Dog Bite and Dog Attack Cases: Why You Need Drake Legal to Protect Your Rights

A dog bite or dog attack can cause serious injuries, emotional trauma, and even death. Whether a dog was unrestrained, poorly supervised, or known to be aggressive, the consequences for the victim can be life-changing. Injuries from dog bites can range from minor lacerations and infections to severe disfigurement, nerve damage, and emotional distress. In some tragic cases, dog attacks can even result in wrongful death.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a dog attack caused by the negligence of a dog’s owner or a business, it’s critical to have a skilled attorney by your side. Drake Legal is here to help you understand your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our experienced team is dedicated to holding negligent dog owners and businesses accountable for the harm they cause.

1. The Seriousness of Dog Bite and Dog Attack Injuries

A dog bite or attack can result in a wide range of injuries, both physical and psychological. Some common injuries from dog attacks include:

Physical Injuries:                                                

• Lacerations and Puncture Wounds: Dog bites often cause deep cuts or punctures, which can lead to infections, scarring, or nerve damage.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: When a dog attacks, it may knock a person down, leading to broken bones or fractures, especially in children or elderly victims.
• Facial Injuries: Dog attacks, particularly from larger breeds, often cause injuries to the face, which can result in permanent disfigurement and the need for reconstructive surgery.
• Infections: Dogs’ mouths can carry harmful bacteria, so even seemingly minor bite wounds can quickly become infected and require prolonged medical treatment.
• Nerve Damage: Severe bites or attacks can result in nerve damage, which can cause long-term pain, numbness, or loss of function in the affected areas.
• Emotional Trauma: Dog bite victims may experience significant emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and fear of dogs or animals in general. These psychological injuries can require therapy and can impact a person’s quality of life for years.

Fatalities:

In rare cases, particularly when the victim is a child or elderly adult, a dog attack can result in death. In these situations, surviving family members may have a right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the dog’s owner.

2. Who Is Responsible for Dog Bite and Dog Attack Injuries?

In Georgia, dog owners are held responsible for the actions of their pets in many cases, particularly if they are negligent in controlling, restraining, or supervising their dog. Under Georgia’s dog bite laws, the dog owner can be liable for injuries if:

• The dog was unprovoked: If the dog bit or attacked without provocation, the owner can be held accountable for failing to prevent the attack.
• The owner knew the dog was dangerous: If the dog had previously shown aggressive behavior or had a history of biting or attacking people, the owner may be deemed negligent for not properly securing or controlling the dog.
• The owner failed to restrain the dog properly: Whether the dog was off-leash in a public space, roaming unsupervised, or otherwise not adequately restrained, the owner can be held liable for their failure to properly control the dog.

In some cases, businesses or property owners can also be held responsible for injuries caused by dogs on their premises. For example:

• Dog attacks on business property: If a dog is present in a commercial establishment (such as a restaurant, store, or park) and attacks a customer, the business owner may be responsible if the dog was not properly controlled or if the business failed to ensure a safe environment.
• Negligent supervision: If a business allows dogs in areas where they should be prohibited or fails to properly monitor and control the behavior of a dog, they may share in the liability for the attack.

3. How a Dog Bite or Dog Attack Case Works

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a dog bite or attack, pursuing a legal claim can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Here’s how a typical dog bite case works:

1. Proving Liability

To win a dog bite case, you must prove that the dog owner or business was negligent and that their negligence directly caused the injury. This may involve demonstrating:

• The dog was known to be dangerous or aggressive in the past (e.g., previous bites or attacks).
• The dog owner failed to restrain the dog properly (e.g., allowing the dog to roam freely or not using a leash when required).
• The business or property owner did not take adequate precautions to ensure the safety of visitors and guests.

At Drake Legal, we investigate the circumstances surrounding the dog attack, review medical records, gather witness testimony, and work with animal behavior experts to establish liability.

2. Documenting the Injury

For a successful claim, it’s crucial to document your injuries thoroughly. This includes:

• Medical records: Documentation of the injury, treatment, surgeries, and ongoing care is essential. This helps us demonstrate the full extent of the damages and long-term effects.
• Witness statements: Eyewitness accounts of the attack can help support your case and provide details about how the incident occurred.
• Animal behavior history: If the dog had a known history of aggressive behavior, we’ll work to gather records from local animal control, previous victims, or witnesses.

3. Seeking Compensation

Victims of dog bites or attacks are entitled to compensation for a range of damages, including:

• Medical bills: Past and future medical expenses for treating the injuries, including surgeries, hospitalization, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional trauma, and long-term psychological impact of the attack.
• Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income.
• Permanent disfigurement or disability: If the injury led to permanent scarring, nerve damage, or loss of function, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
• Wrongful death: In cases where a loved one has died due to a dog attack, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.

4. Why You Need an Experienced Attorney for Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite and dog attack cases often involve specific legal complexities. The severity of the injury, the dog’s history, and the potential for shared liability (especially if a business is involved) can all impact the outcome of your case. Here’s why you should hire Drake Legal to represent you:

1. Knowledge of Local Dog Bite Laws

Georgia law places specific responsibility on dog owners and businesses in dog bite cases. We have the knowledge and experience to navigate these laws and use them to your advantage in seeking compensation.

2. Thorough Investigation

We conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of your dog bite injury. This includes reviewing the dog’s history, speaking with witnesses, and working with experts to establish negligence and liability.

3. Negotiation with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in dog bite cases, especially when there is an attempt to blame the victim for the attack. At Drake Legal, we are skilled in negotiating with insurance adjusters to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. If necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to court to get the full compensation you deserve.

4. Compassionate Legal Representation

We understand how traumatic a dog attack can be, both physically and emotionally. Our team provides compassionate and personalized legal support, guiding you through the process and handling all the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.

5. No Upfront Fees

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. This allows you to pursue justice and compensation without worrying about upfront legal costs.

5. Take Action Today

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a dog attack due to the negligence of a dog owner or business, don’t wait to take legal action. The physical, emotional, and financial impact of a dog bite can be long-lasting, and you deserve compensation for your suffering.

Contact Drake Legal today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the justice you deserve. Let us help you get the compensation you need to move forward with your life.