What to Do after a Dog Bite in Georgia
A dog bite can happen fast, and you need to be ready to take swift action to protect your rights. Taking several key steps can help document what happened and give your legal representative the ammunition they need to get you fair compensation.
After suffering dog bite injuries, you should make every effort to:
- Call 9-1-1 if your injuries require urgent attention. If you are profusely bleeding, you may need to go to the hospital immediately. Do not be afraid to request an ambulance, but keep in mind that your call will be recorded.
- Ask about the dog’s vaccination status. You need to know if there is a chance the dog has rabies or other serious diseases that can be transmitted through bites.
- Get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner. Whenever possible, you need the name, address, and phone number of the dog’s owner. If the owner has renter’s insurance homeowner’s insurance, or liability insurance, ask for the name of the insurer and the policy number, as well.
- Document the scene. Take pictures of your injuries, the dog, and anything in the area that supports your version of events. This may include holes in fences or a lack of leash on the dog.
- Save medical records. Regardless of whether you seek emergency medical attention, you need to have a doctor check out and document your injuries. Keep copies of all bills and medical documents as well as records of your visits.
- Contact Morrison & Hughes. By reaching out to our team as quickly as possible, you can tell us your story while it is still fresh in your mind. Our Georgia dog bite attorneys will then have the chance to investigate the incident and gather evidence before too much time has passed.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
A dog bite may not seem like a big deal in theory, but the reality is that many dogs are enormous animals whose teeth can do severe damage. Even a single bite can require extensive and expensive medical treatment.
Dog bites can cause many types of injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Disease transmission
- Infection
- Puncture wounds
- Scarring
- Significant pain
Understanding Georgia’s Dog Bite Laws
Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Bites in Georgia
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What Should I Do If I Was Bitten by a Dog While on the Job?
If you sustained dog bite injuries while on the job, you likely have a workers’ compensation claim, regardless of whether the dog’s owner was at fault. You should immediately report the incident and your injuries in detail to your employer. We can help you explore your options for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
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What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Dog Bite Lawsuit?
The value of your claim will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. With that said, you are generally entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.
We can help you get just compensation for many types of losses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage (such as torn clothing or a broken phone)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
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How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for dog bites is typically two years from the date of the attack. If you miss this deadline, you will most likely be unable to recover any damages.
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What Should I Do If I Cannot Locate the Attacking Dog’s Owner?
In some scenarios, you may be attacked by a dog with no apparent owner. It is possible that the dog escaped its home, or the owner may negligently fail to keep track of it. If you cannot immediately find the owner after an attack, consider calling your county’s animal control department. This neutral government agency will document the incident, secure the loose animal, and help track down the dog’s owner. Calling animal control may also be a good idea if the dog’s owner is present at the scene but refuses to give you contact information.
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