Newnan Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites and animal attacks can result in very serious injuries. If the dog owner’s negligence led to your bodily harm, you may have a strong personal injury claim. Speak with a Newnan dog bite lawyer to find out whether you could be able to seek compensation.

At Trammell & White, our dedicated and proficient Newnan personal injury attorneys have extensive practical experience securing our clients’ compensation, both during negotiations with insurance providers and within the courtroom. Our firm handles injury claims resulting from dog bites as well as injuries from car accidents, workplace incidents, negligent security and premises liability, medical malpractice, defective products, slip and falls, and more.

Injuries After Dog Bites and Attacks in Georgia

If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, please do not hesitate to get checked out and receive emergency medical treatment by a physician. Visible lacerations, seemingly minor wounds, and non-visible injuries can pose several health risks that require proper, qualified attention and care by a clinical provider to avoid more severe issues down the line.

Even minor injuries can potentially cause an infection and other related medical problems such as tetanus, weakened immune systems, and Staph infections. They can also impact the body’s ability to respond to antibiotics. Moderate to more serious attacks may even leave a person disfigured.

Children are commonly victimized by dog attacks that require medical care. They often sustain bite injuries on the head and face since children’s small stature leaves them more vulnerable and in reach of an animal’s mouth. Other potential injuries that someone may incur from a dog bite or attack include eye injuries, nerve damage, and permanent facial disfigurement and scarring.

Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law

In 2012, the state of Georgia put forth its Responsible Dog Ownership Law, which outlines the minimal standards regarding dog bite incidents that are to be adhered to statewide. However, some counties or areas may choose to impose more restrictive requirements and further specify the appropriate penalties. For this reason, it’s important to consult with an attorney who’s familiar with your city’s legislation regarding animal attack laws.

The responsible dog ownership law states a dangerous dog may be defined as one who has:

• Inflicted a substantial puncture on a person with their teeth but did not cause serious injury.
• Aggressively attacked in a way that poses an imminent threat of severe bodily harm.
• Killed a pet animal while not present on the owner’s property with limited exceptions.

While some dogs exhibit behaviors such as growling, showing their teeth, or barking as a warning sign, these are not enough for the dog to be considered aggressive.

Under this statute, a vicious dog may be defined as such if they inflict serious injury to a person or cause significant physical harm to someone attempting to escape an attack, such as falling, hitting an obstacle, or running into the street and sustaining an injury from a vehicle.

Liability of Owners With Aggressive Dogs in GA

Owners with an officially registered dangerous dog must maintain a non-expired certificate stating such, install a secure and locked enclosure to confine the dog on their property and have a clear and visible sign at all entrances of their premises warning of the presence of a dangerous dog.

Owners must also not allow their dog to leave their property without being on a leash that is six feet or less in length. Their dog must also be under the immediate physical control of a person capable of engaging with another person or dog or within a locked cage or crate. Violation of any of these requirements is a misdemeanor offense.

There are similar and further requirements for owners of a vicious dog. Certain violations could potentially yield an aggravated misdemeanor charge, such as leaving the vicious dog unattended with minor children or letting the dog leave the property unmuzzled, unleashed, uncontrolled. Vicious dog owners are required to have a $50,000 liability insurance policy for injuries and property damage caused by the dog.

Steps to Take After a Dog Attack in Georgia

In addition to getting proper treatment, it is vital to gather information on the scene, such as taking pictures of the injury and the dog. Be sure to obtain the name and address of the dog owner because they will likely be held responsible through their insurance provider. If the dog’s owner doesn’t appear to be around, take note of where the attack took place, and investigators can be used to help track the owner later.

If there were witnesses to your attack in Newnan, GA, be open to talking to them and get their contact information; their testimony may prove to be useful within your injury claim.

Once all essential information is gathered, report the incident to animal services in the county and proceed to call local law enforcement to ensure there is an official incident report of your experience. After reaching out to the police and animal services, the next step is to consider seeking professional legal representation, as this can be vital to securing a fair and appropriate settlement for the injuries you sustained.

Taking Legal Action Against the Owner for a Dog Bite?

In Georgia, you are well within your rights to take legal action against the owner of a dog that bit or attacked you, resulting in bodily harm and other related damages. State law asserts that dog owners are responsible as the liable party for any injuries their dog caused; with a stray dog, it is harder to hold someone responsible.

A dog bite victim is granted up to two years to file a claim, if this deadline passes before you file your injury claim, it’s likely that your case will be denied. For your injury claim to be valid, it will need to be established that the dog has a history of aggressive and violent tendencies and that the dog owner is aware of the dog’s misbehavior.

Personal injury attorneys are a vital asset within a dog bite injury claim because they can ensure that your case meets deadlines, negotiate on your behalf with insurance providers, litigate in the event that the dog owner’s insurance company is not cooperating, and provide necessary information to obtain you the full compensation payout you are entitled to.

FAQs

What Is the Compensation for a Dog Bite in GA?

Compensation for dog bite injuries may include the costs of past and future medical treatment, rehabilitative care and physical therapy, damaged property, lost wages, projected future economic losses, and the victim’s mental distress, pain, suffering, and permanent disfigurement or disability incurred because of the attack. When pursuing compensation for an injury, repayment for all the damages you put forth isn’t guaranteed, but it should at least cover the costs of your medical care.

How Much Is My Dog Bite Case Worth in GA?

How much your dog bite case may be potentially worth in compensation depends on a variety of factors. The most effective way to get an accurate estimate is by speaking with an experienced injury law attorney. Your compensation amount will vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the attack, how severe your injuries were, how much time is required for a full recovery, the dog owner’s level of negligence, the evidence available, and your attorney’s capabilities.

What Are the Dog Bite Laws in Georgia?

Georgia law requires that owners of a dog that has displayed dangerous or vicious behavior to register their dog as such, install a proper enclosure to keep the dog on their property, maintain clear signs warning of an aggressive dog on the premises, and not allow the dog to leave the property while not in a locked cage. Owners must keep dangerous dogs properly under the immediate control of a person capable of preventing them from engaging with another dog or person.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Be Compensated for a Dog Bite?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer to be compensated for a dog bite. However, your strongest chance of receiving a settlement that’s appropriate for your injuries and damages is with a qualified and experienced injury law attorney by your side. Your lawyer will protect your rights, and they have a deep understanding of the law and legal procedures. They can investigate your case, collect supporting evidence, and negotiate on your behalf.

Contact Our Newnan Dog Bite Lawyer Today!

Our skilled and experienced injury attorneys at Trammell & White have the professional resources and deep understanding of injury law needed to secure you a fair settlement proportionate to the damages you incurred. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation with an educated, qualified lawyer.