Injured Because of a Dog Bite in Stockbridge? The Millar Law Firm Can Help You Today
If you’ve recently been injured from a dog bite in Stockbridge, you might feel uncertain about what steps to take next. We know that dog bites, no matter the size, are highly distressing; the physical and emotional scars can last for years to come. Recovering from your injury is hard enough, and on top of that, you might be wondering how to receive fair compensation from the property insurance company. Finding the right dog bite lawyer in Stockbridge, Georgia, can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make the process easier for you. With over 31 years of handling dog bite cases just like yours, The Millar Law Firm has the experience needed to help you pursue the compensation that reflects the full impact of your injury.
Our attorneys only handle personal injury cases and are proud of our track record of helping Georgia residents receive the compensation they deserve. To strengthen our clients’ cases, we have the resources of the best local experts and investigators and have in-depth knowledge of Georgia’s dog bite laws, which can significantly impact liability and compensation.
Table of Contents
Hiring Our Dog Bite Attorneys Can Give You an Edge When Dealing With Insurance Companies
Once the realization sets in that you will need to seek damages for the injuries you sustained in the dog bite incident, you will likely start to research law firms in Stockbridge that can help you with your case. It’s important to know that while many law firms will say they have dealt with dog bite cases in the past, they are unlikely to specialize solely in this area of personal injury law. Handling a dog bite claim isn’t as common as a car accident; every dog bite case is very unique, and not every firm has had as extensive experience as we have at The Millar Law Firm.
You may think that homeowners and their insurance companies will do the right thing and quickly comply with any requests you make for compensation for your injuries. Unfortunately, dealing with an insurance company can be very difficult, especially on a dog bite claim. Insurance companies will often push back, trying to pay out as little as possible. This underscores the importance of having a solid personal injury lawyer by your side; they will work with you to have the guidance and right advice to handle your case confidently.
Our approach is simple yet personalized. We take a tailored approach to every case, as each dog bite incident will have its nuances. We have spent years building our expertise in cases just like this, so we know what it takes to achieve the best results. From navigating overly complex insurance policies to understanding all of the local Stockbridge, Georgia laws, you can feel confident that when you have our attorneys by your side, you will have the best chance for maximum compensation.
What Makes The Millar Law Firm Different from the Other Stockbridge Law Firms?
When looking for the right personal injury lawyer to handle your dog bite case, it’s important to evaluate the type of team that will actually be working with you. Some firms will simply assign you an attorney, who is typically spread across a number of cases. At The Millar Law Firm, you will have a team of two or more legal professionals assigned to your case, always working on your behalf. This ensures constant communication and places the utmost focus on you, so you receive the attention you deserve.
Enduring a dog bite is a stressful and emotional process. We know how difficult this time can be and are here to make it easier. Your dedicated legal team will be there for you 24/7 to answer any question you have about your dog bite case and handle all of the heavy lifting with the insurance companies. These are just a few ways that we will always put you first.
Even though you will have a dedicated team when you choose The Millar Law Firm, we always discuss your case as a firm, consulting the other attorneys to ensure we’ve uncovered every avenue that could lead to you receiving maximum compensation. We never rush through a case; our team will spend the time to really understand the details of your case so we can enact the best possible plan.
What is the Process for a Dog Bite Claim in Georgia?
You should always seek medical attention as soon as you suffer a dog bite. This not only helps in your healing process by avoiding infection, but also helps to ensure a documented record of your injuries. You should then immediately report the incident to the local police or animal control, which allows authorities to quickly document the incident, helping to establish liability later in your case.
Collecting evidence, such as photos of your injury, and the details of the dog and its owner, will be imperative for your case. This will help to prove the severity of the bite, as well as the circumstances surrounding it. You should then consult a personal injury lawyer, like those at The Millar Law Firm, specializing in dog bite cases so you understand your rights and the nuances of Georgia’s dog bite liability laws.
In Georgia, dog bite liability can depend on factors like the dog’s history, if any, as well as the owner’s negligence to control their dog. Your attorney at The Millar Law Firm will work with you to establish liability by gathering the dog’s behavior and the owner’s actions leading up to the incident. During this time, your attorney will also see if homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies cover the bite and can help you file a claim with the appropriate insurer. The insurance company might then offer a settlement to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, they typically try to limit what they pay out, which is why it’s critical to work with an attorney who can negotiate with the insurer to reach a fair settlement that reflects the full impact of your injury.
Your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit for your dog bite if you collectively feel that the insurance company’s offer is insufficient or if the liability is being disputed. This would involve gathering additional evidence, preparing for trial, and presenting your case to maximize your potential compensation. If a settlement is reached, you and your personal injury attorney will finalize the agreement. In some instances in which a settlement can’t be reached, it may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury decides the outcome.
After your case is resolved, you will receive the compensation promised to cover your medical bills, emotional damages, lost wages, and anything else you are eligible for based on the nature of your dog bite injury. Compensation can greatly vary based on a few factors, like scarring, the long-term impact of the bite, and the overall severity of the injury.
Every case is different, and some parts of the process may take longer than others. Rest assured that your attorneys at The Millar Law Firm will always work to expedite the process where possible. The duration of your case can be affected by a few factors, such as the extent of injuries, the responses from insurance companies, whether or not the case goes to trial, as well as if the dog owner disputes liability.
Conversely, if you have experienced more minor injuries, are able to show clear liability, work with a cooperative insurance company, and have medical documentation on hand, it can help speed up the process. No matter which path your case takes, when you work with our personal injury attorneys, you have a responsive team on your side who won’t give up until you receive the compensation you deserve.
Dog Bite Case Results The Millar Law Firm Has Achieved Recently
- Visit our case results page, and list out 3 to 4 dog bite cases. Give some explanation about each case and the result we achieved.
- https://atlantadvocate.com/case-results/
We have been privileged to represent many Georgia residents who have faced dog bite injuries. Here are a few recent cases that we’ve helped win for our neighborhoods in Georgia:
Winning a $300,000 Settlement for Hand Injury Due to Neighbor’s Dog Attack
Our client was attacked by a neighbor’s roaming pit bull in his own yard, all while trying to protect his dog. The client suffered a severe hand injury from the bite. The Millar Law Firm proved the dog was loose in violation of county ordinances, leading the insurance company to settle for the policy limit of $300,000.
A $100,000 Recovery After Attack by Two Loose Pit Bulls
Our client was attacked by two pit bulls owned by a neighbor. The dog owner initially attempted to evade responsibility, but The Millar Law Firm uncovered a hidden renter’s insurance policy, ultimately securing the policy limits of $100,000 for the client.
A $150,000 Settlement for Facial Injuries Requiring Reconstructive Surgery
Our client suffered severe facial injuries due to a dog bite. Multiple reconstructive surgeries were needed to repair the damage. The Millar Law Firm secured a $150,000 settlement to cover medical expenses and pain and suffering.
These are just a few highlights from dog bite cases we have represented over the years. We are proud of the results we’ve gotten for our Atlanta community and aim to serve anyone who suffers a dog bite injury to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
The Millar Law Firm Does Not Charge Any Fees Unless We Win
You deserve justice without the worry of up-front legal fees. We operate on a contingency fee basis; that means our personal injury clients only pay if we recover compensation for you. We believe strongly in this accessible approach, as it allows you to focus on getting better without worrying about upfront costs.
Important FAQs About Dog Bite Injury Legal Claims
Can a Scar from a Dog Bite Result in More Compensation?
Scars, even if small, can be a constant reminder of the event that took place. Not all dog bites are the same; factors like the severity of the bite, the level of negligence from the dog’s owner, and the impact it has on your life will be taken into consideration as we build your case.
We understand the emotional toll it can take on your day-to-day life and will fight for compensation that reflects that. While very rare, we also take on fatal dog bites. These incidents have devastating effects on families, and we are committed to helping pursue both justice and compensation.
Can a Property Insurance Policy Cover a Dog Bite?
In the state of Georgia, homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies will usually provide coverage for dog bite injuries. This coverage typically applies whether the bite happened on or off the dog owner’s property, which ensures you receive compensation even if the incident occurred off their property.
Additionally, in Georgia, carriers are not allowed to exclude liability coverage for a dog unless it has a history of biting or has shown aggressive behavior in the past. Your personal injury attorney can help you review the terms of the policy to see if coverage is available in a particular case.
If You Were Bitten by a Dog While Working, Can You Receive Both Workers’ Compensation and Dog Bite Injury Compensation?
If you were the victim of a dog bite while on the job, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation to help with your medical bills, any lost wages, and your overall recovery. In some cases, you can actually pursue additional compensation from the dog’s owner if their negligence contributed to your injury. This dual approach can help cover more than just the basics and makes sure that you are fairly compensated for the full impact of the dog bite.
Who Do You Call After a Dog Bite in Stockbridge?
If you suffer a dog bite in Stockbridge, you should immediately call 911 to seek medical assistance. The sooner you are seen, the less chance of infection and other long-term effects. You should also contact local police or animal control to ensure the incident is well documented. You should then seek a personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bites, like The Millar Law Firm, to help with your case. We’ll help you figure out the next steps so you can focus on healing.
If the Dog Owner is a Renter, Can You Seek Compensation Through Their Renter’s Insurance Policy?
Yes, renter’s insurance can usually cover dog bites. If the dog’s owner is renting, their renter’s insurance policy might cover this type of incident. You may also wonder about the implications for the landlord in this scenario. In Georgia, landlords are generally not liable for injuries caused by a tenant’s negligence, like a dog attack, due to the “out of possession” rule. Under O.C.G.A. 44-7-14, the property is considered to belong to the tenant during the lease. But, some exceptions can exist if the dog bite happened in an area under the landlord’s control, or if the landlord already knew about the dangerous dog.
Ready to Take Action? Here’s How to Start
If you have recently suffered a dog bite injury, it’s important to contact a firm that specializes in personal injury cases, like The Millar Law Firm. We can help you gain the justice you deserve. It all starts with a simple call to our office. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and discuss your options. From there, we’ll take it one step at a time so you’ll never feel overwhelmed. We’ll share our thoughts on the challenges and strengths of your case with you and let you know the best path forward.
Call us today for your free consultation, or explore other practice areas from our firm.