Dog Bite Lawyer In Atlanta, Georgia
If you suffered a dog bite injury in Atlanta, it’s essential that you understand Georgia’s dog bite laws and your legal rights. Contact Ted A Greve & Associates PA for a free consultation with one of our experienced dog bite lawyers.
Understanding Georgia’s Legal Landscape for Dog Bite Incidents
Georgia follows a modified version of the “one bite” rule for dog bites. If a dog is considered dangerous based on OCGA 4-8-21 and bites someone, the owner may be liable. However, a dog is only dangerous if it “aggressively bites, attacks, or endangers the safety of humans without provocation.”
Does Georgia Law Hold Dog Owners Liable for Dog Bites?
In addition to the “one bite” rule, a dog owner could be liable for an injury caused by their pet if the dog should have been on a leash but wasn’t at the time of the attack. According to OCGA 51-2-7, if a local ordinance says dogs must be leashed in public and an unleashed dog bites you, the owner would be liable
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After Suffering a Dog Bite in Atlanta
Hiring a dog bite lawyer in Atlanta is vital because they can help you gather the necessary evidence and file your lawsuit against the liable party. An experienced dog bite injury attorney will handle all aspects of your case.
How to File a Dog Bite Claim in Atlanta
Before you can file your dog bite lawsuit, you’ll need to understand the statute of limitations, identify the liable party, and gather the necessary evidence.
Critical Deadlines: Knowing the Statute of Limitations for Filing Your Claim
Under the statute of limitations for personal injury in OCGA 9-3-33, dog bite victims have two years to file a lawsuit against the liable party. Failure to file your lawsuit within this period could result in losing your right to pursue compensation in court.
Identifying Liable Parties and Proving Owner Negligence
In most cases, you simply need to identify the dog’s owner to identify the liable party. However, there may be other liable parties. For example, the manufacturer of a faulty leash or fence could be liable if it didn’t prevent the dog from attacking.
Once you’ve identified the liable party or parties, you must collect evidence connecting your injury to their negligent actions.
The Complexities of Georgia Modified Comparative Negligence in Dog Attacks
OCGA 51-12-33 outlines Georgia’s modified comparative negligence statute. Under this statute, parties are only liable for the part they played in your injuries. This means that if you did something to provoke the dog attack, that could reduce the compensation you can recover.
Additionally, you cannot recover compensation if you’re more than 50% at fault for the incident.
Essential Documentation and Evidence to Strengthen Your Case
For a strong case, you’ll need evidence such as:
- Photographs of your injuries
- Medical records detailing your injuries and treatment
- Medical bills and wage loss statements
- Footage of the dog attack from nearby security cameras
- Eyewitness statements
Compensation From a Dog Bite Claim
The compensation you could receive through your dog bite lawsuit depends on the circumstances of the attack and the severity of your injuries.
Different Types of Damages Available to Dog Bite Victims in Atlanta
Through your dog bite lawsuit, you could recover compensation for your:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
Proving the Dog’s History of Aggression and its Impact on Your Claim
To be eligible for compensation, you must demonstrate that the dog had a history of aggression and that the owner knew or should have known it was dangerous. To prove this, you could use evidence such as:
- Animal control records
- Veterinary records
- Testimony of previous victims
- Police complaint records
The Role of an Experienced Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer in Your Journey to Justice
It’s important to hire an Atlanta dog bite lawyer you can trust to protect your rights.
Qualities to Look for in an Atlanta Dog Bite Attorney
When choosing a dog bite attorney, look for one who:
- Has good client ratings on Google, AVVO, and other lawyer rating sites
- Provides client testimonies on their website or by request
- Is compassionate and empathetic
- Listens to your concerns and can communicate the law effectively
- Is on the same page as you regarding settlements and litigation
Consulting with a Lawyer: What to Expect During Your First Meeting
During your initial consultation with a lawyer, you can expect them to review the details of your case and outline your legal options. They’ll ask you questions about the incident and will let you ask them questions, as well.
Some questions you should ask during your initial consultation are:
- What does the lawyer’s fee structure look like?
- How much does the lawyer anticipate your case could be worth?
- Will the lawyer prepare for a trial from the start, or are they hoping for a quick settlement?
- How much experience do they have with dog bite lawsuits?
- How often will they communicate with you, and how?
Contact Ted A Greve & Associates PA for a free consultation with an experienced dog bite injury lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia.
Preventing Future Incidents: Insights and Tips on Avoiding Dog Bites
The best way to prevent future dog bite incidents is to learn about safe practices when interacting with animals you don’t know.
Practical Advice for Families on Teaching Children About Safe Interaction with Dogs
It’s important for families to teach their young children about safely interacting with dogs. For example, children should be taught:
- To ask the owner’s permission before petting a dog they don’t know
- To stop interacting with a dog that appears scared
- To let dogs approach them first instead of approaching the dog
The Importance of Responsible Pet Ownership Assessed Through Real-Life Lessons
Pet owners must also do their part to prevent dog bites from happening. Responsible pet ownership involves understanding and following all state and local laws involving pets, including:
- Keeping dogs leashed when in public areas
- Warning individuals about an animal’s potentially aggressive nature
- Being able to handle their dog if it becomes aggressive
photo credit: Free Dog Teeth photo and picture, licensed under Pixabay
