A Bowden Child Injury Lawyer Can Help You to Understand the Unexpected Costs of a Dog Bite in Georgia [Part A]
Clarifying Aspects of the Georgia Dog Bite Law So You Understand Your Rights as a Parent of an Injured Child
The family dog may be man’s best friend, but parents should never forget that any dog is capable of biting a child. This is a sad truth that a Bowden child injury lawyer can often attest to. Americans are prone to humanizing their pets, but a critical aspect of dog ownership is learning how to prevent dog bites. A dog bite attack in Georgia can lead to devastating costs for the victim and their family, and it’s a problem that is seen across the nation.
The surprising truth is that nearly 5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and children are among those at the highest risk. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), children are more likely to need medical help after a dog bite. Injuries can range from mild to life-threatening with emotional and fiscal costs for the entire family.
Since Georgia’s dog bite law is one of the most complicated in the nation, parents of children involved in a dog bite attack may find themselves confused about their legal rights. Consulting a Bowden child injury lawyer can help families fully understand the law and whether legal action is appropriate.
Looking at the Damage that Can Accompany a Dog Bite Wound
Dog bite injuries can range from a mild wound to an injury that develops an infection or even requires surgery. Since children are at greater risk for being bit by a dog, parents should understand the potential injuries and how Georgia’s dog bite law protects both victims and dog owners.
According to FamilyDoctor.org, dog bites can cause:
nerve damage;
tendon damage;
broken bones or bone injury;
tissue damage;
infection; and
scarring or disfigurement.
If your child was bit by an unfamiliar dog or one that doesn’t have required rabies vaccinations, contact your local animal control officer to report the dog bite. The dog may need to best tested for rabies. A Bowden child injury lawyer can help with the subsequent paperwork.
The costs associated with these injuries range from medical and surgical expenses to lost wages to pain and suffering. The Insurance Information Institute reported that the average cost of a dog bite insurance claim has reached $24,000 per claim.
A dog bite is a traumatic event resulting in serious injury. Multiple deaths are reported each year as a result of the most vicious attacks. Often a bite will result in permanent scarring, nerve damage and a significant risk of infection. Call (404) 474-0804 or toll free (866) 455-4709 today for a Dog Bite Lawyer you can trust.