Georgia Dog Bite Lawyers | Animal Attack Attorneys

Georgia Dog Bite Attorneys

Dogs of certain breeds and temperaments can be incredibly dangerous. There are millions of dog attacks each year in the U.S., many of which result in severe scarring, disfigurement, infections, and even death. If a dog bit you, your child, or another family member, you may have grounds for a claim against the dog owner or another party.

The Georgia dog bite lawyers at Carey & Dobson will evaluate your case for free and help you determine how to proceed. Our animal attack attorneys have a comprehensive knowledge of the laws that govern these cases and will use our experience and resources to help you fight for a fair settlement.

We have recovered more than millions of dollars for our clients. Call 404-635-1112 today to set up a free consultation.

There is Strict Liability in Georgia Dog Bite Cases

Georgia has a “one-bite” rule that protects dog owners from liability in certain situations if the dog has not attacked anyone in the past. The idea is that the dog owner might not have had a reason to believe that the animal posed a threat.

However, in Georgia, the dog owner is liable for an attack even if the dog had never bitten anyone before if the dog was not on a leash when the attack occurred. This legal principle is known as “strict liability.” Even if the dog owner did not know the animal was dangerous, he or she could still be held liable for any injuries caused by an attack.

What You Need to Prove for Your Dog Bite Claim to Be Successful

For your dog bite claim to be successful, it must be shown that:

The defendant owned the dog;
The bite occurred when the victim was lawfully on private property or was on public property; and
The victim was actually bitten by the dog, resulting in an injury.

Who Might Be Liable for Damages After a Dog Bite in Georgia?

The defendant in most dog bite cases is the owner of the dog, but there are certain exceptions. Depending on the facts surrounding your case, the following parties may be held liable for damages:

The Landlord: The landlord might be held liable for a dog bite if he or she knew that the tenant’s dog was dangerous, and the landlord had the right to remove the dog from the premises
The Dog’s Caretaker:If the dog was controlled by another person or business when the bite occurred, that party might be held liable for your damages. However, the caretaker can only be liable if he or she had “prior knowledge” that the dog was dangerous. The caretaker might also be liable if the dog was negligently controlled or handled.
The landlord of a Commercial Property: Landlords of commercial properties in Georgia have a duty to inspect their premises for dangerous conditions, including dangerous animals. If a commercial property tenant allows a dog on the premises and it bites a customer, the landlord might be held liable—even if he or she did not know that the dog was on the property.
Property Owners: A residential property owner can be held liable if a dangerous dog escapes due to a hole in the fence or another defect and an attack happens off-site.

Important Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Georgia

Recovering fair compensation after a dog bite might involve a complicated legal battle. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to simplify the process and give your claim a favorable chance of success:

Take photos of any injuries and the dog that caused them;
Visit a doctor for medical treatment;
Try to locate the owner of the dog that bit you;
Report the attack to the sheriff’s department or the nearest animal control agency, and
Contact a Georgia dog bite lawyer to discuss your case.

You must consult a dog bite lawyer before you speak to any insurance companies. Do not sign any documents until you have talked to an attorney at Carey & Dobson.

The insurance company is far more concerned about protecting their bottom line than paying your medical bills. Any information you give them can be used against you. Suppose you accept a settlement without the approval of your attorney. In that case, it might not include certain damages you may be entitled to, such as future medical bills, emotional distress, or pain and suffering.

Speak With Our Georgia Dog Bite Attorneys About Your Case Today!

The Georgia dog bite lawyers at Carey & Dobson are ready to answer your questions and aggressively represent your interests. We will evaluate your case in a free consultation and provide comprehensive legal guidance through every step of the proceedings. Call us today at 404-635-1112 or complete our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation.