Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer

The surge in dog-related injuries and fatalities in Atlanta shows us the urgent need for awareness and appropriate legal action to address their consequences. At Deming Parker, we’ve been handling personal injury cases for five decades, and we understand the complexities involved in dog bite cases, especially when owners don’t want to stay accountable. We can help you navigate the whole legal process to secure fair compensation, ensuring you can focus on recovery. 

Need expert legal advice? Our experienced team of injury attorneys are here to help. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Georgia at (404) 636-4900 or contact us online.

Atlanta Dog Bite Injury Lawyers: Understanding Your Legal Rights

The increasing prevalence of dog bites poses a serious concern. Recent CDC reports reveal a worrying trend: from 2011 to 2021, the United States saw 468 deaths due to dog bites, with a notable rise over the last few years. Sadly, these statistics don’t exempt Atlanta residents from these misfortunes, as we assist many victims who are hurt by the negligence of reckless owners.

In this situation, a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta will help you understand what are your rights under Georgia’s law, and pave your way to recover monetary compensation that fully covers the extent of your injuries and damages.

An Atlanta dog bite lawyer will, on the one hand, meticulously assess your case and gather evidence to establish liability and your entitlement to compensation. We will also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and, if necessary, represent you in court to ensure your rights are fully protected.

Exploring the Laws Regarding Dog Bite Attacks

The Georgia Code § 4-8-29 sets clear boundaries for dog ownership and the responsibilities that come with it. According to these laws, owners of dangerous dogs are prohibited from allowing their pets off their property unless they are securely leashed, not exceeding six feet in length, and under the control of a capable person.

Additionally, vicious dogs need to be confined within a secure enclosure on the owner’s property, and if taken out, they must be muzzled and leashed. If the owner of a dangerous dog fails to comply with these safety measures, they can be held legally responsible for any injuries their pets cause.

Establishing Liability in Atlanta Dog Bite Cases

However, determining liability is crucial and not always as straightforward as it looks. It involves a detailed examination of the incident that led to your injuries, including the owner’s actions or inactions as well as whether the dog had a previous history of attacks. As your Atlanta dog bite lawyers, we’ll need to establish liability to be able to build a compelling case with strong arguments.

Additionally, we will assess the owner’s compliance with the relevant local laws, focusing on the specifics of your case to clearly establish who is responsible for the injury. 

Georgia Modified Comparative Negligence in Dog Bite Lawsuits

In Georgia, the concept of modified comparative negligence can play a significant role in dog bite lawsuits. This legal principle means that if you are partially at fault for the incident—such as provoking the dog—you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation at all.

For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000. Understanding how comparative negligence may impact your case is crucial, and an experienced attorney can help navigate these complexities to maximize your potential recovery.

Securing Compensation Post Dog Attack

Victims of dog bites in Atlanta are entitled to compensation for their injuries if the dog owner’s actions were negligent and directly caused injuries. This compensation covers damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among others.

Quantifying Damages

At Deming Parker, we work to accurately quantify your damages to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to. This process involves, among other tasks, a detailed analysis of the physical, emotional, and financial impact the dog bite had on the victim. 

To achieve this, we collaborate with medical professionals and financial experts to guarantee every aspect of the harm you suffered is accounted for in the compensation claim.

Legal Options Following a Dog Attack in Atlanta

After a dog bite attack in Atlanta, victims have two primary legal options to consider. The first is to negotiate a settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company, which involves presenting the case to the insurance provider, detailing the extent of the injuries, the circumstances of the attack, and any resulting financial burdens. The aim is to reach a settlement that adequately compensates for your damages.

The second option is to file a lawsuit, an option often taken when a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached. This legal route involves taking the case to court, where a judge or jury will determine liability and award damages to the correspondent party.

Filing a lawsuit can certainly be more complex and time-consuming, but it may result in a more appropriate compensation amount for the victim, especially in cases of severe injuries or negligence on the part of the dog owner. At Deming Parker, our dog bite lawyers in Atlanta can help you explore all available legal avenues to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Steps After Being Bitten by a Dog

We know that experiencing a dog bite can be overwhelming, but taking prompt and appropriate actions can significantly impact your health and legal standing. The immediate steps you take after being bitten can help ensure your safety, provide crucial evidence, and lay the groundwork for any future claims you may need to make.

Overall, these are the steps we recommend to protect your legal rights:

1. Seek medical attention: Your health should always be the top priority. Even a minor bite should be promptly checked by a healthcare professional to avoid infection and to document the injury.
2. Identify the dog and owner: If possible, try to determine who owns the dog that bit you. This information will be vital for legal proceedings and for verifying the dog’s vaccination history. Knowing the owner can also help you understand if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior.
3. Report the incident: Contact local animal control or the Atlanta Police Department to report the dog bite. Officially documenting the incident with authorities ensures that there is a record of the attack, which can be essential for both public safety and any legal action you may pursue.
4. Document your injuries and the scene: Take photographs of your injuries and the location where the incident occurred. Collecting visual evidence can be crucial in proving the severity of the bite and the circumstances surrounding the attack. If there are any witnesses, try to get their contact information and statements as well.

By following these steps, you can protect your health and strengthen your position if you decide to pursue a dog bite claim in the future. Talking with an Atlanta dog bite lawyer at Deming Parker as soon as possible will help you understand your options and the best path to follow.

What If You’re Not Sure Who Owns the Dog that Attacked You?

When you’re unsure who owns the dog that attacked you, it can be a challenging situation, but there are still steps you can take to address the issue. First and foremost, seek medical attention immediately to treat your injuries and prevent any potential infections. If possible, try to take a picture of the dog and note any distinguishing features, as this information can be helpful later.

Report the incident to local animal control or the police, providing them with as much detail as possible about the dog and the circumstances of the attack. This can help authorities identify if the dog is known to them and if it has a history of aggressive behavior. Additionally, revisit the location of the attack at different times to see if the dog or its owner returns to the area. This can sometimes lead to identifying the owner through observation or by speaking with locals who may recognize the dog.

However, it’s important to understand that if you cannot identify the dog’s owner, you cannot file a compensation claim.

Serious Dog Bite Injuries

At Deming Parker, we understand the profound consequences that serious dog bite injuries can have on your life, and we are committed to helping you secure the compensation you need for a full recovery. Common injuries we consider in dog bite’ claims include:

• Deep puncture wounds
• Lacerations and cuts
• Infections and rabies exposure
• Broken bones
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Nerve damage
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

We’re here to back you up in every step of your pursuit of the compensation you’re entitled to. Our track record of securing significant settlements demonstrates our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Filing a Dog Bite Injury Claim

When filing a dog bite injury claim, it’s essential to understand the steps involved to ensure your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of receiving fair compensation. The process can be complex, but with the right legal guidance, you can navigate it effectively.  These are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Documenting the Incident

The first step following a dog bite is to document the incident thoroughly. This includes collecting medical records, taking photos of your injuries and the accident scene, and gathering any witness statements available to you. These documents will form the foundation of your legal case and are crucial to establish liability.

Step 2: Legal Consultation

The next step is to consult with a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer in Atlanta. During this consultation, your dog bite lawyer in Atlanta will assess the details of the incident and provide you with an understanding of your rights and the potential outcomes of your case.

Step 3: Filing a Claim

The final step is filing the personal injury claim. As we’ve already covered, this can be a claim with the dog owner’s insurance company or a lawsuit in court. Deming Parker’s attorneys can guide you through this whole process, ensuring the legal paperwork is accurately presented and within the stipulated deadlines.

Deadlines for Filing a Dog Bite Injury Claim in Atlanta

In Atlanta, you have a strict deadline to file a dog bite injury claim. According to Georgia Code § 9-3-33, you must file your claim within two years of the date of the incident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Acting quickly and consulting with an experienced attorney ensures that all legal deadlines are met and your rights are protected.

Need expert legal advice? Our experienced team of injury attorneys are here to help. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Georgia at (404) 636-4900 or contact us online.

Finding Legal Help for Your Dog Bite Attack Case in Atlanta

A dog bite in Atlanta demands expert legal guidance. Deming Parker provides decades of personal injury law expertise, offering legal assistance tailored to the unique challenges of dog bite cases. With a deep understanding of the nuances of Georgia’s dog bite laws, we’re committed to advocating for your rights. 

We can help you at every stage of the legal process, from assessing your case to representing you in negotiations or court. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation.