Even A Minor Animal Bite Can Cause Permanent Damage
Pet owners have a responsibility to keep their animals from attacking other people. Unfortunately, not all pet owners take this responsibility seriously. This often leads to serious injuries due to dog bites, scratches and other animal attacks.
If you live in Alabama or Georgia and survived an animal attack, we at Agricola Law, LLC, can help you. As experienced personal injury and premises liability attorneys, we have handled many complex cases involving animal-related injuries. We will not rest until we have achieved the very best outcome available to you, whether this involves a settlement or litigation.
What Are Some Examples Of Pet Attacks?
Dog bites are the most frequent type of animal attack. However, other animals can cause serious injuries to humans. Common examples include:
- Cat bites and scratches
- Bird attacks
- Snake bites
- Horse trampling or bucking
- Bull trampling or goring
- Rodent bites
Though some of these examples – say, a rodent bite – may not seem major, they can lead to infection or transmittable diseases. Cat bites and scratches can prove particularly damaging. Do not underestimate the severity of a wound caused by an animal.
Five Steps To Take Immediately After A Dog Bite
Taking the right steps after a dog bite can protect your health and preserve important evidence for an injury claim. Acting quickly also helps establish a clear record of what happened and why the attack occurred.
- Seek medical attention: Even seemingly minor punctures can lead to infection, nerve damage or scarring, and a prompt evaluation also creates documentation linking your injuries to the incident.
- Identify the animal and owner: Note the dog owner’s name, address and contact information, which is essential for determining liability and confirming vaccination status.
- Document injuries and location: Photograph injuries, torn clothing, blood, where the attack occurred and the dog (if safe) to help establish the severity and circumstances of the bite.
- File an official report: Reporting the incident to your city or county animal control agency creates an official record and may reveal whether the dog has a history of aggression.
- Contact a lawyer before speaking to insurers: Insurance representatives often attempt to limit payouts. An attorney can protect your rights and help ensure your statements are not used against you.
These steps help to improve your medical recovery and strengthen your legal position as your claim moves forward.
FAQ: Alabama Dog Bites
Here, we answer common questions that arise after an Alabama dog bite.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Alabama?
Alabama generally allows two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation.
What is the “One-Bite Rule” in Alabama?
Under Alabama law, an owner may be liable under the one-bite rule if the dog bites someone on public property and without the victim’s provocation. It does not require proof that the dog previously acted aggressively.
What is the “Mailman Law” exception in Alabama?
State law includes an exception that protects those on the property who are performing official duties, such as postal workers or utility employees. In these situations, the owner may be liable even if the dog had no history of aggression.
Offering Compassion And Personal Guidance
After an animal attack, many victims feel a sense of guilt. Your own friends and family may automatically side with the pet owner and try to excuse the animal’s dangerous behavior. They might not understand what you are going through, but we do. We have helped hundreds of clients who went through the exact same thing. You can talk to our attorneys about what you are experiencing, and we will treat you as a human being with feelings, not just a case file.
Personal Injury Claims Representation For These Communities
We are respected members of the legal communities of Opelika, Auburn, Phenix City, Valley, Lanett, Beulah, Salem, Smith Station and Montgomery, Alabama, as well as Columbus, Georgia. Our attorneys regularly represent clients in courts in Russell County, Lee County, Chambers County, Macon County, Randolph County, Montgomery County, Tallapoosa County, Elmore County and Autauga County, Alabama, and Muscogee County, Harris County and Troup County, Georgia.
Free Consultations About Animal Attacks
At Agricola Law, we will help you move forward after surviving a dog bite or any other incident. Reach out to us for a completely free initial consultation. If you hire us, you will not owe us any money unless we recover compensation for you. To contact our St. Opelika office, call 334-610-1064 or send us an email.