Animal & Dog Bites

Animal and Dog Bites Attorney

If you have been bitten by a dog or other animal being irresponsibly maintained, you may have a legal claim against the animal’s owner and you should call Decatur, Georgia animal and dog bites attorney, Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. immediately.

Andrew Lynch is an animal and dog bites attorney in Decatur, GA and is experienced in recovering damages for victims who suffered serious injuries because of negligent pet owners. Animal attacks are common, and though they do not always result in severe injuries, very often the victims suffer permanent damage. Fatalities also occur, and the surviving family members are left to wonder how the pet owner could have been so negligent and so careless. Recovering damages in these cases can be difficult, if not impossible, without the legal representation of an experienced animal and dog bites attorney in Decatur, GA. No amount of money can reverse a permanent or fatal injury, but a large settlement can ease the associated financial burden and other costs.

Georgia Law

We think of dogs as man’s best friend, and being injured by one can be confusing and frustrating. The first thing to do after being bitten is always to seek medical attention, a dog bite can cause a horrible infection, and dogs are carriers of many dangerous diseases such as rabies. After you receive the medical bill for these injuries, many questions may come to mind such as who to hold responsible for it and how to seek damages. Fortunately, Georgia law makes this very clear.

According to O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7, the owner of a dog or other type of “vicious or dangerous animal” is responsible for injuries caused by that dog under the following conditions:

• The owner was aware that the animal has aggressive or vicious tendencies due to a history of being aggressive towards other people chasing people or other animals.
• The dog was not on a leash while in an area that requires them to be. In many Metro-Atlanta areas, all public spaces that are not specifically designated as dog parks require dogs to be on a leash at all times.
• The dog was not being confined to private property, or the dog was being otherwise allowed to roam free where they may injure a person.
• The victim did nothing to provoke the animal, and acted in no way aggressive towards the animal.

If you have been hurt by a dog or another dangerous animal under the above conditions, then you can seek compensation for your injuries from the owner of that animal. Compensation may include medical bills, time off work and pain and suffering. This law puts the responsibility on the owner of a potentially dangerous animal to prevent harm to others. When an owner fails in this responsibility, and allow a dangerous animal to go loose and harm you, they are liable for the damages. One of the best decisions you may make regarding getting the compensation you deserve is to contact Andrew Lynch, a skilled animal and dog bites attorney in Decatur, GA.

Facts About Animal Bite Attacks and Injuries

Animal attacks can occur almost anywhere: a zoo, public sidewalk, neighbor’s yard or home, in a schoolyard. The primary factor that many animal attacks share is that the attack was unprovoked. Sadly, the majority of animal attack victims are children.

Though in some cases children have been known to trespass to locations where an animal is otherwise safely out of their reach and the child is subsequently attacked, this is not that common. Much more common are attacks involving animals that the child is familiar with and has had positive interactions within the past. Statistics show that dogs belonging to neighbors, friends, and one’s own family are much more likely to attack a child who had not provoked them into aggressive behavior. The unfortunate fact is that these attacks are usually very serious, and all too often fatal. Some of the most common injuries that Decatur, GA animal, and dog bites attorney Andrew Lynch has seen are these:

• Deep lacerations and puncture wounds of the face and hands
• Amputated fingers and other extremities (including ears and nose)
• Scarring
• Eye injuries
• Fractured or broken bones
• Emotional trauma requiring extensive psychological counseling
• Internal bleeding and injuries to internal organs

A Decatur GA Animal and Dog Bites Attorney Who Cares

The trauma a victim endures due to an animal attack is often severe and the resulting post-traumatic stress can last a lifetime. Andrew Lynch understands the importance of victims not be victimized twice by the justice system. To that end, he will work tirelessly to right the wrong of an unjustified an animal attack against an individual. Call Andrew Lynch, a Decatur, Georgia animal and dog bites attorney, today to schedule a free and confidential case review.

What To Do When Someone Denies Liability in a Dog Bite Accident

A trusted Georgia animal and dog bites attorney knows that dealing with a situation where someone denies liability in a dog bite attack can be challenging and emotionally distressing. However, it’s important to remain composed and take the appropriate steps to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Get in touch with an attorney from Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. when you need help with your claim.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, seek medical treatment right away, even if the wound seems minor. Prompt medical attention not only ensures your well-being but also establishes a record of your injuries.
2. Gather Evidence: If possible, collect evidence from the scene of the attack. Take photographs of your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and any visible signs of negligence or lack of control over the dog. This evidence can be crucial in establishing liability.
3. Identify Witnesses: If there were witnesses to the dog bite attack, obtain their contact information. Their statements can serve as valuable testimony should the case go to court or negotiations with the liable party become necessary.
4. Document the Incident: Write down a detailed account of the dog bite attack while your memory is fresh. Include information such as the date, time, location, circumstances, and any conversations you had with the dog owner or others involved.
5. Report the Incident: If the dog bite occurred in a public area, report the incident to the local animal control or law enforcement agency. This helps create an official record of the attack and can lead to an investigation into the dog’s history and behavior.
6. Obtain Medical Records: Your Georgia animal and dog bites attorney will tell you to request copies of your medical records related to the dog bite treatment. These records document the extent of your injuries, the treatment you received, and the associated medical expenses.
7. Engage in Negotiations: Your attorney can initiate negotiations with the liable party or their insurance company. They will present evidence, medical records, and any relevant information to support your claim. Be prepared for the possibility of negotiations taking time as parties evaluate the evidence.
8. File a Lawsuit: If negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory resolution, your attorney may advise you to file a personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney will guide you through the legal process and build a compelling case to demonstrate the dog owner’s liability.
9. Stay Cautious with Communications: Avoid discussing the case extensively with the dog owner or their insurance company without your attorney’s guidance. Statements made during such conversations could potentially be used against you.
10. Document Damages: Keep records of all damages stemming from the dog bite attack. This includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any emotional distress you experience. These records will support your claim for compensation.
11. Practice Patience: Resolving a dog bite liability case can take time. Be patient as your attorney works to gather evidence, negotiate, and navigate the legal process.

Dealing with a denial of liability in a dog bite attack requires a systematic approach to gathering evidence, protecting your rights, and seeking fair compensation for your injuries. When you are ready to move forward with your claim, get in touch with a Georgia animal and dog bites attorney from Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. to see how they can help.