A dog attack or a bite from any type of animal can be traumatic. If you experienced physical and emotional injuries from a dog bite, you may be feeling overwhelmed, confused and unsure of what you should do next. It is possible that you could have grounds to seek financial compensation, and you may be able to name the dog owner or property owner in a civil claim.
In many cases, dogs attack and bite people with whom they are familiar. You may have suffered an attack while visiting a friend’s house, shopping at a Georgia pet store or simply walking down the sidewalk. Regardless the circumstances of your case, it is beneficial to seek a complete understanding of your legal options and your rights.
The appropriate course of action
Of course, it is always smart to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a dog attack. Not only will this ensure that you get the care you need to avoid infection and heal your wounds, it will provide documentation of your physical suffering after an animal attack. This could be an important step for a potential civil claim against the pet or property owner.
Determining liability for your attack
There are various questions you may find helpful in order to determine who is actually liable for your pain and suffering. The answers to the following questions may be useful:
- Who is the owner of the dog that attacked you?
- Did the property owner or the pet owner know that you were at risk of experiencing an attack?
- Did the owner of the pet know that it had aggressive tendencies?
- Was the pet on a leash or roaming free on private or public property?
The answers may prove important as you work to build a strong claim to compensation. Ultimately, it is possible that the pet owner is financially liable for what happened to you.
Getting better and moving forward
After a dog attack, it is critical to get the help you need to get better, both physically and emotionally. If you are dealing with the external damage and internal scarring that can happen when a dog bites, you do not have to walk through the aftermath alone.
You may find it beneficial to take quick action to protect your interests, starting with a complete evaluation of your case. Knowing your rights and understanding your options is a practical first step for you.