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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.
Voted Among the Best Personal Injury Firms in Gwinnett County 6 Years in a Row by Gwinnett Magazine
The grief of losing a loved one unexpectedly can be overwhelming, especially when their death was due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness. It’s in such times that you might seek justice against those at fault. At Spaulding Injury Law, our Braselton team stands ready to fight tirelessly for you and your family.
Under the leadership of Theodore Spaulding, a Georgia attorney renowned for his top-tier 10/10 Avvo rating, we provide dedicated legal support, allowing you to focus on personal healing and remembering your loved one. With a perfect 5.0/5.0-star rating reflecting our commitment to client success, we have positioned ourselves as one of the leading law firms serving Braselton.
Dog bites are more than just a temporary physical discomfort – they can lead to significant injuries and lasting emotional trauma. In the United States alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 4 million dog bites occur annually, with approximately 800,000 of these incidents necessitating medical attention.
If you or a family member has suffered a dog bite in Braselton, Georgia, you have the right to take legal action. At Spaulding Injury Law, we’re equipped to guide you through the complexities of this process.
Georgia’s Dog Bite Law and Owner Liability
Unlike some states, Georgia does not operate under a “one-bite rule.” Under Georgia’s dog bite law (O.C.G.A § 51-2-7), a dog owner can be held liable if they knew about their dog’s propensity to bite and failed to take necessary precautions or restrain the dog. This law applies whether the bite occurred on private or public property.
Potential Defenses in a Dog Bite Claim
Dog owners may argue that the person bitten was trespassing, provoked the dog, or knowingly risked getting bitten. At Spaulding Injury Law, we can challenge these defenses and help establish the dog owner’s liability.
Trespassing
This defense is often used when the injured party was on the property unlawfully at the time of the incident. According to Georgia law, dog owners are generally not responsible for injuries to trespassers. However, certain exceptions may apply.
For instance, if an individual enters a dog owner’s property without permission and is subsequently bitten by their dog, the owner may claim they are not liable for the injuries since the individual was unlawfully on the premises.
Provocation
Dog owners may claim that the victim instigated the dog, leading to a violent reaction. This defense can be complex, as the court will consider the actions of the victim as well as the dog’s behavior.
An example of this might be if a person intentionally agitates or teases a dog, and the dog responds by biting. In this scenario, the dog owner could argue that the victim provoked the dog, leading to an aggressive response.
Assumption of Risk
If someone knowingly interacts with a potentially aggressive dog, the dog owner may argue that the person “assumed the risk” of a bite.
For example, if a dog owner clearly warns a visitor about their dog’s aggressive behavior and potential to bite, yet the visitor still decides to pet the dog and gets bitten, the owner could claim that the visitor “assumed the risk” of being bitten as they were aware of the potential danger but chose to interact with the dog anyway.
At Spaulding Injury Law, weave countered such defenses. Our seasoned team is familiar with Georgia’s dog bite laws and has experience handling such cases. We conduct detailed investigations, gather necessary evidence, and construct compelling cases to protect your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Braselton, Georgia
If you are bitten by a dog, take these steps.
Prioritize Medical Treatment
Your health should be your first priority. Regardless of how minor the injuries may initially appear, seek immediate medical attention if a dog bites you. Some injuries may not show symptoms until later, and infections can set in quickly. 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
Report the dog bite incident to the local animal control agency or law enforcement authorities in Braselton as soon as you can. 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 location of the incident. If possible, also photograph the dog that caused the injury. Keep detailed 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 daily life. These records can all contribute to a stronger claim.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer
Hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer in Braselton can significantly bolster your case. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal landscape, 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. Failing to abide by 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 Braselton, Georgia, seeking legal advice is crucial. 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 wait to seek legal assistance.
Why Should You Choose Spaulding Injury Law for Your Dog Bite Case?
At Spaulding Injury Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog bite can inflict. We are committed to advocating for the rights of dog bite victims in Braselton, Georgia, and helping them secure 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 Braselton, 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.
Practice Areas We Serve
Inadequate Security Lawyer
Back And Neck Injury
Car Accident Lawyer
Drunk Driving Accident
MARTA Accident
Dog bite Accident
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Visit Our Dog Bite Lawyer Office in Braselton
We help victims inside the Gwinnett County Area and our firm is conveniently located near Braselton. We have an office in Lawrenceville at 223 Scenic Hwy S #202 Lawrenceville, GA