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Dog Bite Lawyer

If you were injured in a dog bite incident, you may not know where to turn or how to recover compensation for your medical bills and other damages. At the Hines Law Firm, a dog bite injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation to cover the cost of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We know how this type of incident can impact a victim financially, physically, and emotionally, and we want to help you recover a fair settlement for the harm you have suffered. Postal workers aren’t the only ones who can be a dog-bite victim from guard dogs. Canine companions are wonderful but we shouldn’t forget that they can create an unfortunate experience if they haven’t received proper training.

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How Can a Dog Bite Attorney Help?

If you were bitten or attacked by a dog, you should pursue compensation to cover the cost of ongoing medical bills, lost wages, and other damages you incurred as a result of the attack. At the Hines Law Firm, a dog bite attorney can help you during this difficult time in several ways, including:

  • Investigate the incident
  • Gather evidence
  • Interview witnesses
  • Identify the liable party
  • Consult with experts
  • Assess damages
  • Negotiate with the insurance company or defense attorney
  • File a lawsuit on your behalf, if necessary

What is the One Bite Rule?

The one-bite rule states that the dog’s owner is liable for any damages the dog causes if the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s vicious nature. A dog is considered dangerous if it has a history of biting. When a dog attacks an animal or person, the dog’s owner can be held liable for any future damages the dog inflicts on others.

Modified One Bite Rule

Georgia follows a modified one-bite rule. In Georgia, the dog’s owner is liable for a dog bite if they knew their animal was vicious. The dog owner has a duty of care for the public when they’re out with their dog. The dog’s owner can be held liable if they were careless or the attack was unprovoked. To hold the dog’s owner liable for damages, the injured party must prove that the dog had a vicious predisposition, the owner knew their animal was dangerous or should have known there could be future attacks, and allowed the animal to roam free, or the animal was negligently managed. Pit bulls and bull terriers get a bad rap for being aggressive dog breeds, but all breeds of dogs can be dangerous breeds if they don’t receive proper training.

The injured party can also hold the owner liable if they weren’t following leash laws and the animal was not on a leash in public at the time of the attack.

How Can a Dog Bite Lawyer Prove Liability?

Your dog bite lawyer will need to provide proof in court or when negotiating with the insurance company that the dog owner was the negligent party. Dog-bite coverage typically falls under homeowners insurance policies.

Proof can include the following types of evidence:

  • Animal control records
  • Vet records
  • Testimony from witnesses or a previous victim
  • Records of complaints regarding the dog
  • Video footage

Your attorney must also provide proof of the severity of your injuries, using evidence such as expert testimony, photos of your attack injuries, and your medical bills and medical records.

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What Our Clients Have To Say

“Thank you all for the help during the time of uncertainty , very attentive and very professional group of individuals especially Julian who is a very great part of the team. Took time out of his day to reach out to you either through email or phone call. Your questions will be answered. Thank you all for the great help. 🙏🏽”

Juan Pesina
Happy Client

“They are a team of very responsible, kind and dedicated professionals, they were always aware of all the details of the case and keeping us informed about each step we should take, I recommend them 100% Thanks so much, Great job”

Vanessa
Happy Client

“They are an excellent team, they always attended to all my concerns, defending my rights and representing me throughout the process.  they always made me feel calm and trusting of them.  I highly recommend them.  They met all my expectations.”

Arianna Carrizo
Happy Client

“Helped me so much during my accident. I recommend this firm to everyone I know and meet they’re just that amazing and I love that their team is bilingual!!”

Mari Gutierrez
Happy Client

What to Do After a Dog Attack

If you are attacked by a dog, taking the following steps can protect your health and your rights:

Seek Medical Treatment

If you suffered severe injuries, contact 911. Even if your injuries are not life-threatening, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Report the Attack

Contact the police department or your local animal control to report the incident. Provide details regarding the animal’s description, the location of the attack, and the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Exchange Information with the Dog’s Owner

If you can identify the dog’s owner, exchange contact information. Obtain their full name, phone number, address, and insurance information.

Document the Attack

Take photos of your injuries and the location of the attack, and write down what led up to the attack. If anyone witnessed the incident, obtain their contact information.

Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Advice

Follow all medical treatment advice and make it to every appointment. Keep medical records of all treatment received.

Contact a Dog Bite Attorney

Contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible for legal recourse. A knowledgeable lawyer can advise you on how to proceed with your case and what your legal rights and options are.

What Types Of Injuries Can a Dog Attack Cause?

A dog attack can cause a wide range of injuries. From emotional scarring to physical pain, dog bites can lead to major injuries. The severity of these injuries can depend on the number and location of the bites and the size and breed of the dog.

Common injuries sustained in a dog bite attack include:

01

Puncture Wounds

Dog bites can cause deep puncture wounds. Puncture wounds are deep injuries caused by the dog’s teeth penetrating the skin. These deep, narrow injuries penetrate the skin and underlying tissues.

02

Lacerations

Lacerations are cuts or tears in the skin and soft tissues.

03

Contusions

Blunt force trauma from a dog’s jaws or teeth can result in contusions.

04

Fractures and Broken Bones

Severe attacks can result in fractures or broken bones, especially if the victim is knocked to the ground or thrown against objects.

05

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage can occur if a dog’s teeth penetrate deeply or if there is significant trauma to the affected area.

06

Infections

A dog bite can introduce bacteria and other pathogens into the body, causing a severe infection.

07

Scarring and Disfigurement

A dog bite can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement, especially if the injuries affect highly visible areas of the body, such as the face, neck, or hands.

What is the Statute Of Limitations in Georgia?

If you were injured in a dog attack, you will have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit and pursue maximum compensation. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, your case may be dismissed and you will be unable to recover any compensation.

Contact Us Today!

If you were injured in an accident that was caused by the negligent actions of another, contact a personal injury lawyer at the Hines Law Firm today to get legal advice on what to do next. We have decades of experience representing accident victims. Let our legal team guide you through the complex legal process, every step of the way and help recover the compensation you deserve, as soon as possible. Our law office works on a contingency basis which means that you won’t pay anything unless your bite claim is won. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more.

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Atlanta

678-846-3161

Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines 1100 Circle 75 Pkwy SE, Suite 1200, Atlanta, GA 30339

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678-359-6025

Law Offices of Matthew C.Hines 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Suite 282 Austell, GA 30106

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678-990-8905

Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines 175 John W. Morrow Junior Pkwy Gainesville, GA 30501

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678-972-1521

Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines 6463 Tara Blvd, Jonesboro, GA 30236

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678-679-4076

Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines 639 Powder Springs Street, Unit D Marietta, GA 30069

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706-661-8263

Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines 1614 E Morris St, Dalton, GA 30721

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