For the most part, it is true that dogs are man’s best friend. Most dogs are friendly and love to play. But even the nicest dogs can get scared when they encounter strangers. Then, there are those dogs that just don’t like people and are prone to attack at a moment’s notice. It’s pertinent, therefore, to know the dog bite laws in Atlanta, GA.
Dog owners should know whether their dog is friendly or not. If they know their dog has a tendency to snip or bite people they don’t know, they need to be careful. This means that they keep their dog on a leash, especially when taking the for a walk. And, if they invite people into their home, they need to make sure the dog is in a cage or somewhere away from their guests.
The dog bite laws in Atlanta address these issues. They understand that a dog attack is no laughing matter. If you’re attacked by a dog, you can sustain very serious injuries. You should feel safe walking down the street or in a park. The last thing you should have to worry about is getting attacked by a strange animal. Sadly, accidents happen. Even a dog that is on a leash can get away and bite someone, and you should be aware of what the dog bite laws in Atlanta say about seeking restitution. If something like this happens to you, it’s a good idea to call and talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia.
What are the Dog Bite Laws in Atlanta Regarding Leashes?
The dog bite laws in Atlanta do require that dog owner’s keep their pets on a leash. The only real exception to this rule is when they are in a dog park. And, of course, pet owners aren’t required to keep their animals on a leash while on private property. However, if someone is caught with their dog off a leash in any of the following places, they can be cited:
- Parks
- Trails
- Sidewalks
- Public spaces
The reason for this is to protect the public from any sort of animal attack. When a dog isn’t on a leash, they’re liable to attack anyone, including a child. While there is the small chance that a dog on a leash can escape from their owner and attack someone, it is rare. Usually, attacks happen when a dog is not on a leash.
Is a Pet Owner Legally Responsible for Your Injuries if Their Dog is Not on a Leash?
There is no yes or no answer to this question. Of course, if a dog is not on a leash and attacks you, there’s a good chance you have a legal claim against their owner. And, your Atlanta personal injury attorney will point out that the dog was not, in fact, on a leash. If the attack is tended to by the police in Atlanta, you will also have a copy of the citation issued to the dog owner. This will help demonstrate that the dog’s owner was negligent.
In order to recover any damages from the dog owner, your Atlanta injury lawyer will have to prove negligence. To do this, they need to show the following four (4) things:
- The dog’s owner owed you a duty of care – The fact that the city requires animals to be kept on a leash shows that there is a duty of care. If the dog is not on a leash, this element should be satisfied.
- They breached this duty – Showing that the animal wasn’t on a leash should be enough. Even if the dog is on a leash but the owner didn’t take care to keep them controlled, it can be a breach.
- You were injured – It isn’t enough that you were bitten or attacked. You have to show that you were actually hurt. The best way to do this is to show your medical records.
- The injuries were caused by the attack – Your Atlanta personal injury lawyer shouldn’t have a hard time proving this. The odds of some other intervening cause being present is rare.
As long as your lawyer can show these four (4) things, you should be able to recover damages.
Call a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer in Atlanta Right Away
If you or your loved one is attacked by a dog in Atlanta, call our office right away. You need to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer in Atlanta sooner rather than later. You can schedule your free consultation with Ted Greve & Associates right over the phone. And remember – you don’t pay anything until your case is resolved.
