Personal Injury

How to Address Mental Health Challenges After a Disfiguring Dog Bite in Georgia

December 6, 2024 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Disfigurement is one of the most challenging issues for many dog bite victims in Georgia. If you were disfigured by a dog attack, you might be struggling with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, self-esteem issues, feelings of low self-worth, and much more. You might wonder how you are ever going to form normal relationships after suffering noticeable facial scars. Although the road ahead may seem challenging, there are many things you can do to maintain your mental health.

Speak With a Therapist

Regardless of how you are feeling, it generally helps to speak with a mental health professional. Many people are reluctant to seek this type of health, and men are statistically less likely to schedule appointments with therapists. However, these sessions could be more productive than you realize – and they may guide you toward a sense of closure and acceptance.

Georgia Woman Narrowly Escapes Death After Dog Attack

November 8, 2024 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

In November of 2024, a Georgia woman narrowly escaped death after being attacked by a dog. While this particular victim survived, many do not. If her husband had not been with her, she probably would have become yet another worrying statistic in Georgia. These attacks not only illustrate the rising threat from aggressive dogs but also the vulnerability of many women in our communities. Even if victims survive dog attacks, the disfiguring scars and lasting health consequences can be life-changing. What does this recent dog attack in Georgia teach us?

Woman Survives With Notable Disfigurements After Dog Attack

In November of 2024, an Albany woman was feeding her cats in her own backyard when the neighbor’s pit bull suddenly appeared and attacked her. Her husband was inside the residence at the time, and he quickly emerged to protect his wife from what might have been a deadly attack. In the seconds that it took for him to reach the yard, his wife’s face was viciously mauled.

Suing Third Parties for Contributing to Dog Bite Injuries

October 18, 2024 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

One of the most challenging aspects of a dog bite injury in Marietta is the cost of treatment. Often, these dog bites are disfiguring – and they may require reconstructive surgery. This type of treatment doesn’t come cheap – and victims may be totally unprepared for the costs. The obvious course of action is to sue the dog owner – but what if they lack assets? What if they’re struggling with credit card debt and they do not own their own home? In this situation, you might need to consider other parties who may have contributed to your injuries.

Suing Healthcare Providers for Making Dog Bites Worse

It may be possible to sue a healthcare provider for making a dog bite worse. For example, you might rush to a hospital with an infected dog bite – only to be kept waiting in an emergency room for hours on end. By the time you saw a doctor, the infection might have spread. In this type of situation, surgeons may have no choice but to amputate the infected limb – leaving you with a permanent disability and disfigurement.

Can You Sue Police for Dog Bites in Georgia?

October 4, 2024 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

While many dog bite lawsuits involve privately owned pets, others involve police “K9 units.” Dogs are used throughout many law enforcement agencies in Georgia, and these animals are trained to perform various roles. But even the most well-trained animal is still an animal, and they are capable of causing serious, disfiguring injuries. A recent incident resulted in a Georgia man dying from a K9 attack, and the family is asking serious questions.

Theft Suspect Killed by Georgia Police K9

Recently, the Hamilton Spectator reported that a man from Georgia had died after being attacked by a police dog. The incident occurred in Moultrie, and police say that it began with reports of burglaries. They arrived to find a suspect and attempted to pull him over while he was riding his four-wheeler.

Highway Patrol Expresses “Disbelief” After Numerous Labor Day Fatalities

September 30, 2024 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Traffic authorities across the United States know that Labor Day weekend is an especially dangerous time. Along with Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, Labor Day is a day of abnormally high traffic fatalities. On a national scale, almost 500 people die on this day each year – and the number continues to rise. In the Peach State alone, numerous people lost their lives on Labor Day weekend – and many of these accidents could eventually lead to wrongful death lawsuits in Georgia.

Georgia State Patrol Reports 20 Deaths Over Labor Day Weekend

In September of 2024, the Georgia Department of Public Safety reported 20 total traffic fatalities over the Labor Day “holiday travel period.” Local agencies reported seven fatalities from seven crashes, while GSP troopers reported 13 fatalities from nine crashes. This marks one of the most deadly Labor Day weekends in recent memory for Georgia motorists.

Who Pays for My Damages After a Georgia Dog Bite?

September 21, 2024 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

After a dog bite, you may face significant financial losses. First and foremost, you may incur tremendous medical bills as you seek to address your various injuries. You may also lose income after being forced to miss work due to your injuries. These two losses feed into each other, and it becomes increasingly difficult to pay your medical bills with no income to speak of. Finally, you might incur various “non-economic” damages – including PTSD, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and other psychological concerns. Who pays for these damages after a dog bite in Georgia?

Dog Owners Often Pay for Damages After a Dog Attack

The obvious party who becomes liable for dog bite injuries is the owner. In Georgia, you can hold these dog owners liable for your injuries – even if they took reasonable steps to prevent harm from occurring. The real question is whether they have enough assets to cover your damages.

Can I Claim Non-Economic Damages After a Georgia Car Accident?

September 13, 2024 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Non-economic damages could prove crucial as you recover from a Georgia car accident. When it comes to traumatic injuries, the physical consequences are just one part of the equation. Serious injuries inevitably come with psychological distress, worry, and anxiety. Many car crash survivors develop legitimate psychological disorders as they do their best to recover. But what exactly are non-economic damages, and why are they so important? Can you claim these damages after a car accident in Marietta?

Non-Economic Damages in Georgia Explained

Non-economic damages represent your psychological or emotional issues after a car accident. These damages are not the same as “economic damages,” which represent only your financial losses. As a result of their non-financial nature, non-economic damages can be quite abstract. You can’t put a clear price on anxiety in the same way as a lost paycheck, for example.

Should I Get a Rabies Shot After a Dog Bite in Georgia?

August 30, 2024 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Rabies is a valid concern after a dog bite in Georgia. In the immediate aftermath of your animal attack, you might also become worried about all kinds of other infectious diseases. While rabies is generally quite rare, the statistics are somewhat misleading – and it is always best to approach your healthcare in a cautious manner. What should you do after a dog bite in Georgia? Do you need a rabies shot?

Health Department Confirms New Rabies Infection in Georgia

In August 2024, health officials confirmed that they had seen a new case of rabies in Georgia. However, the patient was not a human—it was a fox. The Health Department says that the dog’s whereabouts and condition are unknown, but they managed to capture and test the fox. While one would hope that the fox was cured, it may have been euthanized for safety purposes.

Potential Injuries After Fiery Crashes in Georgia

August 2, 2024 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

If you have been injured in a fiery Georgia car accident, you might be struggling with various injuries. Perhaps you have suffered disfiguring scars. Maybe you are struggling with the effects of smoke inhalation. Whatever the case may be, access to high-quality medical treatment is essential. Accident victims should always seek prompt medical care – even if they’re not sure how bad their injuries are.

Three Confirmed Deaths After Fiery Georgia Car Accident

Fiery crashes can easily become fatal. In August of 2024, three deaths were reported after a fiery wreck in Georgia. Police say that three vehicles were involved in the crash, and one of these vehicles erupted into flames after the collision. Although first responders were quickly called to the scene, they arrived to find a group of individuals entrapped within the vehicle. One can only assume that these were the three individuals who perished.

Numerous Government Vehicles Involved in Georgia Crashes

July 19, 2024 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Any driver can cause a serious accident in Cobb County. Everyone is capable of misconduct, negligence, or basic mistakes – including government employees operating government vehicles. Within the past few weeks, numerous government vehicles have been involved in serious crashes throughout Georgia. These accidents have led to various injuries, and they raise an important question: Can you sue a government agency for causing a car crash in Marietta?

Police Chase Injures Pregnant Woman

In June 2024, police reported that one of their pursuits had injured a pregnant woman in Georgia. The pursuit began in South Carolina, and the suspect eventually crossed the border into Georgia. Shortly thereafter, the suspect ran a red light and smashed into a vehicle operated by a pregnant woman. The pregnant woman survived the crash and received transport to a nearby hospital. Authorities stated that she was “okay,” but she obviously suffered some kind of injury as a result of the collision. Her car was reportedly totaled.