Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer
Nearly half of all households in the U.S. own at least one dog. That translates to around 87 million pet dogs nationwide. The vast majority of these dogs are amazing companions who only ask for food, shelter, and the occasional belly rub.
In exchange, we get unconditional love. While dogs are accepted as family members, folks sometimes forget they are still animals.
Even the most loving of dogs can sometimes be unpredictable. That leads to biting. If you’re the unfortunate victim of a dog bite, you can hold the dog owner accountable if the dog was unprovoked or wasn’t properly restrained.
Dog owners have a legal duty to keep their dogs from harming others. This can and should take the form of proper training and, if needed, proper restraints. For instance, if a dog is allowed in the owner’s front yard and may attack strangers, that yard needs a sturdy, well-built fence that’s high enough to ensure the dog can’t escape.
There also needs to be posted signs. If the dog is tied up, they must be secure. If the dog is taken out in public, they must be properly leashed and controlled by their owner.
When dog owners fail this legal duty, they may be held liable for any injuries caused by the dog. That can become a personal injury issue that requires the support of an experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer.
A successful dog bite lawsuit can provide the victim and their family with financial compensation for medical bills, recovery costs, lost wages, and additional pain and suffering. Severe dog bite wounds require much recovery time and may even need surgery.
Oftentimes, insurance isn’t enough to cover the costs of a severe wound.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of an unprovoked dog bite or attack in the state of Georgia, a dog bite lawyer in Atlanta who specializes in animal attack claims will know how to ensure the success of your case and that you receive your desired compensation amount.
Dog Bite Statistics
No one expects that their next walk in the park will end up in a dog bite incident. Unfortunately, these incidents affect many people yearly. They can range from minor to severe and can sometimes require stitches and leave scars.
It is estimated that 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with children at the most significant risk for serious dog bite injuries. More than 800,000 individuals require medical treatment every year for dog bite injuries.
Some dog breeds are known to be more aggressive towards strangers than others.
These breeds are also often improperly trained, which makes them seem more aggressive than other dogs of the same breed that have been properly trained. Between 2005 and 2019, 521 Americans died from dog bites. Pit bulls and Rottweilers contributed to 397 of these deaths.
While certain dog breeds may have higher bite statistics than others, it’s important to know that any dog can bite, regardless of breed. Some dogs may be more prone to biting than others. If the dog was abused or wasn’t socialized properly, it may react defensively in certain stressful situations.
If you were a dog bite victim, you may wonder what the state’s laws are on the matter.
Let’s look into the laws about dog bites.
Atlanta Personal Injury Practice Areas
Medical Malpractice
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The unexpected loss of a loved one is one of the most traumatic experiences a family can go through. When the death should have been prevented, the loss devastating.
Work Injuries
If you’ve been seriously injured while on the job, you’re likely already aware that your employer doesn’t make providing for your family a simple task.
Nursing Home Abuse
Even if you’re confident you’ve found a safe environment for them, it’s important to remember that there are negligent care facilities that abuse their residents.
Georgia Dog Attack Laws
Every state has different rules regarding who can file a dog bite claim and under what conditions. In Georgia, we have what’s referred to as the “one-bite rule,” which governs the circumstances under which a lawsuit can be filed. This rule states that a dog owner is legally liable for any injuries caused by their dog if they know the animal has the potential to bite.
If a dog bites someone in the state of Georgia and punctures skin but does not cause serious wounds, the owner must apply for a certificate of registration to own a dangerous dog.
After this point, the dog is classified as “dangerous,” and the owner is liable for any injuries the dog causes if an attack is unprovoked. They also must agree to post warning signs regarding the dog and build a secure enclosure for the animal. This rule also applies to dogs that kill other pets.
If a dog inflicts serious injuries on another human being, it is classified as “vicious.” The animal must be microchipped, and its owner must have at least $50,000 of liability insurance to cover injury costs.
If a dog has not bitten or attacked anyone in the past but is not properly restrained, the owner can also be held liable for any resulting injuries. This would apply if it escaped from its yard, was not leashed, or was not in a heel position while on a walk with its owner in an area where leash laws are in effect.
The statute states the following:
“A person who owns or keeps a vicious or dangerous animal of any kind and who, by careless management or by allowing the animal to go at liberty, causes injury to another person who does not provoke the injury by his act may be liable in damages to the person so injured. In proving vicious propensity, it shall be sufficient to show that the animal was required to be at heel or on a leash by an ordinance of a city, county, or consolidated government, and the said animal was at the time of the occurrence not at heel or on a leash.”
All dog owners in our state are responsible for keeping their animals from harming innocent adults and children, even if they are unsure whether their dogs will cause injuries. If an owner is uncertain how their dog will react to strangers, they must keep the animal restrained and under control when out in public. Recently, a dog attacked a man who was walking his own dog.
As reported by Atlanta News First, the attack happened when the owner of the other dog lost control, even though the dog was on a leash. It must also be noted that dog bite victims are not usually able to file a claim against a party if a stray dog attacks them.
Municipalities are not liable for stray dogs.
Our dog bite lawyers will know what laws apply to your case, and will make sure to protect your rights.
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