In the state of Georgia, around 500 dog bite claims are filed each year, with many more going unreported. If you or a loved one has recently suffered a dog bite, you may be wondering if you need to see a doctor and what steps to take next. This article provides an overview of reasons to see a doctor after a dog bite in Georgia, what to expect at the appointment, and your legal rights.
Why Seek Medical Care After a Dog Bite?
There are several important reasons to seek medical attention if you are bitten by a dog in Georgia:
- Risk of infection: Dog bites carry a high risk of infection because their mouths contain a huge amount of bacteria. Left untreated, the wound can become infected. Seeking prompt medical care allows the wound to be properly cleaned and antibiotics to be provided if needed.
- Rabies exposure: While rare, rabies can be transmitted through the saliva of an infected dog. Seeing a doctor quickly allows you to get the rabies vaccine if needed before the disease develops.
- Wound care: Puncture wounds and lacerations from a dog bite often require specialized medical treatment such as stitches or staples to properly close the wound, as well as dressing changes. Trying to treat the wound yourself increases the risk of infection.
- Potential nerve or tissue damage: Dog bites, especially from large or powerful breeds, can cause damage beyond the surface of the skin, including injured nerves, tendons, or bone fractures. Seeing a doctor promptly allows for a complete examination and proper treatment.
- Scarring prevention: When wounds are cared for properly and closed in a timely manner, scarring can be minimized. Seeking medical treatment helps prevent disfiguring scars.
What to Expect During the Appointment
When you see a doctor after being bitten by a dog in Georgia, there are some steps you can expect:
- Medical history: The doctor will ask about the circumstances of the bite, what breed the dog was if known, your past medical history, medications you take, and your immunization status, including whether you’ve had the tetanus vaccine.
- Physical exam: The doctor will thoroughly examine the wound, looking at the type, depth, location, and extent of the injury. They will check for broken skin, bruising, bleeding, nerve damage, and impairment of the use of the surrounding limb or body part.
- Cleaning the wound: The doctor will clean the bite area to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria. This may involve scrubbing with antibacterial soap, an antiseptic rinse, and picking out any embedded material with tweezers.
- Imaging tests: The doctor may order X-rays or an MRI if they suspect fracture, bone, or joint involvement to determine the full extent of the injury.
- Wound treatment: This may involve stitches or staples to close the wound, antibiotic ointment and a dressing applied to the area, and a tetanus shot if you haven’t had one within five years. You may also receive rabies or infection prevention medication.
- Aftercare instructions: The doctor will provide instructions on keeping the wound clean and dry, when to change dressings, and when to come back for follow-up. They may also provide a referral to a specialist if needed.
Your Legal Rights After a Dog Bite in Georgia
Georgia is considered a “strict liability” state for dog bites, meaning that an owner is responsible for injuries and damages caused by their dog, regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous. There are two applicable laws in Georgia:
- One bite rule: This states that dog owners are only liable for injuries if the dog has never bitten before. However, if the owner knew the dog had a tendency for aggression, they can still be held responsible even after the first bite.
- Provocation defense: In Georgia, if the injured person was teasing, abusing or provoking the dog, the owner may be able to avoid liability. However, normal activities like running or bicycling do not count as provocation.
Working with a personal injury attorney can help you recover damages to pay for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and permanent impairment or disfigurement. An attorney can investigate the circumstances of the bite and build a strong case for compensation under Georgia law.
Consult an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer
The dog bite attorneys at Monge & Associates understand how devastating and traumatic it can be to suffer a dog bite injury. With 32 offices in 19 states, we have successfully represented numerous victims of animal attacks in Georgia, as well as South Carolina, and Washington, and helped them obtain maximum compensation for their injuries, pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, contact our office today at (888) 477-0597 for a free consultation. Our knowledgeable legal team is here to help support you during this difficult time.