Are you the victim of a dog bite in Lawrenceville, GA? If so, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries. It can be frightening to be bitten by a dog, and you may not know what you need to do to pursue a personal injury claim after the incident.
With Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your side, you don’t need to navigate this situation on your own. Our team of experienced and compassionate legal professionals is here to help you every step of the way. We have 50 years of combined experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients.
Reach out to our team of Lawrenceville dog bite lawyers to schedule a free consultation today at (678) 916-8584.
How Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Dog Bite Incident in Lawrenceville, GA
After getting bitten by a dog in Lawrenceville, Georgia, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. In addition to recovering from your injuries, you may be faced with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Our Lawrenceville personal injury attorneys are here to help you.
At Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, our legal team has a proven track record of success. We’ve been recognized by reputable legal organizations such as Martindale-Hubbell, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, and The National Trial Lawyers.
Our goal is to make sure that you are fairly compensated for your dog bite injuries. You can count on us to:
- Investigate the circumstances of the incident
- Identify the responsible parties
- Collect evidence (e.g., veterinary records, witness statements, and medical records) to help us build the strongest possible case for you
- Consult with experts
- Take your case to court if necessary
As we work to resolve your case, we’ll oversee negotiations with insurance companies and other involved parties. And, in the event that a settlement cannot be reached, we’ll represent you in court.
Let us use our experience and resources to help you. Call us to schedule a free consultation today.
How Common are Dog Bites in Lawrenceville, Georgia?
Injuries from dog bites are all too common in Georgia and across the country. Across the United States, approximately 334,000 people are admitted to the emergency room every year with dog bite-associated injuries, and an additional 466,000 dog bite victims are seen in other medical settings.
According to the Humane Society, an estimated 51% of dog bite victims are children, with children between the ages of 5-9 being the most likely to suffer this injury.
What Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
There are a number of factors that can influence the amount of compensation you may receive as a result of a dog bite incident. In addition to the nature of your injuries, it is important to consider:
- The cost of your medical treatment
- The length of your recovery (and whether permanent damage is expected)
- The ways in which your work and lifestyle have been impacted
- The emotional distress and physical pain you’re experiencing.
We will evaluate these factors to make an informed assessment of your claim. In making this assessment, our goal is to make sure that you are fairly compensated for your dog bite injuries.
Does Georgia Have a “One Bite Rule’?
Georgia has a modified “one bite” rule. This means a dog owner may be responsible for a dog bite if they knew that their dog was vicious. It may be that the dog has bitten someone before (and the owner knows about it), but there are other circumstances in which a dog’s past behavior can create liability for their owner.
For example, if you can prove that the dog previously exhibited aggressive behavior, such as growling or charging at people, that may be enough to establish the owner’s liability.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for a Dog Bite in Georgia?
Under Georgia’s modified comparative fault rule, you can still recover compensation if you are partially at fault. For example, if you provoke the dog or are trespassing on the owner’s property, the owner’s liability may be reduced. It’s important to note that your share of responsibility limits the amount of damages you can collect.
For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 25%. If, however, you are found to be 50% or more to blame, you will not be able to receive any compensation.
Let our experienced Georgia personal injury lawyers evaluate the details of your case, determine if comparative fault applies, and guide you through the process to help you maximize your recovery.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Dog Bite Victims?
The damages you suffer due to a dog bite generally fall into two categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are tangible financial losses, such as lost wages, medical costs related to diagnosis and treatment of your dog bite injuries, and repair costs to any personal property involved in the incident.
Non-economic damages are intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium (damages experienced by your loved ones due to the injuries you sustained in the accident).
In rare cases, punitive (or “extra”) damages can also be recovered if the other party was acting in an extremely negligent or reckless manner.
The calculation of damages always requires a thorough evaluation of your case, and our legal team has the knowledge and experience to undertake this work. We will use our extensive knowledge and experience to build your case based on a fair and accurate claim that takes into account all of the ways your injury has impacted you.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Too many people think they cannot afford an attorney, so they hesitate to reach out. This is not something you need to worry about because our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, you don’t need to pay us any money upfront. We receive a percentage of what you recover, and so we are compensated if–and only if–we settle or win the lawsuit on your behalf.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All Your Dog Bite Injuries
Many types of injuries can arise from dog bites, ranging from minor soft tissue injuries (e.g., bruises) to significant facial injuries, which can lead to disfigurement and scarring. Other common dog bite injuries include puncture wounds, lacerations, nerve damage, and psychological trauma. Dog bites can also lead to infections, which may have long-lasting impacts.
Prompt medical attention and treatment are always important, regardless of the type of injury you’ve suffered.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite in Georgia?
As a general rule, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. Because there are considerations that may change this deadline based on the specifics of your particular case, we encourage you to start the process as soon as possible. You don’t want to risk being barred from financial recovery so it’s important to meet the filing deadline.
Contact Our Lawrenceville Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Being bitten by a dog can be painful and stressful, but you don’t have to go through this challenging time by yourself. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can help. Our experienced legal team can evaluate your case and talk to you about your options. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Lawrenceville dog bite lawyer.