After a Dog Attack?
Dog bites can result in serious injuries. Even smaller dogs have teeth that are capable of breaking the skin and causing severe bleeding. Additionally, a dog’s mouth contains bacteria, and therefore, it is not uncommon for a bite to become infected. As a result, a person who experiences a dog attack may incur significant medical bills.
In these cases, a plaintiff may be eligible to recover compensation for all past and future medical treatment. Additionally, claimants also should evaluate how the incident has affected their overall quality of life and ability to earn a living. A Carrollton attorney could help evaluate the damages that resulted from a dog attack and seek appropriate compensation from all liable defendants.
Deadline to File After a Dog Attack
Enduring a dog bite can be a traumatic experience. It can take weeks or months to evaluate how the incident has affected a person’s life. However, the time limit to demand compensation begins from the moment of the attack.
Under Official Code of Georgia Annotated §9-3-33, the time limit to file these claims is two years from the date of the incident. If someone waits longer than this to seek compensation, a court may refuse to hear a case. Additionally, any insurance companies may become uncooperative.
Hire a Carrollton Dog Bite Attorney
Hiring a Carrollton dog bite lawyer soon after seeking medical treatment can make or break your case. Our attorneys could help you investigate the dog attack, speak with witnesses, gather evidence, and locate the dog’s owner. We have the experience to deal with insurance companies so that you do not have to. A dog bite attack can be both physically and emotionally traumatic. If you suffered injuries because of a vicious canine, call us as soon as possible.