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Were you injured in Lawrenceville, GA or its surroundings? Our lawyers can help you recover from your losses. We have decades of combined experience handling local personal injury cases.
Having a local personal injury lawyer with experience with and knowledge of the actual value of your case is vital to ensuring you receive the most compensation possible for your injuries.
Our award-winning personal injury lawyers know the best way to go up against insurance companies because we used to work with them and use that experience to help you win.
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Personal injury Lawyers in Norcross, GA
Accidents are unfortunate situations, and when they are caused by another party’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation to make you whole. This means you should be compensated to be put in a position as though the accident had never happened. The value of your compensation can be difficult to determine, especially when an accident causes long-term disability or might involve emotional trauma and other pain and suffering. This is one of many reasons why a personal injury attorney is of particular value for your case.
Have you been in an accident caused by the negligence or illegal actions of the at-fault party? The personal injury attorneys with Spaulding Injury Law are here to guide you through the process and make the most of your case. We help clients who have experienced a variety of accidents and injuries, like traumatic brain injury (TBI), neck and back injuries, product liability, slip and falls, wrongful death, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, and drunk driving accidents.
Dog bites can result in not only substantial physical harm but also enduring emotional trauma. As per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4 million dog bites occur annually in the United States, with around 800,000 of these incidents requiring medical intervention.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Norcross, Georgia, you have the legal right to pursue compensation. The team at Spaulding Injury Law is prepared to assist you through the intricacies of this process.
Georgia’s Dog Bite Law and Owner Liability
Georgia does not follow a “one-bite rule,” unlike some other states. As per Georgia’s dog bite law (O.C.G.A § 51-2-7), a dog owner can be held responsible if they were aware of their dog’s tendency to bite and failed to implement necessary precautions or control the dog. This rule applies irrespective of whether the bite transpired on public or private property.
Potential Defenses in a Dog Bite Claim
Dog owners might claim that the injured party provoked the dog, trespassed, or knowingly took a risk of getting bitten. At Spaulding Injury Law, we are equipped to counter these defenses and help prove the dog owner’s liability.
Trespassing
This defense is frequently employed when the injured party was unlawfully present on the property during the incident. As per Georgia law, dog owners are typically not liable for injuries sustained by trespassers. However, certain exceptions may be applicable.
For instance, if a person enters a dog owner’s property uninvited and is subsequently bitten by their dog, the owner might assert that they are not accountable for the injuries as the person was unlawfully on the property.
Provocation
Dog owners may claim that the victim incited the dog, leading to an aggressive response. This defense can be multifaceted, as the court will weigh the actions of the victim as well as the behavior of the dog.
For instance, if a person purposely agitates a dog, and the dog retaliates by biting, the dog owner could assert that the victim instigated the dog, leading to its aggressive response.
Assumption of Risk
If someone knowingly engages with a potentially hostile dog, the dog owner might argue that the person “assumed the risk” of a bite.
For instance, if a dog owner explicitly warns a visitor about their dog’s aggressive tendencies and the potential for biting, but the visitor still chooses to pet the dog and gets bitten, the owner could assert that the visitor “assumed the risk” of being bitten as they were aware of the potential danger but chose to interact with the dog regardless.
At Spaulding Injury Law, we have experience countering such defenses. Our seasoned team is well-versed in Georgia’s dog bite laws and has experience managing such cases. We conduct meticulous investigations, gather necessary evidence, and craft compelling cases to safeguard your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Norcross, Georgia
If you are bitten by a dog, follow these steps.
Prioritize Medical Treatment
Your health is your foremost priority. Seek immediate medical attention if a dog bites you, regardless of how minor the injuries may initially seem. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms until later, and infections can set in swiftly. Prompt medical treatment provides official documentation of your injuries, which is crucial in supporting your claim. Without this, it may be challenging to prove the severity of your injuries and directly link them to the dog bite.
Report the Incident
As soon as possible, report the dog bite incident to the local animal control agency or law enforcement authorities in Norcross. This documentation of the incident can serve as valuable third-party evidence in your claim. They can also investigate the dog’s history to see if it has a record of aggression or previous bite incidents, which can help strengthen your case and establish a pattern of negligence by the dog owner.
Document Everything
Take photographs of your injuries and the site of the incident. If feasible, also photograph the dog that caused the injury. Keep comprehensive records of your medical treatments and costs, including doctor visits, medications, physical therapy sessions, and any other expenses related to your injury. It’s also helpful to keep a journal documenting your pain, emotional distress, and the impact of the incident on your everyday life. These records can all contribute to a stronger claim.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer
Hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer in Norcross can significantly strengthen your case. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal system, protect your rights, and ensure all necessary procedures are promptly and correctly handled. They can thoroughly investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and, if necessary, represent your interests in court. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the more effectively they can begin building a compelling case for you.
Georgia’s Deadline for Filing Dog Bite Claims
In Georgia, victims of dog bites have two years from the date of the bite to file their claim.
Failure to comply with this timeframe could potentially forfeit your right to seek compensation. Consult with a legal professional as soon as possible after the incident to ensure that all deadlines are met. What’s Your Next Move? If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Norcross, Georgia, seeking legal counsel is essential. The team at Spaulding Injury Law can help ensure all documentation is accurately and timely filed. We are here to explain your rights, establish liability, and fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve. Remember, time is essential in these circumstances, so don’t hesitate to seek legal help.
Why Should You Choose Spaulding Injury Law for Your Dog Bite Case?
At Spaulding Injury Law, we comprehend the physical, emotional, and financial burden a dog bite can inflict. We are committed to advocating for the rights of dog bite victims in Norcross, Georgia, and assisting them in securing the compensation they are entitled to.
Our team has years of experience dealing with insurance companies and knows how to counter their strategies to reduce or deny claims. We are not intimidated by these companies and will stand up to them to ensure you receive fair compensation.If you or a family member has been injured by a dog bite in Norcross, Georgia, don’t hesitate to reach out to Spaulding Injury Law for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and outline how we can assist you in your pursuit of justice.
VISIT Our Drunk Driving Accident Office in Norcross, GA
We help victims inside the Gwinnett County Area and our firm is conveniently located near Norcross. We have an office in Lawrenceville at 223 Scenic Hwy S #202 Lawrenceville, GA