The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are approximately 4.5 million dog bites in the U.S. every year, with approximately 800,000 of those requiring immediate medical attention. At Monge & Associates, we understand the pain, trauma, and financial burden that can result from being bitten by a dog, and we are here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Our Atlanta dog bite lawyer has been fighting for the rights of personal injury victims in Georgia since 1993. Call us today at 888-653-0605 for a free consultation.
Atlanta Dog Bite Resources
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How an Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
When Should You Hire an Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer?
Working With an Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer
Determining Liability After a Dog Attack
Potential Damages Available in Your Case
Rules Pertaining to “Dangerous Dogs” in Georgia
Steps to Follow After a Dog Attack
Contact an Attorney Today
How an Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
When you choose an Atlanta dog bite attorney from Monge & Associates, you can rest assured that you have a dedicated legal team in your corner. Here’s how we can help you:
We Will Explain Your Case In Detail & Answer Any Questions
Dog bite cases can be complex, and you may have many questions. We will explain the legal process to you in detail, ensuring that you understand your rights and options. We will address all your concerns and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your case.
We Will Handle The Liable Insurance Companies
Dealing with the liable insurance companies after a dog bite can be a daunting task, especially when you are recovering from your injuries. Our experienced Atlanta dog bite lawyers have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies. We will handle all communication, paperwork, and negotiations on your behalf so that you can focus on healing.
Help You Understand All of Your Damages
Dog bite injuries can result in various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and scarring and disfigurement. We will thoroughly evaluate your case and help you understand all the damages you may be entitled to. Our goal is to ensure that you receive compensation for the full extent of your dog bite injuries.
We Will Fight Passionately To Get You The Maximum Settlement
Our dedicated team of Atlanta dog bite lawyers will fight passionately to protect your rights and secure the maximum settlement possible. We have a track record of success in dog bite cases and will not back down from a challenge. We will thoroughly investigate the incident, gather evidence, consult with experts if necessary, and build a strong case to support your claim.
We Will Represent You in Court
While many dog bite cases are resolved through negotiation and settlement, we are always prepared to take your case to court if needed. Our experienced trial attorneys will represent you effectively in the courtroom, presenting a compelling case on your behalf and advocating for your best interests.
We Don’t Get Paid Until You Win
At Monge & Associates, we strongly believe in our clients and their cases. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. We don’t get paid unless and until we win your case and secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf. This arrangement ensures that our interests are aligned with yours, and it gives you peace of mind knowing that we are fully committed to achieving a successful outcome.
When Should You Hire an Atlanta Dog Bite Attorney?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident, it is essential to act quickly and hire an experienced Atlanta dog bite lawyer. The sooner we can get started on your case, the better. Evidence may disappear, witnesses’ memories may fade, and statutes of limitations may expire. By hiring an Atlanta dog bite lawyer promptly, you can ensure that your rights are protected, and crucial evidence is preserved.
Working With an Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer
When you choose to work with an Atlanta dog bite lawyer from Monge & Associates, you can expect personalized attention and dedicated representation throughout the entire legal process. Here’s what you can anticipate when you entrust your case to us:
- A Free Initial Consultation: We offer a free initial consultation where we will listen to your story, gather important details about the incident, and assess the strength of your case.
- A Thorough Investigation: This may involve gathering medical records, interviewing witnesses, reviewing any available surveillance footage, consulting with experts, and analyzing relevant laws and regulations.
- We Build a Persuasive Case: Armed with the evidence we gather; we will develop a compelling legal strategy tailored to your specific situation.
- Skillful Negotiators: Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers are well-versed in negotiating with insurance adjusters. We handle all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure they recognize the full extent of your damages and offer a fair settlement.
- Litigation if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will be fully prepared to take your case to court.
Determining Liability After a Dog Attack
If you were bitten by someone else’s dog, you may wonder if you can hold the owner liable for the injuries that you have suffered. In Georgia, determining legal responsibility following a dog attack requires an understanding of the state’s interpretation of the one-bite rule.
Traditionally, this rule suggests that a dog owner is not liable for a dog’s first attack, under the presumption that the owner had no reason to suspect the dog was dangerous. However, Georgia’s approach deviates from this. The state’s law considers an owner to be on notice, and potentially liable, if the dog has previously exhibited aggressive behavior, even if it hasn’t bitten anyone.
For example, say that a dog had attempted to bite someone in the past. This would place its owners on notice of its potential dangerousness. Following this incident, the owners have a legal obligation to control their dog. As a result, they could be held liable for any subsequent bite, irrespective of the dog’s prior history of actual bites. Owners must be proactive in controlling their dogs if there are signs of aggression, not just after a biting incident.
Proving That Negligence Played a Role in a Dog Attack
In some cases, you will need to prove that the owner’s negligence led to your injuries to file a successful lawsuit. This is especially important if you were in a place where a dog was not required to be on a leash, such as an off-leash dog park or a private residence.
Establishing negligence in a dog attack case in Georgia involves demonstrating that the dog owner failed to act reasonably given the circumstances. For example, if an owner is aware that their dog exhibits aggressive tendencies and still allows it to roam freely in a social setting, this could be construed as negligent behavior.
Potential Damages Available in Your Case
A dog attack can have a devastating impact on your life. With their strong jaws and sharp teeth, dogs can inflict significant damage when they bite, leading to injuries such as nerve damage, disfigurement, and permanent scarring. They can also introduce dangerous bacteria into the bloodstream, leading to potentially life-threatening infections. In some cases, a dog attack can be fatal and result in an Atlanta wrongful death lawsuit.
Beyond the immediate physical injuries, the psychological effects can be profound, potentially leading to long-term fear of dogs or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The attack might also disrupt your daily routine, work life, and social interactions. Furthermore, the financial burden of medical treatments and potential loss of income can add significant stress to your life.
By filing a dog bite lawsuit, you could claim compensation to help pay for these damages and recover from the physical, emotional, and financial impact. Potential damages in your case may include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all healthcare costs related to the dog attack, including immediate medical treatment, surgeries, ongoing therapy, and any future medical interventions required due to the attack.
- Pain and Suffering: This form of compensation acknowledges the physical and emotional trauma resulting from the attack. It encompasses immediate physical pain, chronic conditions, permanent physical disabilities, and longer-term psychological effects such as anxiety, fear, and a decrease in quality of life.
- Property Damage: Depending on the circumstances surrounding the attack, your settlement may cover the cost of personal items damaged during the attack, such as clothing or mobile devices.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If the injuries from the dog attack prevent you from working, this compensation covers lost income during your recovery period. Your settlement also accounts for the loss of future earnings if your injuries permanently affect your ability to work.
Rules Pertaining to “Dangerous Dogs” in Georgia
Georgia laws define what constitutes a dangerous dog, and outline specific, stringent responsibilities for owners. This classification applies to dogs that have either inflicted serious injury on a person without provocation or exhibited aggressive behavior, such as biting or attacking, also without provocation. It excludes dogs used in law enforcement or other official duties.
The process to classify a dog as dangerous typically begins when a complaint is filed with a dog control officer, who then notifies the owner. A hearing is scheduled to determine if the dog meets the dangerous classification criteria. Once a dog is classified as dangerous, the owner must comply with several regulations:
- The owner must register the dog with local authorities and maintain a minimum of $50,000 in liability insurance.
- The dog must be confined within a secure enclosure, with warning signs posted at all property entrances.
- When taken out for a walk, the dog must be on a leash no longer than six feet and must be muzzled.
- If the dog escapes, the owner is obligated to notify the dog control officer within 24 hours.
- If the owner plans to move to a different jurisdiction, they must inform the authorities beforehand.
Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in severe consequences, including the confiscation and possible euthanasia of the dog, fines, imprisonment, and liability for any injuries caused.
What Should You Do If a Dog Bites You?
In the event of a dog bite, it’s essential to take immediate steps to protect your safety and your legal rights. When navigating the aftermath of the attack, take the following actions as soon as you possibly can:
- Get to a Safe Location: Quickly move away from the dog to prevent further attacks. Ensure you are in a secure place before assessing your injuries.
- Perform First Aid, If Possible: Clean the wound with mild soap and water. Apply a sterile bandage and an antibiotic ointment if possible. This step can help reduce the risk of infections, especially if medical help is delayed.
- Go to the Hospital: Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you believe the bite is not serious, to prevent infections. This also creates medical records, which you can use as evidence.
- Report the Bite to the Authorities: Notify local law enforcement or animal control of the incident. An official report is vital for documentation and may help prevent future incidents.
- Collect as Much Evidence as You Can: Take photos of your injuries and the location. If the dog is visible and it’s safe to do so, photograph it too.
- Get the Owner’s Information: Obtain contact and insurance details from the dog’s owner. This information is essential for any legal claims.
- Speak to an Atlanta Dog Bite Attorney: Consult an attorney to discuss your case. They can guide you through the legal process and help secure rightful compensation.
Contact an Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer at Monge & Associates
A dog bite can have a significant impact on the victim. You may be facing mounting medical bills, difficulty communicating with the liable insurance companies, lost wages and income, and a tremendous amount of pain and suffering. This is why you must not delay in seeking legal representation.
At Monge & Associates, our compassionate and experienced Atlanta dog bite lawyers will listen to your story, assess the merits of your case, and guide you through the legal process.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident in Atlanta, contact our law firm today at 888-653-0605 for a free consultation and to take the first step towards securing a brighter future after a dog bite injury. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Remember, time is of the essence, so don’t wait to assert your rights.