404-636-4900 The tranquility of a regular day in Columbus can be shattered in an instant by a dangerous dog attack. Such incidents are not only terrifying but can also leave victims with severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens due to medical bills and lost wages. But when these accidents happen because of the negligence of a careless dog owner, the law allows you to claim compensation to cover your damages.
At Deming Parker, we have a team of expert lawyers, specializing in dangerous dog attack cases, and we comprehend the emotional and physical trauma these incidents inflict on the victims and their families. Our goal is to secure fair restitution and accountability, no matter the size of the case.
Injured By A Dangerous Dog In Columbus? Our Expert Attorneys Can Help You Claim Compensation
Recent data from the CDC highlights a concerning trend: fatalities and injuries from dog attacks have steadily increased over the last five years across the United States. Hundreds of individuals find themselves navigating the aftermath of these attacks each year, often without knowing their rights or the best course of action to seek justice and compensation.
If this is unfortunate your situation, here’s how we can assist:
- Case evaluation: We start by thoroughly assessing the details of the incident to build a strong foundation for your claim.
- Identifying liable parties: Our team works diligently to determine the liability, whether it’s the dog owner or another party, to hold them accountable.
- Navigating Georgia’s dog bite laws: We guide you through the complexities of Georgia’s legal statutes related to dog bites, ensuring your rights are protected.
- Securing compensation: Our goal is to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages resulting from the attack.
In the wake of a dog attack, you need a legal team that treats your case with the seriousness and urgency it deserves. Our personal injury lawyers are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive legal support to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you need to move forward.
What Steps Should I Take After Being Bitten by a Dog in Columbus?
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, taking immediate and specific actions can significantly impact both your health and the strength of any potential legal claim you might pursue. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do:
- Seek medical attention immediately: Even if the bite seems minor, there’s a risk of infection or other complications. Additionally, the medical report will be crucial for filing a future dog bite claim.
- Report the incident to local authorities: In Columbus, dog bites should be reported to the Columbus Police Department and the local Animal Control unit.
- Document everything: Take clear photos of your injuries, the location where the incident occurred, and the dog, if possible.
- Gather information: Obtain the contact information of the dog’s owner, including their name, address, and phone number. If there were any witnesses to the incident, ask for their contact details as well.
- Preserve evidence: Keep any clothing or personal items that were damaged during the incident without washing or altering them. They can serve as evidence of the attack.
Before making any statements to insurance companies or the dog’s owner, we strongly suggest you consult with a lawyer who specializes in dog bite cases. An experienced attorney at Deming Parker can provide you with guidance on your rights, the relevant Georgia laws, and the best course of action for pursuing compensation.
Common Injuries Sustained in Dog Bite Accidents
Dog bite accidents can lead to many types of physical injuries, some of which may have long-term consequences for the victim, including:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Broken bones
- Infections
- Emotional trauma (including post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD)
- Wrongful death In the most tragic circumstances
We have seen how recovering from a dog bite can be a physically and emotionally taxing process. Victims may face not only the challenge of healing physically but also the burden of overcoming the psychological impact of the attack. In such moments, our help becomes invaluable to make sure the negligent parties are held accountable to pay for your treatment and recovery. We have secured many successful results across Georgia, and want to do the same for you.
Who is Responsible for an Injury Caused by a Dog Bite in Columbus
The responsibility for an injury caused by a dog bite is often determined by O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7, which outlines the conditions under which a dog owner may be held liable for injuries their pet causes. According to this statute, a dog owner can be held liable if:
- The dog was considered to be “vicious” or “dangerous,” and the owner was aware of this temperament.
- The injury occurred because the dog owner negligently managed the animal or allowed it to roam freely in violation of local leash laws.
The key to a dog bite case is often to show the owner was conscious of their dog’s hostile tendencies or failed to obey local animal control laws.
Don’t Let An Injury Stop Your Life – Claim Damages For A Dog Bite Accident
Suffering from a dog bite can disrupt your life significantly, but it’s crucial to remember that you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Overall, the types of damages we will consider for your claim include:
Medical Expenses
You can claim compensation for all medical treatments related to your dog bite injuries, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any future medical care you may require.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you’re entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes not only the income you’ve lost while recovering but also any future earnings lost if your injuries affect your ability to work.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured as a result of the dog bite. This includes anxiety, fear, and other psychological effects.
Wrongful Death
In cases where a dog bite leads to fatal injuries, the victim’s family may pursue a wrongful death claim. This can include compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer at Deming Parker in Columbus – Serving Injured People Since 1974
At Deming Parker, our experienced dog bite lawyers are committed to supporting you through this challenging time, helping you claim the damages you deserve to move forward with your life. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite accident in Columbus, contact us to learn how we can assist you in your recovery and claim process. We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case without any commitment from you.
