Do You Need an Injury Attorney For A Dog Bite Case in or Near Forest Park, Georgia? We Can Help

If you or someone you care about has been bitten, attacked, mauled or knocked-down and hurt by a dog, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The Millar Law Firm has been serving the personal injury needs our clients near you in the Forest Park, Lake City, Hapeville, Conley, Rex, Morrow, Stockbridge and Jonesboro area for three decades.

Our dedicated Team of legal professionals specializes in dog bite and attack cases. We have an in-depth understanding of all cities in Clayton County Georgia’s local dog bite ordinances, as well as applicable state laws and have successfully recovered full and fair compensation for victims of dog attacks in and around the area for many years.

Whether you are simply seeking guidance about whether or how to file a dog bite claim or need legal representation for a claim against a negligent dog owner or keeper, The Millar Law Firm can help. Your journey towards healing and justice begins by calling us today at 770-400-0000 for a free consultation and legal advice.

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What Types of Compensation Are You Entitled to After a Dog Bite, Knock-down or Mauling?

Damages that our law firm will help you recover include your “economic damages or losses” which include: ambulance and emergency room bills, wound care, surgical costs, lost pay, and all other out-of-pocket costs and expenses. We will also help your recover your “general” or “non-economic damages” that include pain and suffering, mental trauma, physical injuries, scarring and disfigurement, nerve damage, loss of mobility, and other priceless harms you have suffered.

What Does The Millar Law Firm Charge to Handle Dog Bite and Attack Cases?

Our services are very affordable, as we charge a contingency fee, meaning you do not pay anything up front. If we are able to accept your case we will investigate and handle your case with no charge until and unless we recover money for you, at which time we receive a percentage of the recovery. You only pay if you win.

What Makes Our Law Firm Different Than Most Law Firms For Dog Bite Cases?

In the three decades The Millar Law Firm has been serving the people of Forest Park, we’ve gathered the experience it takes to successfully recover compensation for our clients in dog bite cases.

Dog bite and attack cases present some unique challenges. Unfortunately, many irresponsible dog owners, after carelessly failing to control their dog attempt to blame the victim for non-sensical reasons – like the victim tried to “run away” or “acted afraid” – as if this justified their dog in attacking. Other dog owners try to hide whether they have homeowners or renters insurance that may cover your medical bills and pain and suffering.

It’s possible for you to handle your own dog bite case without the help of an attorney, but we have developed investigative approaches to these and other creative “defenses” that we can use to your advantage. Give us a call to learn more.

What Laws Hold Forest Park Dog Owners Responsible When Their Dog Attacks and Injures a Victim?

Under Georgia State Law, O.C.G.A. 51-2-7 a dog owner or the person responsible for keeping and controlling a dog can be liable for injuries caused if they carelessly manage the dog.

A dog may be considered vicious if it had acted aggressively toward a human in the past or had bitten or attacked a person on a previous occasion.

Alternately, a dog is deemed vicious under Georgia law if it is roaming in violation of a local ordinance.

Types of Dog Bite and Attack Cases The Millar Law Firm Handles:

Our attorneys have handled the following incidents, as well as many more:

• Children and adults bitten by all breeds of dogs
• Pit Bull maulings
• Delivery drivers bitten or attacked while bringing packages
• Repair and maintenance workers, such as HVAC, cable, lawn maintenance and other service providers
• Bicycle riders bitten or knocked over
• Motorcycle riders and passengers
• Home healthcare workers
• Relatives visiting other family members

The Millar Law Firm Handles Dog Bite Wound Cases Involving Serious Infections

Some of the types of dog bit infection cases we handle include:

• Staphylococcus (Staph)
• Streptococcus (Strep)
•  Pasteurella
• Capnocytophaga
• Neisseria
•  Clostridium tetani (Tetanus.)

What Damages Can Be Recovered From a Dog Bite Case Where a Serious Infection Occurred?

An infection caused by a dog bite can have life threatening consequences and could mean lengthy treatment and hospital stays.

Financial loss – Medical treatment following a dog attack can be crippling. This is particularly true if the treatment goes beyond a few stitches and bandages. If an infection develops, which is highly likely, the cost to treat and eliminate the threat to life and limb can be monumental. Too often, Forest Park trauma victims do not have insurance or financial reserves to cover these costs.

Quality of life – The trauma of a dog attack can and often does become a terrible burden for the victims and their families. The physical and emotional consequences of a dog attack can follow the victims for the rest of their lives. The psychological implications alone may make counseling and expensive treatment necessary for years., making living a ‘normal’ life nearly impossible.

Is it Important to Seek Medical Care Following a Dog Bite?

Following a dog bite, you might imagine that you’re not seriously hurt and may even consider not going to the doctor to be examined. However, getting treatment and receiving medical care for your injuries after a dog bite is essential for several reasons:

Emergency Medical Care: Although it may seem obvious, but any delay in seeking medical care may increase your risk of a serious infection or may make any potential scars worse. Additionally, if you do not seek immediate medical care a dog owner or their insurance company may try to claim that your injuries were not caused by “their dog” but in another incident or situation that happened later.

Infection risk: Dog bites can introduce any number of harmful bacteria as listed above, into the wound, leading to infection if left untreated.

Proper wound care: A medical professional can clean the wound, assess the severity, and determine the best course of treatment, which could include stitches, antibiotic medication, or a tetanus shot.

Documentation of injuries: Seeking medical attention creates an important written record of your injuries, which can be essential evidence if you decide to pursue a dog bite claim.

Potential rabies exposure: While relatively rare, rabies is a serious concern after a dog bite. A healthcare professional can assess your risk and recommend appropriate treatment, such as post-exposure prophylaxis, if necessary.

Peace of mind: Getting medical care after a dog bite can provide reassurance and peace of mind, knowing that your injuries have been properly addressed.

Seeking prompt medical attention after a dog bite is crucial for your physical health and well-being, and can provide documentation of your injuries protecting your legal rights.

FAQ: How Lawyers Can Preserve and Protect Your Legal Rights as a Dog Bite or Attack Victim

In Forest Park and across the State of Georgia, dog bite victims have rights that can be preserved, protected, and used to gain compensation for the damages caused by dog attacks. The Millar Law Firm’s dog bite injury lawyers can help protect your rights after a dog attack.

What Happens if a Dog Owner Tries to Hide the Dog or Denies Ownership?

Some dog owners and keepers deny ownership or try to hide their dog after an attack. Establishing the facts surrounding the dog’s ownership can be challenging, but we have experience in dealing with these difficult situations. Prior calls to animal control, county vaccination records, veterinary records and statements from neighbors can all be used to determine a dog’s ownership.

What if a Dog Owner Denies Responsibility or Is Trying to Blame You For the Attack?

Dog owners and their insurance company’s lawyers often try to argue that the victim’s actions contributed to the incident, such as trespassing, provoking the dog or ignoring warning signs. These defenses are often without merit, and are thrown up in an effort to discourage you from moving forward with your case or claim. Our expert dog bite lawyers see these defenses often, and can fight through unfair or made-up excuses and failures to accept responsibility using public records, testimony from animal control officers, 911 audio recordings, doorbell camera footage, and eyewitness testimony.

What if a Dog Owner Denies Having Insurance Coverage or Fails to Turn Your Claim Over to an Insurance Company?

Dog bite incidents are often covered under homeowners’  or renters’ insurance policies. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for the animal’s owner to refuse to tell you who their insurance company is or to lie, claiming to be uninsured. Don’t take their word for it. First, property ownership records should be checked to see who the owner and/or mortgage holder is. Most homeowners are insured. If the dog owner is a renter, does thier apartment complex or landlord require renters insurance? Sometimes a letter from our law firm or filing suit results in a reluctant dog owner finally disclosing who thier insurance coverage is with.

What Are Some of The Best Ways to Investigate a Dog Bite or Attack?

First, call animal control and request a thorough investigation. If that was already done, or after animal control investigates, witness statements from neighbors can be obtained, 911 audio recordngs, ambulance and EMS reports, doorbell cameras, and police body cam recordings should all be requested. You may also want to take photos of the incident scene, including any broken or dug-out fences, tethers or gates that may show or explain how a dog was able to escape and attack you.

Can I Recover for Emotional Trauma Caused by a Dog Attack?

Yes. In Georgia, you are entitled to recover damages for emotional harm caused by an attack.Victims may experience long-term emotional distress manifesting itself as fearing dogs, or symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) both which can complicate the claim process and make the victim’s overall recovery longer and more difficult. These emotional consequences of a dog bite can be part of a life-long loss of quality of life.

How Long Do I Have to File a Forest Park Georgia Dog Bite Claim or Lawsuit?

If you are a victim in a Forest Park dog attack, you need to be aware that there are filing deadlines in Georgia. Although you may assert your claim immediately, you only have two years to file a lawsuit if your case is not settled before then. Your claim may be dismissed if you file your claim after the deadline set by the statute of limitations.

Can I Handle My Dog Bite Case Without a Lawyer?

You can. It is entirely up to you to decide whether or not to hire a dog bite lawyer if you’ve been bitten. However, having an experienced attorney on your side can be highly beneficial in navigating the complex legal process and ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and emotional distress.

By consulting with and/or retaining a Forest Park attorney experienced in dog bite and attack law you will have a number of advantages. An attorney can give you the edge as a result of their in-depth knowledge of local dog bite laws, expertise in gathering evidence and handling legal documents. While most claims never go to court, if necessary, your attorney will also  represent you in court if that becomes necessary. Whatever path your claim takes, your lawyer will have the expertise necessary to negotiate a full and fair compensation package.

The Millar Law Firm offers free consultations so you can learn your options and understand your rights. Such a consultation can be a wise way to start your claim.

Why Our Firm is a Good Fit For Forest Park Residents

When you are the victim of a dog attack, it’s easy to feel as though the legal cards are stacked against you. At such times, it’s good to have the sense that you have a trusted neighbor to help you through the process.

The Millar Law Firm has been practicing in the Forest Park area for a long time. Not only do we know Georgia law in relation to dog attacks, but we also know the local court system and the people who may ultimately make the decisions about your claim. Having our firm on your team may give you the home-court advantage.

Additionally, our long association with Forest Park means that we can gather evidence more effectively – knowing law enforcement, medical personnel, and others who deal daily with dangerous dogs is a big advantage in obtaining the information necessary to gain full and fair compensation.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, at The Millar Law Firm, our focus is ALWAYS on the well-being of our clients. When you are faced with a complicated challenge that involves your physical, financial, and mental health, the value of a concerned partner is beyond measure. We take great pride in our commitment to our Forest Park neighbors.