Marietta Injury Lawyer Blog
Disfigurement is a common issue among survivors of dog bites in Marietta. A dog’s jaws and teeth can mutilate tissue, causing both psychological and physical problems for the foreseeable future. If you are struggling with disfigurement after a dog bite in Marietta, you may desperately need compensation to cover various damages. Reconstructive surgery and similar procedures can be highly expensive, and you may lose income while you recover. How do you pursue financial support after a dog bite in Marietta?
You Have the Right to Sue the Owner After a Dog Attack in Georgia
You may have the right to sue a dog owner after a disfiguring attack in Georgia. The Peach State allows victims of dog attacks to hold owners liable for their injuries – and these injuries may include disfigurements.
If you want to pursue compensation for any dog bite in Georgia, you may need to prove certain facts. You have two options in this regard: You can prove that the owner knew that the dog was dangerous before the attack, or you can prove that they violated a local ordinance regarding animal restraint.
In Marietta, local ordinances state that a dog must be restrained by a leash except in a designated “off-leash area.” In addition, the individual in control of the animal must be physically able to restrain the animal using the leash. If you satisfy this requirement, there is no need to prove that the owner was aware of the animal’s dangerous tendencies.
Disfigurement is a Non-Economic Damage
You should know that disfigurement is an example of “non-economic damages” in Georgia. In other words, this damage represents a psychological loss rather than a financial loss. If your dog bite lawsuit proves successful, you will receive additional levels of compensation for disfigurement – above and beyond your medical expenses.
For example, you might incur $80,000 in medical expenses after a facial disfigurement caused by a dog. If your lawsuit is successful, you will receive compensation for these medical expenses – plus any income you lost during your recovery. If you prove that you were disfigured, you will receive even more compensation for your emotional or psychological issues. This compensation can be quite high for cases of serious facial disfigurement.
Proving that you have been disfigured should be quite easy. Unlike “invisible injuries” like PTSD or concussions, facial disfigurement is self-evident. A few photos and basic medical records should be sufficient as you prove the legitimacy of your disfigurement.
How to Recover From Facial Disfigurement After a Dog Bite
Psychological counseling may be helpful as you recover from facial disfigurement. Various studies have established that patients tend to experience a loss of self-esteem and self-identity after these incidents. Note that if your lawsuit is successful, you should receive compensation for these counseling sessions.
Reconstructive surgery can also help restore your self-image. While these procedures may be expensive, a lawsuit can provide the compensation you need for the best possible treatment.