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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Your Legal Rights After a Dog Attack in Atlanta
How an Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
When Should You Hire an Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer?
Determining Liability After a Dog Attack
Potential Damages Available in Your Case
Reporting a Dog Attack in Atlanta, GA
Rules Pertaining to “Dangerous Dogs” in Georgia
Steps to Follow After a Dog Attack
Contact an Attorney Today
Your Legal Rights After a Dog Attack in Atlanta
When you are bitten by a dog, you will need to prove that someone else was liable for the harm you suffered in order to have the foundation of a successful personal injury lawsuit. Essentially, you or your legal representation need to prove that the dog owner’s negligence contributed to the attack that caused your injuries.
In the state of Georgia, plaintiffs must specifically prove that the dog’s owner knew that their pet had a history of aggressive or violent behavior. Additionally, the bite victim must prove that the dog owner’s carelessness contributed to a preventable attack. This can be done by demonstrating that the aggressive dog was unsupervised, off-leash, or not properly controlled.
In most cases, a bite victim will file a lawsuit against the dog owner. For some victims, it may be mentally challenging to file a lawsuit against the liable party if they were bitten by a friend or family member’s dog. However, dog bite claims are usually handled by a homeowner insurance policy, not the individual responsible for the dog. You should speak with a knowledgeable Atlanta dog bite attorney as soon as possible after an accident to evaluate your legal options.
How an Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
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.
- We Have an Experienced Legal Team: Our attorneys have fought for the rights of injury victims in Atlanta for decades. We take care to explain your legal options in detail, keep you aware of our progress, and fight tirelessly to secure the maximum amount of compensation possible.
- 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.
- We Aren’t Paid Until We Win: We believe strongly in the merit of cases we choose to litigate. As a result, our firm takes all cases on a contingency fee basis. You owe us nothing until we secure a settlement or award on your behalf.
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.
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. Sometimes it can be difficult to even determine who owns the aggressive dog, particularly if the attack occurs in an apartment complex or public space and no one readily claims the dog. The dog’s owner may attempt to evade responsibility for their pet’s behavior as well. 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.
Proving That a Dog Had Dangerous Tendencies
It can be helpful to your case to prove that the dog that attacked you had known aggressive or vicious tendencies. A dog with a history of bites, threatening behavior, or attacks on people or animals can demonstrate that the dog posed a risk to people in proximity to it. If the owner knew, or reasonably should have known, that their dog had aggressive tendencies and an attack still occurrs, it may be more likely that they are held accountable for their negligence. Whether the dog was not properly restrained or allowed to escape a backyard due to negligent property maintenance, it may be possible to hold the owner liable for resulting harm.
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.
Reporting a Dog Attack in Atlanta, GA
After being bitten by a dog, get away from the aggressive animal so that it cannot attempt to attack you again. When you are in a safe location, call the police immediately to report the dog attack. They may capture the dog and identify the owner. You should also contact Animal Control to ensure they are aware of the situation. In some cases, you should also seek medical assistance. Seek immediate medical aid if the dog bite:
- Is deep or large
- Caused significant bleeding
- Is on your head, face, neck, genitals, hands, or feet
- Is deformed, bruised, or swollen
- Causes substantial pain
After reporting a dog attack to law enforcement, contact the legal team at Monge & Associates. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex legal landscape of a dog bite lawsuit and ensure you are fairly compensated for the injuries you suffered.
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.