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Have you sustained injuries in Lawrenceville, GA or the surrounding areas? We can help you recover your losses with the assistance of our experienced lawyers. We have decades of combined experience in managing personal injury cases in the local area.
It is essential to have a knowledgeable and experienced local personal injury lawyer to ensure you get the most compensation possible for your injuries. Our award-winning personal injury lawyers have the know-how to deal with insurance companies and use their experience working with them to help you win.
Voted Among the Best Personal Injury Firms in Gwinnett County 6 Years in a Row by Gwinnett Magazine
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 Gwinnett County, 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
If you’re bitten by a dog, the dog’s owner might argue that you provoked the dog, you were trespassing, or that you knowingly assumed the risk of being bitten. At Spaulding Injury Law, we have the expertise to counter these defenses and help prove the dog owner’s liability.
Trespassing is a common defense used when the injured party was unlawfully on the property during the incident. In Georgia, dog owners are typically not held liable for injuries sustained by trespassers, but this defense has exceptions. For example, if someone enters a dog owner’s property uninvited and is subsequently bitten by their dog, the owner might claim that they are not accountable for the injuries as the person was unlawfully on the property.
Dog owners may use different defenses in case their pet bites someone. One of these defenses is provocation, which can be complex as the victim’s actions and the dog’s behavior are both taken into consideration. For example, if a person intentionally provokes a dog and the dog reacts by biting, the owner may claim that the victim instigated the dog’s aggressive response.
Another defense is the assumption of risk, which can be used if someone willingly interacts with a potentially dangerous dog. If a dog owner warns a visitor about their pet’s aggressive tendencies and the possibility of biting, but the visitor still decides to pet the dog and gets bitten, the owner can argue that the visitor assumed the risk of being bitten.
At Spaulding Injury Law: Lawrenceville Personal Injury Law, we have the expertise to counter such defenses. Our experienced team is knowledgeable about Georgia’s dog bite laws and has handled many similar cases. We conduct thorough investigations, gather the necessary evidence, and build strong cases to protect your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
We will file claims with the appropriate insurance companies and present compelling cases for the full compensation you are entitled to. If the insurance company responds with a counteroffer, we will handle the negotiations, aiming to secure a settlement that adequately covers your losses. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf, which may include discovery, negotiations, and ultimately, a trial. We will keep you informed throughout the process and answer any questions you may have.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Gwinnett County
If you are bitten by a dog, follow these steps.
Taking prompt action after a dog bite is crucial to building a strong case and recovering damages. Here are some steps you should follow if you are bitten by a dog:
1. Prioritize Medical Treatment: Your health should be your top priority. Even if the injury seems minor, seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and infections can set in quickly. Getting prompt medical treatment also provides official documentation of your injuries, which is essential in supporting your claim.
2. Report the Incident: As soon as possible, report the incident to the local animal control agency or law enforcement authorities. This documentation can serve as valuable third-party evidence in your claim. The authorities 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.
3. Document Everything: Take photographs of your injuries and the site of the incident. If possible, 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.
4. Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer: Hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer can significantly strengthen your case. An 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
If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog in Gwinnett County, Georgia, it is crucial to act quickly. Georgia’s law allows victims of dog bites to file a claim for up to two years from the date of the incident. Failing to do so within this time may result in losing your right to seek compensation.
To ensure that all deadlines are met, it is essential to consult with a legal professional as soon as possible after the incident. At Spaulding Injury Law, we are here to help you navigate the legal process. We will make sure that all the necessary documentation is filed accurately and timely, explain your rights, determine liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Time is of the essence in these circumstances, so don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Spaulding Injury Law today for a free consultation.
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 Gwinnett County, 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 Gwinnett County, 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 Dog Bite Office in Gwinnett County.
We help victims inside the Gwinnett County Area and our firm is conveniently located near Gwinnett County. We have an office in Lawrenceville at 223 Scenic Hwy S #202 Lawrenceville, GA