Were You Attacked by a Dog in Athens, GA?
While dogs are primarily known as safe, fun-loving pets, this isn’t a guaranteed assumption. When a dog acts violently and harms a person, it can be devastating. If you’ve been bitten or injured by a dog, you need an experienced lawyer by your side. Dog bites can not only be traumatic for those involved, but they can also cause serious injury that may result in medical expenses, physical disfigurement, scarring and even lost wages. It is important to know that in the state of Georgia, the owner or keeper of the animal that injured you can be held responsible. As an experienced dog bite lawyer in Athens, Burnside Law Firm can determine if your pain and suffering were caused by careless management of the animal. This mismanagement may include a leash law violation or neglect to demonstrate prior knowledge of the dog’s vicious tendencies.
Dog Owners Can Be Held Liable for Dog Attack Injuries
If you or a family member has suffered a dog attack or dog bite, it can be difficult to prove that the dog’s owner is liable for your injuries. This is especially true if the owner denies that the dog has demonstrated violent behavior before. In many cases, a skilled lawyer is required to investigate the case and prove that the owner had prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive or vicious temperament. At Burnside Law Firm, we search for evidence of the dog’s history by interviewing neighbors, postal workers and even the dog’s vet. Reports of previous dog bites, the necessity to use a muzzle at the vet and other similar citations can support a strong case to hold the dog owner responsible for your dog bite injuries.
Violation of a leash law in Athens can also serve as proof of vicious propensity. Burnside Law Firm employs a team of respected lawyers who understand the state and city laws that require an owner to properly restrain a dog. If you were attacked by a dog that was not leashed and should have been, this can serve as critical evidence for your case, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
You’ll find that our attorneys are not only diligent about investigating each case to establish a right to recover your specific losses, but we can also help clients identify sources from which to recover the money or compensation. Potential sources may include homeowner’s insurance, renter’s insurance or medical payment coverage from the dog owner.
How To Proceed if a Dog Has Bitten You
If you have suffered a dog bite in the Athens area, we want to help you recover compensation for your injuries, damage and other types of losses. It is important that you take the following steps immediately after you or a family member has been attacked:
- Seek medical attention immediately: Medical professionals can assess the severity of the injury, clean and treat the wound to prevent infection, and provide necessary vaccinations, including rabies shots if there’s a risk of exposure. Seeking medical attention creates a record of the incident, which can be vital for legal and insurance purposes.
- Report the Incident: Contact the local authorities, such as the Athens police department or animal control, to report the dog bite or attack. Prompt reporting can help initiate an investigation and prevent further incidents involving the same dog.
- Photograph your injuries: Documenting your injuries through photographs is essential for building a strong case if you decide to pursue legal action or file an insurance claim. Take clear, detailed photos of the bite wounds from various angles, ensuring proper lighting and focus to accurately depict the extent of the injury. In addition to capturing the immediate aftermath of the incident, continue photographing the progression of your injuries during the healing process to provide a comprehensive record.
- Get names and addresses: Obtain the names and addresses of all parties involved in the incident, including the dog owner and any witnesses present at the scene. This information is crucial for potential legal proceedings or insurance claims, as it allows for proper identification and communication with relevant parties.
Contact Burnside Law Firm Today
Contact Burnside Law Firm today to schedule a complimentary and confidential consultation with one of our highly skilled and experienced dog bite injury lawyers located conveniently near Athens. Our dedicated legal team specializes in advocating for victims of dog attacks, and we are committed to providing personalized attention and comprehensive legal guidance throughout your case. During your consultation, our compassionate attorneys will listen attentively to your story, evaluate the details of your situation, and offer legal advice tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Rest assured, we will work tirelessly to protect your rights, pursue fair compensation for your injuries, and hold negligent dog owners accountable for their actions.
Take the first step towards justice and recovery by contacting Burnside Law Firm today. Your initial consultation is completely free, and you’re not obligated to proceed unless you choose to retain our services. Don’t delay; let us help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
