As winter turns to spring, you will likely be venturing outside more, whether to hike or exercise or visit one of Gwinnett County’s many beautiful parks. As you’re out and about this spring, you will likely see an increase in pet owners walking their dogs. Sadly, dog attacks and dog bite injuries also peak during spring and summer. This is mainly due to an increased number of dog owners taking advantage of the warmer temperatures.
If you have been injured due to a dog bite or dog attack in the Duluth area, contact the Georgia dog bite attorneys at Brauns Law Accident and Injury Lawyer, PC today to assess your legal options. You might be entitled to pursue compensation from the dog’s owner for failing to restrain their dog properly. Through a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you could recover compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact a Duluth dog bite attorney today for a free legal consultation.
Dog Bite Injury Statistics
According to DogsBite.org, a national advocacy group for victims of dog bite injuries, around 1,000 Americans need emergency medical treatment for severe dog bites every single day. An average of 12,480 Americans require hospitalization for injuries related to a dog bite each year.
DogsBite.org also noted that between 2005 and 2020, 568 Americans died because of dog attacks. Pit bulls were the most common breed responsible for dog attack fatalities in the U.S. during that time period, causing 67 percent of the 568 deaths. Together, pit bulls and rottweilers caused 76 percent of the fatalities during those 16 years.
Data compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reveals that more than 4.5 million people suffer dog bite injuries in the United States every year. The AVMA states that children are the most common victims of dog bite injuries and that many children are bitten while interacting with familiar dogs.
Dog ownership has also steadily increased over the years, meaning more dogs are out and about in general. According to the Insurance Information Institute and the American Pet Association, a staggering 70 percent of households in the United States own pets. By contrast, only 56 percent owned pets in 1988, and 67 percent owned pets in 2019. In the U.S., 69 million households own dogs, more than any other type of animal.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
There are many reasons why dogs bite people. One of the most common reasons is stress. If a dog feels threatened, it may lash out to defend itself from the perceived danger.
They might also bite if they are defending an item that has value, such as a bone or a toy. Some dogs bite because their personal space has been invaded, and they wish to be left alone, and others might even bite playfully without realizing that they have injured the bite victim.
You can learn more about the warning signs that a dog might bite by visiting the American Kennel Club’s guide to canine body language.
What to Do If a Dog Bites You
As we’ve established, the potential for dog bite injuries tends to increase during the spring for various reasons. Given that dog ownership is currently at an all-time high, it is not unreasonable to expect that the risk of being bitten or attacked by a dog has also increased. As the weather continues to warm up and more people do recreational activities with their dogs, you are likelier than ever to encounter canines when you are out and about.
While most of our furry friends are sweet and well-behaved, even the gentlest dog can bite if the circumstances are right. In Georgia, dog owners are responsible for keeping their dogs under control. Georgia dog owners can be held financially liable for damages if their dog bites someone while unleashed in violation of municipal leash laws. If you are bitten by a dog that is leashed, you can still hold the owner liable through a claim or lawsuit, but you would need to prove that the dog is dangerous to the public.
If you suffer a dog bite injury this spring or summer, there are numerous steps you should take after the incident to protect your rights:
- Get the dog owner’s contact information – Even if your injuries don’t initially seem serious, you won’t know for sure until you are checked out by a medical professional. Make sure you ask for the driver’s name, phone number, and insurance information if the dog owner has coverage.
- Take photos – Take photos of your injuries at the scene of the incident, if possible. You should also take pictures of the scene and try to get a photo of the dog.
Speak to witnesses – If any bystanders happened to witness the accident, get their contact details. They could testify on your behalf. - Seek prompt medical care – Seek medical care as soon as possible. The longer you wait to see a doctor, the more likely the dog owner’s insurance company will refuse liability. Keep records of any hospital or doctor’s visits.
- Report the bite to animal control – Report the incident to local animal control authorities. This is particularly pertinent if you aren’t sure who the dog belongs to. Animal control might pick the dog up and quarantine it to ensure it isn’t rabid. If the animal has bitten someone else in the past, animal control might record that. If the dog has a recorded history of attacking people, you can use this information to help support your case.
Lastly, you should consult with a skilled Georgia dog bite lawyer. Your attorney will assess your case, offer you legal advice, and help you determine what state and local laws might apply to your case.
Contact a Duluth Dog Bite Injury Attorney Today
Were you bitten by a dog in Duluth, GA? If so, you deserve a chance to hold the dog’s owner accountable for their negligence. The vast majority of dog accidents are preventable. If the owner’s carelessness contributed to the dog attack, you are legally entitled to bring a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Pursuing compensation for a dog bite injury can be challenging. The owner might refuse to admit fault, or their insurance company might try to shift the blame for the incident to you. That’s why you need an experienced Duluth dog bite attorney to guide you through the legal process and help you build a solid case against the dog owner. Contact Brauns Law Accident and Injury Lawyer, PC today for a free, no-risk case evaluation.
