Dog Bite Attorney in Atlanta

Who is Responsible for a Dog Bite Injury in Atlanta?

Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law tells us that dog owners can be held liable if their dogs “seriously injure” other people or animals.

A serious bite injury, in this case, is more than a small nip or minor scratch. Serious injuries are defined as those carrying a significant risk of death or those that require major medical treatments like sutures or surgery.

It is also important to note that, under the law, a dog’s “owner” is the person who possesses, harbors, or has “custody” of the dog. This means pet-sitters, veterinarians, and groomers may be held responsible for dog bite attacks that happen under their care.

If the dog in a dog bite accident is owned by a minor, the child’s parent or guardian may be considered legally responsible for the dog and can be held responsible for any related damages.

When an injured person pursues damages in a dog bite injury claim, they typically seek monetary compensation from insurance providers rather than individuals. Homeowner’s insurance and other liability coverage may cover dog bite claims. Oftentimes, the owner of the dog that bit you is a friend, neighbor, or family member. You may be hesitant to pursue compensation. It’s important for you to know that the dog owner is usually not footing the bill for the injuries themselves.

Coverage may be available from:

• Homeowners or renters insurance claims
• Commercial liability coverage (if, for example, a groomer or border was in control of the dog at the time of the attack)
• Workers’ compensation insurance claims (if the dog bite happened while the victim was performing the regular duties of their job)
• Pet liability insurance claims (if the pet owner has this type of coverage)

Atlanta Dog Bite Laws

According to Georgia dog bite statutes, victims must prove three things to be eligible for compensation:

• The owner of the animal acted carelessly in allowing the dog to go free.
• The dog in question is vicious or dangerous.
• The victim did nothing to provoke the dog.

Georgia does not impose statewide leash laws on dog owners, but many Georgia counties and cities have local ordinances that set out rules for restraining dogs. When dogs bite or seriously injure people in violation of local leash ordinances, their owners could be considered legally responsible for the accident. For example, in DeKalb County within the city of Atlanta, owners are required to keep control of their dogs by:

• Securing them inside when unattended.
• Having them on a leash while outdoors.
• Keeping them near someone whose commands the dog will obey, if outdoors.
• Enclosing them safely within a vehicle.

If a dog has displayed previous tendencies to bite or behave aggressively, the owner is expected to be aware that their dog is considered dangerous or vicious. Under Georgia law, a “dangerous” dog is one that has:

• Displayed behavior aggressive enough for someone to reasonably assumes that the dog poses a threat. Behaviors like barking, growling, or baring teeth are not considered unusually aggressive on their own.
• Bitten a person hard enough to puncture skin without causing serious injury.
• Inappropriately killed another pet animal outside of the owner’s property.

A “vicious” dog is defined as one that previously:

• Directly inflicted serious injury on a person.
• It caused a person to suffer a serious injury during a reasonable attempt to escape from the dog’s attack.

How Our Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help After an Animal Attack

Georgia’s dog bite laws are some of the most complicated in the United States. If you or your child are a victim of a dog bite injury, you should be focusing on healing rather than deciphering intricate legal codes or insurance policies. Experienced Atlanta dog bite lawyers like Butler Kahn can help you navigate the claims process and build the most persuasive case possible. Contact our dog bite attorney in Atlanta today.

Ways our attorneys may be able to help include:

• Investigating the incident – We take great care in evaluating the details of your case and the relevant laws or policies that may affect it.
• Gathering evidence – Strong cases are built on strong evidence. Eyewitness interviews, injury photographs, and medical bills may all be used as evidence, for example.
• Communicating on your behalf – Many accident victims worry about making statements when filing claims. To help you avoid saying something that could harm your claim, your lawyer will handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf.
• Negotiating for compensation – After building a strong case, your attorney can negotiate from a position of strength for a settlement that covers your losses.
• Managing legal documents – As a part of the process, your lawyer may prepare documents such as demand letters, legal complaints, or spoilation letters to preserve evidence.
• Representing you in court – If your dog bite injury case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court and advocate for your rights and interests.

Treatment and Complications from Dog Bite Injuries

Some of the most common injuries and complications from dog bites include:

Treatment for these types of injuries or side effects may involve:

Compensation for Injuries in Dog Bite Cases in Atlanta

Victims of dog bite injuries commonly seek compensation for: