Dog bite attacks can be physically and emotionally traumatic events which can result in severe, disfiguring injuries. While a vicious dog attack can happen to people of any age, children are often the most susceptible to these brutal tragedies.
If you are seeking an experienced dog bite lawyer in the Atlanta or Marietta areas of Georgia, please contact the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, Jr., PC today at 770-888-8901. Consultations are free and we don’t charge attorney fees unless and until we recover compensation for you.
Georgia Dog Bite Law
Bites from a “dangerous” or “potentially dangerous” dog are considered strict liability. This means that as long as dog owners were aware that their dogs were dangerous or posed a threat, they have to pay for damages regardless of circumstances. An owner of a dangerous dog may also face criminal penalties, including jail time.
These attacks are often linked to premises liability cases. According to Georgia law, dog owners are required to keep a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog confined securely away from others. State laws also require dog owners to post signs that alert others to the presence of a dangerous dog on the premises in addition to carrying at least $15,000 of liability insurance.
How do I Determine Dog Bite Liability?
Unlike many states, Georgia dog bite laws tend to favor dog owners, which is why it’s so important to work with an experienced attorney who understands the law and how to build a strong case. In order to be held liable for dog-related injuries in Georgia, a dog owner must have known that the animal was dangerous or posed a bite risk.
State law does not recognize behavior alone as a clear indicator of bite risk, even if the dog has exhibited menacing or aggressive behavior in the past. Our attorneys understand how difficult it can be to prove liability in a Georgia dog bite case. We have the experience, resources and tenacity to investigate every detail of your attack and build your strongest case.
Damages in a Dog Bite Lawsuit
Our attorneys are skilled at filing dog bite claims and know what damages to pursue depending on the degree of your injuries. Although every case is unique, successful dog bite lawsuits may obtain compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
What should I Do If I Bitten by a Dog?
In the pain and confusion of an attack, it’s important to know what to do if a dog bites you. If you have been the victim of a dog bite, here are a few basic steps you can take:
- Seek medical attention: Dog bites can range from minor scrapes to fatal wounds. They can lead to infection and rabies. It is important seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Not only can a doctor’s visit address your immediate injuries and prevent further bodily damage, a doctor’s diagnosis and professional documentation can help your case.
- Gather information: Before you leave the scene of the attack, be sure to get the dog owner’s contact information. Also note the location and time of the attack and get the dog’s information: every dog should have a license and be kept on a leash.
- Contact our dog bite attorney: We know how to build your best case and value your damages. We evaluate your medical costs and future expenses to ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
Dog Bite Treatment
Any kind of dog attack can result in severe injuries and emotional trauma. When children are bitten, in addition to serious injury, they can experience long-term anxiety, fear of dogs and even fear of leaving the house.
Treating dog injuries can require extensive surgeries and long-term therapy and medical care. Dog bites often result in the necessary treatment of:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Infections
- Contusions, abrasions or hematoma
- Bone fractures
- Dislocated joints
- Emotional trauma and stress
What Should I Do if My Child or Loved One Was Involved in a Dog Bite Injury?
Your concern should be cleaning the wound out properly and seeking medical attention. Animal bites can very easily cause infection, so you should take steps to prevent it:
- Wash the wound for 5-10 minutes with soap and warm water
- Apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth
- Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment
- Bandage the wound
- Schedule an urgent appointment with your doctor, visit urgent care, or visit an emergency room, depending on the severity
Seek medical care as soon as you can so that you can get effective treatment. Call our attorneys to find out what your options are for pursuing compensation.
What Happens if My Dog Bite Occurs From a Police Dog?
It’s difficult to hold the police department liable for injuries inflicted by a police dog. But it’s not impossible, depending on the circumstances. The law lays out when a police officer can use an official police dog. If you were purely an innocent bystander, it is possible you could sue for injuries caused by one of these dogs.
What If I Was Bitten By a Stray Dog?
It is difficult to pursue compensation when the dog appears to be ownerless. If you are bitten by what you believe to be a stray dog, your first priority is cleaning the wound and getting medical care. Once your safety is secured, report the attack to the local animal control department. Describe the dog and explain where the attack took place. They may be able to find the dog, prevent it from hurting anyone else, and they may be able to identify any potential owners or where the dog came from. If you are wondering if a municipality, company, or private landowner is responsible for your injuries despite not owning the dog, we encourage you to call us. We will evaluate the details of your case and let you know what your options are.
How Much compensation should I Expect From My Dog Bite Personal Injury Claim?
There’s no way to predetermine or guarantee compensation in a dog bite injury case. Our attorneys can tell you about the amounts recovered in other dog bite cases handled by our law firm, both verdicts and settlements, but note that those results do not guarantee future results. After we’ve discussed your case with you, we can give you some idea of the potential value of your claim based on:
- Medical bills
- Loss of income
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
We work tirelessly to recover the compensation our clients deserve. We will not stop fighting for you until the best possible outcome has been achieved.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite in Atlanta or Marietta, Georgia, please contact the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, Jr., PC today online or at 770-888-8901 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Our dog bite lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, which means that we don’t get paid unless you do.
