Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me | Atlanta Lawyer

4 STEPS ON WHAT TO DO AFTER A DOG BITE IN ATLANTA 

Proving negligence in a dog bite case can be difficult, and the steps you take immediately after the incident will have a major impact on your personal injury claim:

STEP 1: SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE.

After your dog bite, your health must be your first priority. Get to a hospital or clinic as soon as possible to get checked out. Even if your dog bite does not seem that severe, it is best to get a doctor’s opinion to avoid infection or complications down the road. You should also try to obtain all of the information available about the dog’s vaccinations, and particularly when/if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. The owner should be able to provide this information, or the name of the veterinarian who has it.

STEP 2: CONTACT ANIMAL CONTROL.

In addition to obtaining medical care, you should report the dog bite to your local Animal Control Department. Doing this helps ensure that the necessary measures are taken to quarantine the dog if it poses a danger to the community. The Animal Control report will also be an important piece of evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim. You may feel uneasy or uncomfortable about reporting the incident if it happened at a friend or neighbor’s house, but it is important to follow proper protocols to prevent a repeat incident.

Animal Control  in Atlanta Metropolitan Area

Fulton County Animal Services (FCAS)

DeKalb County Animal Enforcement

STEP 3: DOCUMENT THE INCIDENT.

In addition to the report from Animal Control, you should also create your own report about what happened. Take multiple photos showing where the bite occurred and keep any bloodied clothing or other key pieces of evidence. Write down, in as much detail as possible, the specifics of the incident while it is fresh in your mind. Finally, obtain statements and contact information from any individuals who may have witnessed the event.

STEP 4: USE CAUTION WHEN DISCUSSING THE INCIDENT.

Keep any conversations with the dog owner as brief and cordial as possible and avoid discussing the dog bite on social media or in any other electronic form. Anything you say about the incident can be used against you, so it is best not to discuss it at length with anyone other than your Atlanta dog bite lawyer.

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GEORGIA DOG BITE LAWS

In Georgia, a law called the one-bite rule governs dog bite cases.

A one bite rule essentially grants the owner a pass if the dog did not have a history of violence and the owner didn’t know the dog would have violent tendencies. If this is the case in your dog bite claim, our Atlanta injury firm can thoroughly investigate the dog’s history to find out if the dog had other evidence of a propensity toward violence.

Additionally, you may be held partially responsible for the attack if the dog was provoked or threatened. We can also investigate these claims to understand exactly what happened and whether the owner was following laws that govern whether dogs need to be secured.

If any of the following rules are broken, a dog owner could be sued:

• Dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs must be officially registered in the state of Georgia.
• Dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs must be securely restrained, both inside and outside. If outside, the dog must stay in an enclosed area, such as a fenced yard. The enclosure serves to keep the dog in and other people out.
• If outside, but not in an enclosed area, the dog must be muzzled, leashed, or chained – or otherwise, physically restrained by a person.
• Owners’ property must feature signage that warns people that a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog is there.
• Owners must have at least $15,000 worth of liability insurance for personal injuries caused by the dog.
• In lieu of liability insurance, a dog owner may have a surety bond worth at least $15,000 to pay a dog bite victim in the event of an attack.

Learn More: Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Georgia 

WHAT CONSTITUTES STRICT LIABILITY IN DOG BITE CASES?

In cases of strict liability, if their dog bites someone, a dog owner can be found liable in one of two situations:

• The owner failed to keep their dog on a leash in an area where dogs are required to be restrained.
• The owner knows their dog to be a vicious or dangerous animal.

According to Atlanta’s Code of Ordinances, a dangerous dog is one that has:

• Caused severe injury to an individual without being provoked
• Or acted aggressively towards people after previously being classified as dangerous

In Atlanta, dog owners are responsible for restraining their animals with either a leash, chain, wall, or fence – even while on their own property.

Dog Bites While Delivering to or Working at Someone’s Home

Many dog bites occur when a visitor comes to a home to deliver mail or a package, or to do some work on the property. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the property owner to create a safe environment. Some dogs, even those that are otherwise friendly around people they know, react aggressively when a stranger enters the property. But property owners are still responsible to either keep the dog caged or on a leash, or to train it to behave around strangers.

If you have been bitten by a dog while performing work for an employer, you may have a third-party liability claim against the dog owner in addition to any Workers’ Compensation benefits you may be eligible for. Speak with our experienced dog bite attorneys to review your case and explore all of your legal options.

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COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID IN DOG BITE CLAIMS

MISTAKE #1: FAILING TO SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT IMMEDIATELY

Some dog bite victims assume their injuries are not that severe and do not receive any medical care. This can be a major mistake, especially considering that the bacteria found in a dog’s mouth can spread serious diseases. Our dog bite attorneys recommend getting checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.

For one, it helps to prevent infection. Secondly, it can strengthen your claim if you decide to pursue legal action. The doctor’s report will form a crucial link between the bite and the injury that resulted, and may be used as evidence in your case.

MISTAKE #2: FAILING TO REPORT THE DOG BITE INJURY

Many dog bite victims are too traumatized or overwhelmed to report the incident immediately after it happens. Also, the dog’s owner may ask the victim not to report the incident. But it is crucial to report it anyway, not only to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, but to ensure no one else is hurt.

MISTAKE #3: GIVING THE INSURANCE COMPANY A STATEMENT

Insurance adjusters are trained to extract information, and oftentimes, to use it against you. Their goal is to pay out the minimum amount to keep their company’s costs low, so never assume that the insurance adjuster is on your side. Let your Atlanta dog bite lawyer handle communication with the insurance company on your behalf, and never provide a statement without first seeking trusted legal advice.

MISTAKE #4: FAILING TO GATHER EVIDENCE 

In most cases, the dog bite injury has fully healed before the case is settled or taken to court. To ensure the full extent of your injury is clear, be sure to take photos of the injury right away. This will help an insurance adjuster or jury understand the pain you endured.

MISTAKE #5: ATTEMPTING TO HANDLE YOUR CASE ON YOUR OWN

While it is possible to file your own personal injury claim, it is not recommended. Proving fault can be tricky, especially if you do not possess a thorough understanding of the legal system. You need experienced legal representation on your side, ready to negotiate a fair settlement – and if an agreement cannot be reached, to take your case to court.

Handling your own case will likely result in settling for less than you deserve. Plus, it adds stress at a time when you should be focused on healing from your dog bite injury.

FAQS | COMMON ATLANTA DOG BITE ATTACK QUESTIONS

Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in Georgia?

Georgia uses a “modified one bite” rule that holds a dog owner liable for a dog bite if they knew that their dog was vicious and acted carelessly. If the vicious dog was not properly restrained or attacked someone without provocation, the owner can be held liable under Georgia law.

How Much is a Fine for a Dog Bite in Georgia?

Georgia law states that dog owners must pay damages to bite victims if they were aware (or should have been) that their dog was potentially dangerous. This may result in a fine up to $5,000 and one year of prison time for the first time a dog bite incident occurs.

How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost? 

Here at Ross Moore Law, our Atlanta dog bite attorneys work on a contingency basis. That means you only pay if we win your case. And we also offer free case evaluations!

What is the “One Bite Rule?”

The “One Bite Rule” often comes into play during dog attack cases. It states that a dog owner is liable for damages if they knew (or should have known) that their dog was vicious. Keep in mind that a dog is typically not considered vicious if it has never bitten anyone. Once it does, the dog’s owner is 100% liable for damages if the incident occurs again in the future.

What is Georgia’s Modified “One Bite Rule” for Dogs?

A modified “One Bite Rule” applies here in Georgia. This means that the dog owner is liable for damages if they knew that their dog was vicious. If the attack was unprovoked or the owner’s carelessness in restraining the animal resulted in injury, the owner is considered liable. These modifications to the traditional “One Bite Rule” makes it easier for victims to prove that the dog was indeed dangerous.

Can Dog Owners Be Held Accountable for Other Aggressive Dog Behaviors?

It is possible to show that a dog is dangerous even if it did not bite anyone. Other aggressive behaviors, like these, could be enough to prove it:

• Charging at people or other animals
• Excessive growling or snarling
• Aggressive barking
• Attempting to break away from an owner to attack someone

Do I Need a Dog Bite Lawyer After a Dog Bite Attack? 

A qualified dog bite attorney can help prove that the dog’s owner is responsible and hold them accountable. They can also ensure you receive proper care for your injuries. After gathering evidence to strengthen your case, your attorney will determine a reasonable settlement. Negotiations will follow, and if an agreement cannot be reached, your attorney will offer proper legal representation during your trial.

What is Georgia’s Statute of Limitation for Filing a Dog Bite Claim?
According to the Georgia statute of limitations, you have 2 years from the date of your attack to file a claim. Your Atlanta dog bite lawyer can help ensure you do not miss this deadline.

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