Carrollton, GA Dog Bite Lawyer

Carrollton, GA Dog Bite Attorney

A dog bite can be a painful and traumatic experience for anyone. It can leave you with serious injuries and medical bills that may pile up quickly. If you’ve been bitten by someone else’s dog, you may be wondering how to get the compensation you need. This is where a Carrollton, GA dog bite lawyer comes in.

Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law

Many dogs in Georgia are dangerous, as the state ranks 9th nationally for the number of dog bite claims filed with insurers. Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law established minimum statewide standards for dog bite incidents. Under this dog bite law, a dog may be classified as dangerous if it has:

• Punctured a person’s skin with its teeth, even if it did not cause serious injury
• Aggressively attacked in a way that poses an immediate threat of serious harm
• Killed another pet while off its owner’s property (with some exceptions)

The law does not recognize a dog as dangerous if they only display warning behaviors like growling, showing teeth, or barking.

It is important to note that local jurisdictions can enforce stricter or additional regulations and penalties, and many do. Carrollton County has a leash law that requires dogs to be restrained when they are off the owner’s personal property, including places like Hobbs Farm Park or a public street. Violating this law can be used as evidence that a dog owner was negligent. Dog owners in the city must also have a pet license and could face additional penalties if they violate that rule.

Damages a Carrollton, GA Dog Bite Lawyer Can Pursue for You

When a dog bite happens, the injuries can be painful and lead to expensive medical bills or lost wages from missing work. Fortunately, a dog bite attorney can work with you to identify the damages you may be eligible for and fight for the compensation you deserve.

You could receive compensation for:

• Medical expenses from hospital visits, doctor appointments, and any surgeries or medications
• Rehabilitation and therapy as you recover from your injuries or psychological counseling to address any trauma
• Lost income if you had to miss work or are now unable to work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, such as PTSD, anxiety, or a new phobia of dogs
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• In more serious situations where an owner was found to be particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages could be awarded.

What to Do After Being Bitten by a Dog

Experiencing a dog bite is usually a stressful and scary situation. It is important that you know what to do next to better protect your health and your rights.

Prioritizing Your Health

Your and others’ health is the most important thing, so if you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, you should call 911 right away. It is important that you have the injury looked at by a professional to prevent an infection or other future complications. Additionally, having it documented via medical records may help in a future claim.

Documenting the Incident

After you’ve addressed your health, you should document the details of the attack. This could become crucial evidence down the road.

• Identify the dog and owner and get the owner’s name, address, and insurance information.
• Take photos of the injuries and the dog.
• Talk to witnesses and get their names and contact information if possible.
• Create an official report with the police.

Seeking Compensation for a Dog Bite

If you need compensation for your injuries, you need to hire a dog bite lawyer. Your legal team can help you throughout the entire process and take some stress off your shoulders as you recover. Also, if the dog was a stray or you couldn’t identify the owner, your legal team can help by sending investigators to the scene and trying to locate the rightful owner.

About Trammell Injury Law: Skilled Carrollton, GA Dog Bite Attorney

Dalton Trammell is a lifelong resident of Georgia who is committed to representing and fighting for individuals who have suffered personal injuries. He holds degrees from the University of Georgia and Mercer University School of Law and is an admitted member of the State Bar of Georgia.

FAQs

Can I Sue if I Was Bitten by a Dog in Carrollton, GA?

Yes, you may be able to sue if you were bitten by a dog in Carrollton, Georgia. Georgia Dog Bite law recognizes that a dog owner can be held liable if they knew their dog was dangerous or if they were acting as a careless owner. You and your legal team must prove the owner’s negligence or knowledge of the dog’s “vicious propensity.”

What Do I Have to Prove in a Georgia Dog Bite Case?

In a Georgia dog bite case, you need to prove that the dog was vicious or dangerous. For instance, you may need to show that if the animal has a history of aggression, the owner violated local leash laws, the owner was careless in managing their pet, the victim did not provoke the attack, and the attack caused injuries. It can be proven through evidence like medical records, witness statements, and official police reports.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Georgia?

In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury claim, also called the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, a judge is likely to dismiss your case, and you will not be able to recover any compensation.

What if I Was Partly at Fault for the Attack?

Dog bite cases are subject to a modified comparative negligence rule in Georgia. This means that you can still recover damages if you are found to be partially at fault, as long as your share of the fault is less than 50%. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Contact Our Carrollton, GA Dog Bite Attorney Today

When you’ve been injured after a dog bite incident, you need an attorney who can fight for you. At Trammell Injury Law, our experienced team has the resources and legal knowledge to help you achieve the fair settlement you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.