Did you suffer injuries in Atlanta after someone else’s dog bit you? You may have the right to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses. The Atlanta dog bite lawyers at Bayuk Pratt can handle all the legal work in your case while you rest and heal.
With over 50 years of combined experience and over $300 million recovered for our clients, you can trust us to defend your rights. We know the tricks insurers use to contest these claims. Check out our client reviews and the personal touch we bring to every case. Contact us today to receive a free consultation about your case.
Does Atlanta Have Laws That Require Owners to Control Their Dogs?
The City of Atlanta and Fulton County have laws requiring dog owners to control their pets carefully. The Fulton County ordinance requires dog owners to always control their pets in public and keep them on a leash no longer than six feet long.
The City of Atlanta ordinance contains similar provisions. The law requires dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash on all city trails, parks, and public spaces. However, dog owners can let their pets run free in designated off-leash zones.
Does Georgia Have a One-Bite Rule?
Georgia law holds any pet owner who has a vicious or dangerous animal strictly liable for any injuries resulting from letting the animal run free or from the owner’s careless actions. A prior bite would likely be viable evidence that a dog is vicious or dangerous.
However, dog owners are not necessarily off the hook if their dog hasn’t bitten someone previously. For example, suppose a dog owner violates local leash laws. In that case, it can be used to show the dog owner’s negligence, meaning a dog owner might be liable for injuries their dog causes if the owner wasn’t following city or county leash laws in Atlanta. An Atlanta dog bite lawyer can help you find other evidence to support your claim.
Finally, Georgia dog owners are not liable for any injuries their dogs cause when the dog is provoked. Dog owners and insurance companies often try to cite this rule to avoid paying claims, but an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you counter this strategy.
What Sort of Proof is Needed to Prove a Dog Bite?
An Atlanta dog bite lawyer might use the following evidence to support your claim:
- Medical records noting your injuries and their possible long-term effects.
- Photos of where the dog attacked you, showing the owner didn’t properly secure your dog or that you were in an area where the dog should’ve been leashed.
- Testimony from eyewitnesses who saw the dog attack and can say you didn’t provoke the dog.
- Video footage from nearby cameras that may have recorded the attack to show who was responsible.
- Testimony from expert witnesses regarding the nature of your injuries and any long-term complications you might experience.
What Are Some Common Injuries from a Dog Bite?
Some common injuries from dog bites in Atlanta include:
- Puncture wounds from the dog’s teeth
- Ripped or torn skin, muscle tissues, ligaments, and tendons
- Infections from bacteria in the dog’s mouth
- Nerve damage from the force of the dog’s bite
- Broken bones
- Scarring and disfigurement
- PTSD and other mental health effects.
Where Do Most Atlanta Dog Bite Accidents Happen?
Dog bites can happen almost anywhere, but the following are locations where they are more likely to occur in the Atlanta area:
- Private homes — Many dog attacks occur when visitors or workers interact with unfamiliar pets at friends’ or family members’ homes.
- Apartment complexes — Shared spaces like hallways, courtyards, and dog parks in Atlanta apartment complexes can lead to dog bites if an aggressive dog gets too close to someone.
- Public parks — Off-leash areas and crowded spaces increase the risk of aggressive encounters with unleashed or uncontrolled dogs.
- Sidewalks and streets — Unrestrained or poorly trained dogs may lunge at pedestrians or cyclists on the sidewalk.
- Workplaces — Delivery drivers, landscapers, and repair technicians often encounter territorial dogs when making deliveries or visiting properties for their dogs.
- Pet stores and grooming facilities — Stress and unfamiliar environments can trigger aggressive behavior in uncontrolled, unleashed, or poorly behaved dogs.
- Schools and playgrounds — Children can suffer severe injuries from unfamiliar dogs present in public or residential play areas.
What Happens If I Am Partly Responsible for My Dog Bite Injuries?
You may have trouble recovering compensation for your dog bite injuries if you provoked the dog. However, if you are only partly responsible for the incident, you might still have a valid claim against the dog’s owner. Georgia law allows injured parties to recover compensation for their injuries if their level of fault is less than 50 percent. You may still have a case if the dog’s owner or another party bears most of the blame for what happened. An experienced dog bite injury attorney can gather evidence to determine your level of fault, if any, for your injuries.
What Types of Compensation Could You Receive from an Atlanta Dog Bite Claim?
Your compensation in an Atlanta dog bite claim could include compensation such as the following:
- Current and future medical bills related to your injuries
- Lost income
- Reduced future earnings due to your injuries or disability
- Reduced quality of life due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress.
Does Georgia Have a Time Limit for Filing a Dog Bite Claim?
In most cases, Georgia law requires you to file a dog bite lawsuit within two years of your injury date. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your right to compensation. If you miss the deadline for filing a claim, you may be unable to recover any compensation.
Contact an Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer
The Atlanta dog bite lawyers at Bayuk Pratt understand dog owners’ and insurance companies’ strategies to avoid responsibility for dog bite injuries. Let us handle your case and fight on your behalf for fair compensation. Call us now or reach out online for a free consultation.