A well-trained, adequately supervised, and appropriately socialized dog can be an absolute delight. However, unsocialized dogs can be very aggressive, and a person’s attempts to run from them increases the chances of an attack.
You may wonder if you are entitled to compensation when you have been injured from a dog bite. The answer is not a straightforward yes or no. In this state, a victim must show that the owner did not act reasonably to protect others from their dog. This determination of reasonableness is a fact-based assessment that depends on the dog’s prior behavior, the owner’s behavior during the accident, and whether the victim provoked an attack. A Lithia Springs dog bite lawyer could help you determine whether you have a potential dog bite claim. Call one of our seasoned personal injury attorneys today for assistance.
During or after a dog attack, the victim and any bystanders should do whatever is needed to get the victim safe. This is the top priority, even if it means not collecting potentially helpful information for a lawsuit.
After the victim is safe, gather information about the dog. Often, the dog and its owner are known to the victim. Other times, you may need to be able to identify the dog and its owner. Take down information about the dog, including its breed, physical description, size, color, and sex. While the dog’s sex may seem irrelevant, the majority of dog attacks are by unneutered males. Take photos of the dog, its owner, any “beware of dog” signs, and your injuries. The signs can help prove that an owner knew a dog was aggressive.
Write down a description of the event. Include details like where it happened, anything that led to the attack, the dog’s whereabouts, whether it was on a leash, and more.
If the owner is present, get the owner’s name, phone number, address, and homeowner’s insurance information. Keep in mind that some dog owners will try to deny liability or ownership of the dog and may get aggressive with you. If you feel like it is dangerous to talk to the owner, contact the police instead.
Get immediate medical attention after any bite or scratch that breaks the skin. You can get all types of infections from a dog bite. People may also need emergency care for any traumatic injuries, as well as follow-up care like reconstructive surgery. Immediate medical care is also good for any potential claims or lawsuits; it reinforces that an injury was significant. A dog bite attorney in Lithia Springs could explain why evidence of medical care is essential.
People can feel conflicted about reporting a dog bite incident because many believe that a dog will be euthanized after a bite report, but this is not true. If a dog has a history of attacks, however, reporting it can provide a record of those bites. The record may be essential to show liability or — in the case of hazardous dogs — allow the city or county to take steps to protect others from the dog.
Plus, a police report is a great way to begin documenting the accident. The police can help locate owners or dogs and get contact information for a dog owner who refuses to share it. An attorney in Lithia Springs could help explain the benefits of reporting a dog bite.
Dog bites are a particular claim, and this state requires owners to act carelessly. They must be aware of a dog’s violent history and then fail to secure the dog or the yard. For dog bites that occur in their homes, the victim may have to prove the dog was unprovoked. Do not worry about these complexities — let a Lithia Springs dog bite lawyer handle them instead. Contact us today.
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