Yes, most dog bite cases in Georgia settled out of court. If you or your loved one suffered an injury after an encounter with a dog, our Marietta dog bite lawyer will handle your claim while you recover from your injuries.
Most dog bite injury claims are handled directly with the dog owner’s insurance company. If the insurer doesn’t offer what you deserve, we will file a lawsuit and take the case to trial. Don’t let the idea of a lawsuit prevent you from pursuing your dog bite claim. Even after a lawsuit, the majority of cases settle way before a trial.
Our legal team has helped several clients on these types of cases, even when insurance companies try to dispute or deny what happened. We will protect your rights and work tirelessly to maximize your recovery.
How a Settlement Award Works in a Dog Bite Injury Case
Most dog bite claims are paid by the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. A settlement means the case is resolved through negotiation, without going to court.
When you work with a personal injury lawyer in Marietta from our team, we will take care of your entire case. This means we will:
- Gather evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and photos
- Prove that the dog’s owner (or another party) is responsible for your injury
- Review and assess your damages, including medical bills, scarring, and emotional trauma
- Handle all discussions and negotiations with the insurance company
- Advise you whether a settlement offer is fair or not, and how to move forward if it isn’t
In most cases, parties will settle before an attorney files a lawsuit.
What Do We Include in a Settlement for a Dog Bite Case?
A settlement in a dog bite case will cover more than just the bite itself. Many people are surprised to learn that other injuries, like being knocked down by a dog, are also viable claims.
If a dog jumps on someone or runs into them and causes them to fall, the injuries from that event can be part of the claim.
The following damages are covered in a settlement:
- Bite wounds: Cuts, punctures, or tears that require stitches or surgery
- Infection: Dog bites can lead to infections that require antibiotics or further treatment
- Broken bones: If the dog knocks someone down or attacks a child or elderly person
- Head or brain injuries: Falls during an attack can cause serious trauma
- Scars and disfigurement: Especially when bites happen to the face, arms, or legs
- Emotional trauma: Anxiety, nightmares, and fear of dogs after an attack
- Medical bills and future care: Ongoing treatment, physical therapy, or plastic surgery
- Lost income: Time missed from work or long-term effects on a career
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional stress caused by the attack
Settlements can also include wrongful death damages if a dog attack causes someone to lose their life. These damages would cover funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one because of someone else’s carelessness.
Our wrongful death lawyer in Marietta will walk your family through your options and help you understand what you will likely recover.
How Our Attorney Helps With Settlement Negotiations
Our attorney will stand up to insurance adjusters for what you deserve. They will:
- Respond to insurance company questions and demands
- Push for the full value of your claim, not just what the insurance company wants to pay
- Guide you on whether to settle or file a lawsuit
- Keep you informed throughout the entire process
You will have our full support throughout your case. We will return your calls and emails and walk you through each step.
What if the Insurance Company Won’t Settle Your Case?
There is the possibility that the insurer will not offer fair damages. It may even deny your claim altogether. If so, we will consider your options, which include filing a lawsuit to recover your losses.
It is important to note that filing a lawsuit doesn’t always mean going to trial. Many lawsuits still settle during mediation or discovery.
What Is the Deadline to Sue for Damages in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, you have two years from the date of the dog bite or attack to file a personal injury lawsuit, per Ga. Code § 9-3-33.
Waiting too long will cost you the right to sue, so we encourage you to act quickly.
We Will Lead the Way in Your Dog Bite Case; Call Us Today
The team at Jones & Swanson will support you with honest advice and strong legal help when you need it most. We remain a smaller firm by choice, which means you will get the attention your case deserves. We will keep fighting for what’s right, whether that means settling or going to trial.
When you call or email us, expect an answer. Our compassionate and experienced team is committed to getting you the results that help you move forward. To date, we have recovered over $50 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
We fight hard even when the case is hard or costly, and we have the staff and resources to take on catastrophic injury cases. Let us show you what a real law firm looks like, one that combines service and care for its clients. Call us today for a free consultation. There are no upfront fees. You only pay us if we recover damages for you.
