Georgia Dog Bite Lawyer

While dogs are generally considered man’s best friend, they can also be very dangerous. In fact, millions of people suffer from dog bites every year—and many of those happen in Georgia. And dog bites and attacks can result in serious injuries and even death, posing a risk of infection, nerve damage and permanent scarring. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you should know that you have legal options. You need to talk to a Georgia dog bite lawyer.

Our attorneys have over 20 years of experience with Georgia’s dog bite laws. These laws often favor dog owners, but we have a track record of recovering money damages for the victims. Do not allow yourself to be blamed for your own dog attack—and don’t risk losing the money that may be your right. Call us at 888-553-0419 or fill out the form to the right to get a free consultation today.

How do I prove my dog bite case to get money damages?

In Georgia, victims of dog bites need to prove three things to have a successful legal case.

1. The dog is vicious or dangerous
2. The dog’s owner was careless in how the dog was being kept
3. The owner’s carelessness caused the injury or damage

A “vicious” dog is one that has exhibited dangerous tendencies in the past. This rule is often referred to as the “one-bite” rule. Essentially, the dog must have bitten someone else before for the owner to know that it is dangerous or vicious. The dog gets “one free bite” before the owner knows about its tendencies and is liable.

However, a dog can be automatically considered vicious in Georgia if it’s in an area where the dog should be leashed, but it’s off the leash when the bite occurs. That means that if the dog’s owner is not following leash laws and the dog bites someone, then the owner will be liable regardless of the dog’s history.

The bite victim must also show that they did not provoke the animal before it attacked as well. The dog’s owner will often make this argument as a defense. Having a witness to the bite will help you prove that you didn’t do anything that would make the dog want to bite you before the incident occurred, but it’s not the only way.

6 Things You Should Do After a Dog Bite in Georgia

The actions that you take after a dog bite can significantly affect your recovery, and it can have a huge impact on your potential legal case as well. After you have been bitten by a dog, you should take the following steps:

1. Go to the doctor.

If you need emergency medical care, you need to make that a priority after a dog attack. Depending on where the bite occurred, the loss of blood or damage to the nerves in that area can cause permanent damage or even death if you don’t act quickly. You should also be tested for rabies as well. Rabies exposure is rare, but it can happen. Don’t take any chances, and see a doctor right away after a biting incident.

2. Identify the dog and its owner.

In some situations, the dog’s owner may be a friend or family member. In other circumstances, the dog might be out wandering on its own when the bite occurs. You need to take steps to identify the dog. If you can’t determine who the dog’s owner is, don’t worry—your Georgia dog bite attorney has resources to help you identify who the dog may belong to. They may also be able to determine if the dog has bitten anyone in the past as well.

3. Report the incident to the owner and Animal Control.

Talking to the owner about what happened puts them on notice that their dog is dangerous. Hopefully, they will take extra steps to ensure that their dog is not exposed to other people after your incident. In many situations, however, reporting the incident to Animal Control will force the dog owner to keep their animal confined better in the future, or it may face being put down. Animal Control is usually either a city or county service, and is often attached to your local police department—if in doubt, call the police directly and ask to make a report. By reporting the bite, you may be keeping other people safe from a dangerous or vicious dog.

4. Get information about potential witnesses.

Anyone who sees the dog attack you can be a helpful resource for your legal case. This person may be able to describe what happened just before the bite. If the dog is well-known for being loose in the neighborhood, the witness might be able to get you valuable information about who it belongs to and how often it gets out as well. Be sure to get their name and contact information so you can follow up with them later.

5. Take photos/video of the wounds and location where the attack occurred.

The location where your dog attack incident occurred will have an effect on your legal case. It’s a good idea to take pictures of the place where the bite occurred. If, for example, the dog leaped over a fence to get to you, take a picture of the fence as well. Low fences or holes in fencing can be important.

It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the wounds that resulted from the bite. By the time your case gets to court, your wounds may have healed. Having a photo of your injuries can help a judge or jury understand the real extent of your pain and suffering.

6. Talk to a Georgia dog bite lawyer.

Having an attorney who has experience with cases like yours can be a great resource. Your lawyer can gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and find out additional information about the dog and its owner on your behalf. That gives you more time to focus on recovering from your injuries and moving on with your life.

Talk to a Georgia Dog Bite Lawyer for Free

Dog bite cases can be difficult, but you have a much better chance of getting money damages for your injuries or losses if you have an experienced lawyer. Our Georgia dog bite attorneys are here to help you maximize your recovery. Give us a call to get a FREE consultation and help taking the first steps. Contact us at 888-553-0419 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.