Dog Bite Attorneys in Atlanta, GA

  • Did you suffer a dog bite injury while walking through Piedmont Park?
  • Perhaps your neighbor’s dog bit you while you were running through the neighborhood?

No matter how your dog bite injury occurred, it is important to know that you are not alone. There are steps you can take to protect your rights to compensation and ensure that justice is served.

If you suffered from a dog bite injury in Atlanta, our lawyers are here to help you. Call us today at 404-587-8946 or fill out our confidential contact form. We can set up a consultation, so you can review all your legal options.

Dog Bite Injuries by the Numbers

  • According to org, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States, with about one in five of those dog bites becoming infected.
  • In 2018, nearly 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of a dog bite.
  • Those in rural areas are more likely to be bitten by a dog than those in urban areas, with four times as many dog bite-related ER visits among rural residents.
  • About 1,000 individuals are treated in ER departments each day for non-fatal dog bites.
  • Pit bulls are 4.4 times more likely to bite than other “top-biting” breeds and are more likely to attack without provocation.
  • Any dog can bite - it is not breed-specific.

Dog Bites and Premises Liability Claims in Georgia

If you were on public property—or were on private property legally—then dog bites fall under premises liability claims. This means that the owner of the property is responsible for ensuring it is safe for others. Each state sets its own laws for dog bites and these laws can vary significantly.

The state of Georgia uses a “modified” one-bite rule. This means that the owner is liable if they knew the dog was vicious, if the owner was careless, or if the attack was unprovoked. These modifications to the strict one-bite rule make it easier for victims of dog bites to obtain full compensation for injuries sustained in an unprovoked dog bite or attack. Further, even if the dog in question has never actually bitten another person but has exhibited aggressive behaviors (like charging at people, excessive growling, or pulling away from its owner in an attempt to attack another person or dog), the owner can be held liable.

What Injuries Are Common Following a Dog Bite?

Your dog bite injuries will depend on the severity of the attack. In some cases, a dog will merely “nip” at a person when they are frightened, but in other cases, the attack is much more aggressive.

Children are particularly susceptible to dog bites, and because their faces are on roughly the same level as the dog’s face, children often suffer serious facial bite injuries. These injuries to the face can cause scarring and permanent disfigurement as well as vision loss in some cases. When a dog attacks a child or an adult, long-term emotional trauma can also result. Other dog bite injuries include:

  • Broken or punctured skin
  • Nerve damage
  • Tissue damage
  • Infection
  • Scarring
  • Head and neck injuries

Damages Available Following a Dog Bite Injury Claim

  • Like most premises liability and personal injury claims, you are eligible for reimbursement of all your medical expenses related to the dog bite, as well as future medical expenses. If your injuries were severe enough to prevent you from returning to work, either for weeks or months—or for much longer—you may also be eligible for lost wages, current, and future. You could additionally receive pain and suffering damages, for physical pain as well as for emotional trauma related to the dog bite.

How Can an Atlanta, Georgia Dog Bite Attorney Help?

Dog bites can sometimes be difficult to prove on your own, therefore, it can be very beneficial to speak to a knowledgeable Atlanta, GA dog bite attorney. Your attorney can help you prove liability by clearly showing the extent of your injuries and how those injuries affect your job as well as your day-to-day activities.

Your attorney will then gather evidence and speak to any potential witnesses to build the strongest case possible on your behalf, while always being aware of the time limits for your

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