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, we 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, it requires a skilled lawyer to investigate the case and provide proof 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.
Contact Burnside Law Firm Today
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: This can ensure you have not been exposed to rabies as well as allow you to properly document your injuries.
- Report the Incident: Call the Athens police or animal control to initiate an investigation.
- Photograph your injuries: This helps insurance adjusters and jury see the extent of your injury.
- Get names and addresses: To pursue a claim, it is important to have the identity of the dog owner as well as the exact location where the dog was staying.
Contact Burnside Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced dog bite injury lawyers near Athens.
