Helping Victims of Dog Attacks
If you’ve suffered from a dog attack, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4.7 million individuals per year are bitten by dogs. Around 400,000 of those injured in the attacks require emergency medical attention. Some of these injuries are catastrophic, requiring long-term medical care and a change in the victim’s lifestyle.
An animal attack can result in a painful and mentally stressful personal injury, requiring medical attention and time off from work. The emotional issues that can arise from an attack may change how a person goes about their daily activities. Children are frequently the victims of these attacks, and their injuries can include lacerations, puncture wounds, abrasions, and fractures. In severe cases, amputation may be the outcome of an animal attack. If you or your child were attacked, it is imperative to consult with a skilled dog bite lawyer in Atlanta.
Van Sant Law, which has been serving the area since 2003, understands the seriousness of dog bites. Our experienced Atlanta dog attack attorneys can guide you through your options. From liability issues to compensation, we offer professional legal advice tailored to your situation. We can fight for justice, hold the owner liable so their dog doesn’t inflict harm on others, and demand fair compensation for your physical and emotional suffering. Whether you’re in Atlanta or nearby, our dedicated team is ready to assist.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries can be physically painful and emotionally traumatic. The severity of these injuries can range from mild to life-threatening, often leading to long-term medical care and recovery.
Physical injuries often associated with dog bites include:
- Puncture Wounds & Lacerations. Dog bites often cause puncture wounds and lacerations, where the teeth penetrate the skin and underlying tissue. These injuries can be deep and are more serious than they initially appear. Puncture wounds carry a high risk of infection because they can introduce bacteria deep into the tissue. Lacerations, or deep cuts, can also damage muscles and nerves, requiring stitches or even surgery to heal properly.
- Broken Bones. In more severe dog attacks, the force of the bite can cause broken or fractured bones, particularly in the hands, arms, or legs, as victims instinctively protect themselves. Small bones in the hands and wrists are especially vulnerable. These injuries often require immobilization and, in some cases, surgical intervention to realign the bones.
- Infections. Dog bites carry a significant risk of infection due to the bacteria in a dog’s mouth. Infections like rabies or tetanus can occur if the wound is not treated promptly. Without proper medical attention, infections can spread and lead to more severe health complications.
- Nerve Damage. In more severe attacks, dog bites can cause nerve damage, primarily if the bite affects areas with dense nerve networks, such as the face, neck, or hands. Nerve damage can result in partial or complete loss of sensation or function in the affected area. In some cases, nerve injuries may lead to permanent disability.
Legal Issues Surrounding Dog Bites
Owners of animals can be legally liable for their pet’s harmful conduct. Many victims do not understand that they can file a personal injury lawsuit against the owner. The physical and mental suffering that an individual undergoes should be adequately compensated. Additionally, the owner of an animal needs to be held responsible to prevent future attacks.
When a dog bite occurs, various factors can affect the victim’s right to seek damages, including:
- The History of the Dog. For example, a dog with a history of biting may have been ordered to wear a muzzle when not on the owner’s premises. Some dog breeds are naturally more aggressive and may have been trained to attack.
- The Leash Laws of the County. Most counties will require dogs to be on a leash when not on private property and within the owner’s control at all times.
- Where the Attack Occurred. A dog owner is generally liable for dog bites on their private property if the victim was lawfully present (e.g., a mail carrier).
The legal issues surrounding dog bites may be complex. Our experienced Atlanta dog attack lawyers at Van Sant Law know how to seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Long-Term Effects of a Dog Attack
A dog attack can leave lasting scars, both seen and unseen. Beyond the immediate injuries, many victims face a lifetime of physical, emotional, and psychological challenges requiring ongoing care and support.
Physical Scarring & Disfigurement
One of the most common long-term effects of a dog bite is permanent scarring or disfigurement. Depending on the severity of the bite, victims may be left with visible scars that can affect their appearance and self-confidence. In more serious cases, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to repair deep wounds, particularly if the bite occurs on sensitive areas such as the face, hands, or arms. These surgeries can be complex and may require multiple procedures.
Scars can restrict movement, cause discomfort, or lead to additional medical interventions even after healing. These physical issues are particularly challenging for victims who work in roles requiring mobility, impacting their social and professional lives.
For those dealing with disfigurement, plastic or reconstructive surgery may be needed to restore physical function or appearance. These treatments can be costly and time-consuming, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Emotional Trauma
The psychological impact of a dog attack is often just as significant as the physical injuries.
Victims may experience emotional trauma that can manifest as:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Dog attack survivors may relive the event through flashbacks, nightmares, or severe anxiety, which can make it challenging to return to normal activities. Professional therapy is often required to manage these symptoms and regain a sense of normalcy.
- Phobias & Anxiety. A fear of dogs (cynophobia) can develop after an attack, making simple activities like walking in a park or visiting a friend with a dog feel overwhelming and stressful. This emotional toll can greatly impact a victim’s quality of life.
In some cases, the emotional scars from the attack can interfere with daily life, making it difficult for victims to feel safe in public spaces or around animals.
Impact on Quality of Life
The combined physical and emotional toll of a dog attack can significantly affect a person’s overall quality of life. In severe cases, victims may experience long-term disabilities, chronic pain, or psychological limitations that impact their ability to work, socialize, or enjoy daily activities.
We are here to support dog bite victims not only by seeking compensation for immediate medical bills but also by addressing the long-term impact of the attack. Whether you require additional surgeries, ongoing psychological care, or support for living with disabilities, our team can help you navigate the legal system and pursue the compensation you deserve.
How to Report a Dog Bite in Georgia
After a dog bite incident, you should report the bite to the appropriate authorities to create a formal record. Reporting a dog bite promptly and accurately is essential to protecting your rights, preventing future attacks, and holding the owner accountable.
Follow these steps to report a dog bite in Georgia:
- Contact Animal Control or Animal Services. Reach out to the Animal Control department in the county where the attack occurred.
- Notify Local Law Enforcement. If animal control is unavailable, you can contact the local police department or sheriff’s office to file a report.
- Call 911 for Emergencies. In cases of severe injuries or life-threatening circumstances, call 911 immediately for medical attention.
Information to Include in the Report
When you report a dog bite, it’s important to provide detailed and accurate information to help authorities investigate the attack and address the dangerous animal.
Be prepared to offer the following details:
- Dog owner’s name and contact information
- Dog’s breed and description
- Date, time, and location of the attack
- Circumstances leading up to the attack
- Incident summary from all perspectives (i.e., victim, owner, witnesses)
Retain Your Compensation
Your dog injury lawyer can pursue compensation based on various applicable points. These include medical bills incurred, future medical bills, plastic surgery required, loss of earnings, severity and permanency of injury, and pain and suffering.
Dog bite personal injury claims have many facets. Insurance companies or owners may dispute the circumstances or offer unsuitable settlement terms. You must secure skilled representation to protect your rights and fight for your interests.
Contact Our Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyers Today
After being bitten by a dog, you may have current medical bills that must be paid along with future medical treatments or therapy. In the case of a child who is attacked by an animal, they may have to take time away from school, and you may need to be away from work to care for them.
At Van Sant Law, we operate on a contingency fee basis. We do not get paid if you are not compensated for your injuries. Each dog bite lawyer on our team fights for the rights of animal attack victims and seeks solutions for our clients to help them return to their normal quality of life.
