If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you may be wondering if you need a personal injury lawyer to help you file a claim for your dog bite. Some people prefer to handle the legalities on their own and may not wish to engage legal counsel.
How Severe is the Dog Bite?
Dog bites can be a tiny nip or a major injury. If you have been injured in a dog bite, it is important to assess the severity of the injury.
Medical experts advise getting medical attention immediately. This can help to determine the severity of the injury, prevent infection, and possibly schedule surgery.
In severe cases, a dog bite may require multiple surgeries, plastic surgery, or ongoing medical treatment. For severe bites, there may also be emotional trauma and long-lasting physical impact.
Dog bites that result in life-changing impairment can influence your ability to enjoy life, work your job, and may affect your finances, health, and well-being.
Who is Legally Responsible?
Local laws and ordinances vary in determining who is responsible for the dog bite. In some areas, dog owners are fully responsible for their dog’s actions. In others, there may be issues such as violation of a leash law or violation of a trespassing law.
Determining responsibility can be complex and intricate. If you do not know the specific laws, ordinances, and regulations, you might miss an important fact in determining who is responsible for the incident.
How Will You Get Through the Georgia Legal Process?
For many people, lawyers, courts, and legal processes are like a labyrinth or maze. An experienced attorney can guide you through the steps of the legal process. A dog bite lawyer is deeply familiar with Georgia Dog Bite Laws such as rules of evidence, deadlines for filing, liability laws, negotiating, and presenting cases in court proceedings.
While the law entitles people to represent themselves in court, there are realities to consider. You may want to evaluate if you have a complete understanding of the law in Marietta, if you are skilled in negotiations, and if you have the expert training to represent your case effectively.
How Much are You Entitled to in Marietta?
The amount of damages can be determined by several factors. According to an Insurance Information Institute (III) report, dog bite compensations have risen and continue to rise each year.
The damages may cover medical costs, pain and suffering, emotional impact, lost wages, loss of enjoyment, and ongoing or future medical expenses.
Although it can be complicated, an experienced lawyer can help to assess each case. A lawyer who is trained in dog-bite cases works with medical professionals to understand the scope of medical care needed in each case. The lawyer evaluates financial impact such as loss of work, physical impairment, or financial impact. These factors contribute to the determination of compensation.
How to Protect Your Rights in a Marietta Dog Bite Case
If you, a child, or a loved one has been involved in a dog bite incident, it is vital to know your rights and navigate the legal process.