Cumming Dog Bites Lawyer

Fighting For Dog Bite Accident Victims in Georgia

Dog bites can cause extreme physical and emotional trauma, leaving victims with lasting scars and significant medical expenses. If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, it is important to understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation. At Bettis Musgrove, our Cumming dog bites attorney is dedicated to helping victims navigate the complex legal landscape and secure the compensation they rightfully deserve.

Call Bettis Musgrove today at (470) 347-1515 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our dog bites attorney in Cumming.

Common Injuries in Dog Bite Accidents

Common injuries from dog bite incidents include:

• Puncture Wounds: These deep wounds can cause significant damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves. They also pose a high risk of infection if not treated promptly.
• Lacerations and Abrasions: Deep cuts and scrapes can lead to extensive bleeding and may require stitches or surgical intervention to heal properly.
• Infections: Dog bites could introduce harmful bacteria into the body, causing infections like tetanus, rabies, and cellulitis.
• Nerve Damage: Severe bites may damage nerves, resulting in loss of sensation or function in the affected area. This can lead to long-term disability and the need for ongoing medical treatment.
• Broken Bones: The strength of a dog bite can be strong enough to break bones, particularly in the hands, arms, and legs. Broken bones can require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent scarring and disfigurement can occur, especially when bites are to the face or other visible areas. This can lead to psychological trauma and a diminished quality of life.
• Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Victims of dog bites often experience anxiety, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly if the attack is severe or unexpected.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Dog Bite Accident Claim?

Possible damages that could be recovered include the following:

• Medical Expenses: This covers the expenses of emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing medical care related to the injuries sustained from the dog bite.
• Lost Wages: If the injury stops the victim from working, they may be entitled to compensation for lost income during the recovery period. This can include both past and future lost earnings if the injury results in long-term disability.
• Pain and Suffering: Victims can often seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional misery that was caused by the dog bite. This includes compensation for anxiety, depression, and other psychological impacts.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy: Costs that are associated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health counseling can be recovered as part of the claim.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Compensation for permanent scarring or disfigurement can help cover the cost of cosmetic surgery and other treatments aimed at minimizing the appearance of scars.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injuries from the dog bite significantly impact the victim’s capability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies, they could be entitled to compensation for this loss.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Accident

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it is crucial to take certain steps to ensure both your safety and the strength of your legal case. Here’s what you should do immediately after the incident:

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if the injury seems minor, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. Dog bites can easily become infected, and a medical professional will evaluate the severity of the wound and provide necessary treatment.
• Report the Incident: It’s essential to report the dog bite to the local authorities or animal control. This documentation will be important in determining whether the dog has a history of aggression or rabies vaccinations.
• Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of your injuries and the scene of the attack. If there are any witnesses, gather their contact information. This will help build a strong case for compensation.
• Identify the Dog and Its Owner: Document the dog’s information, including its breed, size, color, and any distinguishing features. If the dog is a pet, you will also need the owner’s contact details.
• Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize the payout or get you to settle for less than you deserve. Avoid discussing the accident with them until you have consulted with an experienced dog bite attorney.

Understanding Emotional and Psychological Trauma After a Dog Bite

Dog bite victims often experience more than just physical injuries. The trauma caused by a dog bite can lead to emotional and psychological challenges, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The shock and fear caused by the attack can trigger PTSD, leading to symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, and difficulty sleeping.
• Fear of Dogs: Victims, especially children, may develop a deep fear of dogs, even of friendly or familiar pets. This fear can be debilitating and require ongoing therapy or counseling.
• Depression: The physical and emotional effects of a dog bite, especially when it leads to scarring or permanent injury, can cause feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

Our Cumming dog bite attorney understands the profound psychological impact of a dog attack. In addition to physical injury compensation, we work to ensure that victims are compensated for their emotional and psychological suffering as well.

Dog Bite Prevention Tips

If you are concerned about the possibility of a dog bite, it’s important to take steps to prevent it. Here are a few tips to reduce the risk of dog bites:

• Approach Dogs Cautiously: Always approach a dog slowly and let it come to you, rather than the other way around.
• Avoid Provoking Dogs: Never provoke a dog, whether by teasing it, startling it, or making it feel threatened.
• Teach Children How to Act Around Dogs: Educate children on proper behavior when interacting with dogs. They should avoid running or making sudden movements around dogs.
• Secure Your Own Dog: If you are a dog owner, ensure that your dog is properly trained, socialized, and secured in your yard or home to prevent accidents.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Accident Claims?

In the state of Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, which includes dog bite cases, is usually two years from the incident date. Victims have two years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries. Failure to file within this timeframe can result in losing the right to pursue legal action and recover damages.

Act quickly and consult with our dog bite attorney as soon as possible to ensure all necessary steps are taken within the legal deadlines. The early legal intervention also helps gather and preserve evidence, which is essential for building a strong case.

Call Bettis Musgrove today at (470) 347-1515 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our dog bites attorney in Cumming.