Many dog owners consider their pets members of the family. But when a dog attacks, the consequences for victims can be heartbreaking, leaving them with debilitating injuries and lasting emotional trauma. In many cases, a dog owner bears responsibility for injuries inflicted by their dog. If you or a loved one got hurt in an attack, a Georgia dog bite lawyer from Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can help you pursue the financial compensation you need for your recovery.
Our legal team focuses exclusively on personal injury cases. We have the knowledge and experience to build a persuasive dog bite claim so the insurance company pays you what you deserve. You need to feel supported during this difficult time. We’re here to make the path to compensation as stress-free as possible.
Contact Brauns Law Injury Lawyers, PC for a free consultation with a knowledgeable Peachtree Corners dog bite attorney today.
Dog Bite Laws in Georgia
Under Georgia dog bite law, a dog owner or keeper can be liable for injuries from a dog attack if:
- There is proof a dog attack occurred.
- The owner or keeper of the dog knew it was dangerous or vicious.
- The owner was careless, such as letting the dog roam freely.
- The dog attacked without provocation.
Liability for dog bite injuries usually arises when an attack occurs in public or on private property that the injured victim has lawfully entered. The statute allows an injured victim to prove a dog’s dangerous or vicious propensity by showing that the dog’s owner violated a local ordinance requiring owners to keep their dogs at heel or on a leash. As a result, Georgia’s dog bite law gives injury victims greater flexibility in holding dog owners liable for bites and attacks.
Common Injuries Associated With Dog Attacks
Dogs can inflict a wide range of injuries. Young children and older adults more frequently suffer severe injuries in dog attacks because dogs can more easily knock children and older adults to the ground and injure children due to their shorter stature.
Common examples of dog bite injuries include:
- Lacerations, puncture wounds, and degloving injuries
- Broken bones, especially in hands and feet
- Nerve damage
- Ligament, muscle, or tendon tears
- Internal organ damage
- Severed blood vessels and excessive bleeding
- Head and facial injuries, including eye, ear, and nose damage
- Infections, including secondary complications such as gangrene
- Traumatic amputation
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Long-term disabilities
- Death
What to Do After a Dog Bite Caused by Someone Else’s Negligence
When someone else’s dog bites or attacks you, you can protect your health and put yourself in a favorable position to pursue compensation from the dog’s owner. Here’s what to do:
- Notify the dog’s owner about the attack if you can locate them. Get copies of vaccination records or the name of the dog’s veterinarian.
- Take photos of the scene of the attack, including relevant details like a broken fence or gate that the dog escaped from.
- Seek immediate medical attention to have a doctor diagnose your injuries and begin treatment, including preventative care to avoid complications from infections.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment instructions and recommendations.
- Obtain copies of your medical records of your injury treatment and rehabilitation.
- Keep any bills, invoices, and receipts of your medical costs or other expenses.
- Collect your pay stubs or income statements if you miss time from work during your recovery.
In most cases, a dog’s owner will be financially responsible for the injuries and losses an attack victim suffers. Dog bite injuries are typically covered under the liable party’s homeowners or renters insurance policy. However, not all insurers cover dog bites. A lawyer can identify whether exceptions apply in your case.
Other parties might also be to blame depending on the circumstances surrounding an attack. A dog sitter or groomer could be liable for a dog bite if they negligently controlled a dog in their custody. In those cases, the sitter, groomer, or their employer might bear responsibility for the injured victim’s losses. An experienced dog bite attorney can identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation for you.
Evidence Needed in a Georgia Dog Bite Claim
Proving a dog owner’s or another party’s liability for injuries under Georgia’s dog bite statute requires strong evidence, such as:
- Photos or videos of the scene of the attack and the victim’s injuries
- Medical records
- Animal control or police accident reports
- Eyewitness testimony
- Surveillance camera or video footage of the attack
- Proof the animal was classified as dangerous or vicious
- The owner’s certificate of registration allowing possession of a dangerous or vicious dog
- Evidence that the victim was not trespassing, abusing, or provoking the animal at the time of the attack
A knowledgeable dog bite lawyer can collect this evidence for you while you recuperate from your injuries.
Statute of Limitations for Georgia Dog Bite Injury Cases
Georgia’s statute of limitations typically gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, including a suit for a dog bite injury. However, certain circumstances may extend the deadline, such as when the victim is a child. You should consult a dog bite attorney as soon as possible to determine when to file your dog bite claims. The court can dismiss any case filed after the deadline. If so, you could lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries in civil court.
Talk to an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer in Peachtree Corners, GA Today
Compensation is possible if you sustained injuries inflicted by somebody else’s dog in Georgia. Turn to Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC for assistance seeking money for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Our compassionate attorneys will guide you through every step of the legal process. Call or contact us today to discuss your dog bite claim in a free consultation.
