Cumming Dog Bite

Are you dealing with the painful aftermath of a dog bite you suffered in Cumming, Georgia? It so, the experienced personal injury team with Kaufman Injury Law wants to help you get the money you need to put your life back together after such a traumatic experience. We can investigate the incident to determine who’s to blame, file insurance claims or lawsuits against them to demand fair compensation, and fight hard to get you every cent you’re owed. What’s more, we’ll do all that without charging you any upfront fees. Instead, you only pay us if and when we put money back in your pocket.

Don’t make the mistake of confronting the aftermath of a dog bite alone. Instead, contact Kaufman Injury Law for a free initial case review with a dog bite lawyer serving Cumming, and let us vigorously pursue your legal claims on your behalf.

Understanding Georgia’s Dog Bite Laws

Georgia law imposes a legal duty on dog owners to control their pets and keep them from causing harm. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for the consequences, particularly if they knew or should have known that their dog posed a threat to others. That’s because the state follows a modified version of the old “one-bite” rule, under which a dog bite victim must show that the owner knew or should have known the dog was vicious in order to hold that owner liable for a dog bite – usually because the dog had bitten someone previously.

Specifically, Section 51-2-7 of the Georgia Code holds a dog owner liable when their careless management of a “vicious or dangerous animal” results in another party’s injury. A victim can establish the animal’s viciousness in one of two ways:

• By meeting the old “one-bite” rule and showing that the animal had violent tendencies, that the owner knew of that fact, and that the owner did not handle the dog with sufficient care given the circumstances
• By showing that the owner was required by local ordinance to keep the animal on a leash or at heel and failed to do so

While these are the most common ways to prove a dog owner’s liability in Georgia, they are not the only ones. If you’ve been bitten by another person’s dog and believe the owner was to blame for your injuries, you can learn whether you have a case by speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer serving Cumming.

Common Dog Bite Injuries in Cumming

Dog bites can result in serious injuries, including the following:

• Puncture wounds
• Lacerations
• Bruises
• Abrasions
• Crush injuries
• Fractures
• Infections
• Rabies
• Scarring
• Nerve damage
• Psychological trauma

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Cumming

The steps you take after a dog bite in Cumming can have a major effect on your ability to recover fair compensation. Here’s what you can do to protect your health and your claim:

• Clean the Wound – Rinse the bite area with warm water. Gently wash the wound with mild soap to remove dirt and saliva. This can help reduce the risk of infection.
• Apply Pressure – If the wound is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding.
• Use Antiseptic – After cleaning, apply an antiseptic solution or cream to the wound to further reduce infection risks.
• Cover the Wound – Dress the wound with a sterile bandage. Keep the wound covered and clean until it heals.
• Seek Medical Attention – Even if the wound seems minor, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider right away. They can assess the risk of infection, tetanus, or rabies, and provide appropriate treatment. This is especially important if the dog’s vaccination history is unknown or if the wound is severe.
• Report the Incident – Report the dog bite to your local animal control or police department. This is important for the safety of others and may help in the investigation if legal action is required.
• Document the Incident – Take photos of your injuries and the location where the incident occurred. Gather contact information from witnesses and the dog’s owner, if possible. Keep records of medical treatments and expenses related to the bite.
• Consult a Lawyer – Especially if the bite requires significant medical treatment, consider consulting a personal injury lawyer experienced in dog bite cases. They can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation for your injuries.
• Follow Up – Attend all follow-up appointments with healthcare providers. If you were prescribed antibiotics or other medications, complete the full course.
• Monitor for Symptoms – Keep an eye on the wound for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. Also, watch for fever or increased pain. Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately.

Recovering Compensation for a Dog Bite in Cumming

If the dog’s owner or another party is to blame for the injuries you suffered, they could owe you compensation for your:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Diminished quality of life

Do you know the dog’s owner? If so, you might be worried about straining your relationship with a friend or family member by pursuing a claim against them. However, you should know that these claims are usually paid out by the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy, not the owner themselves. Insurance coverage limits and the specifics of the policy can determine how much compensation is available.

If the dog owner does not have adequate insurance coverage, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover the full compensation you’re owed. This legal action can address losses that exceed the policy limits or are not covered by insurance. In a lawsuit, the court will consider the owner’s liability, the severity of the injuries, and any negligence on your part that contributed to the incident. An experienced attorney can protect your rights and help you seek every cent you’re owed.

Contact a Dog Bite Attorney Serving Cumming

Are you struggling in the aftermath of a serious dog bite in Cumming, Georgia? Don’t wait another moment to get the legal help you need to seek accountability and compensation. Contact Kaufman Injury Law today for a free consultation with a dog bite attorney serving Cumming, and let’s discuss your next steps together.

Direction to Our Law Office Serving Cumming

Here’s how to get to Kaufman Injury Law in Atlanta, Georgia:

From the North:

1. Take I-75 South towards Atlanta.
2. Continue on I-75 South until you reach Exit 248C for Andrew Young International Blvd.
3. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for International Blvd/Centennial Olympic Park Dr.
4. Merge onto Andrew Young International Blvd N.W.
5. Turn left onto Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW.
6. Continue on Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW and then turn right onto Luckie St NW.
7. Kaufman Injury Law will be on your left.

From the South:

1. Take I-75/85 North towards Atlanta.
2. Use the right two lanes to take Exit 248C for Andrew Young International Blvd.
3. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for International Blvd/Centennial Olympic Park Dr.
4. Merge onto Andrew Young International Blvd N.W.
5. Turn left onto Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW.
6. Continue on Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW and then turn right onto Luckie St NW.
7. Kaufman Injury Law will be on your left.

From the East:

1. Take I-20 West towards Atlanta.
2. Use the right two lanes to take Exit 56B for Windsor St toward Spring St.
3. Merge onto Windsor St SW.
4. Continue straight onto Spring St SW.
5. Turn left onto Marietta St NW.
6. Turn right onto Luckie St NW.
7. Kaufman Injury Law will be on your right.

From the West:

1. Take I-20 East towards Atlanta.
2. Use the right 2 lanes to take Exit 56B for Windsor St toward Spring St.
3. Merge onto Windsor St SW.
4. Continue straight onto Spring St SW.
5. Turn left onto Marietta St NW.
6. Turn right onto Luckie St NW.