Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer

Under Georgia’s 2012 Responsible Dog Owner Act, dog owners can be held responsible when a dog under their control injures someone, or another animal. “Owner” is defined as anyone with custody of the dog when it attacked, which means that veterinarians, dog walkers, petsitters, groomers or boarders can be held responsible if the attack happens on their watch.

To have a case, a victim’s injuries generally must go beyond a simple scratch or small bruise. The state defines serious injuries as physical injuries that:

• Are fatal or life-threatening
• Require hospital admission, multiple sutures, or surgery
• Cause broken or dislocated bones
• Impair health through infection or contagious disease

You may have a strong case if a dog has already been classified as a “vicious dog” when the bite occurs or even if it happens after the bite occurs. Owners of “vicious dogs” must adhere to the following rules:

• Register the dog with a “vicious dog” certificate.
• Get the dog microchipped
• Maintain a secure enclosure on the owner’s property to contain the dog.
• Post “vicious dog” warning signs at every entrance to the property.
• Avoid taking the dog off-property, but using a crate or muzzle and leash shorter than six feet when doing
• Never leave the dog unattended with a minor.
• Notify officials within 24 hours if the dog is on the loose or attacked a human
• Never sell, donate, or transfer the dog unless it is to an authorized facility for euthanasia

In addition to being held responsible for a bite, owners who do not comply with these rules can face an aggravated misdemeanor charge and have their dog confiscated temporarily or sometimes permanently. . If the dog has caused another serious injury, the owner can face a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Sometimes the State may determine that the dog has to be put down, depending on the particular facts surrounding the incident.

Insurance companies know that you having legal representation is bad for their bottom line. An Insurance Research Council study found that:

• 85% of personal injury claim payouts from insurance companies went to personal injury victims represented by legal counsel.
• On average, personal injury victims with lawyers received 300% more financial compensation than those who did not retain legal representation.

Having experienced legal representation by your side in your dog bite case can significantly increase your chances of success and receiving the financial compensation you deserve.

A person generally has two years from the date of a dog bite injury to file a lawsuit according to the two-year statute of limitations in Georgia. There are many exceptions to the statute, and depending on the facts of your potential case, this may lengthen or shorten the time in which you have to preserve or bring your claim . While you should keep your focus on recovering physically and mentally, do not hesitate to consult with a lawyer for a free consultation. Within this two-year window, a dog bite attorney may do the following to prepare your case:

• Speak to witnesses
• Negotiate with the insurance company
• Review medical records
• Get information about how much work you have missed
• Analyze how you will be impacted by your injuries in the future
• Request public records from the state and/or animal control about the dog and owner that caused your injuries, such as previous citations or warnings the dog owner may have received concerning their dog.

By contacting a Montlick attorney as soon as you can after a dog bite, you allow your attorney more time and resources to research your particular situation in order to present a strong case on your behalf that reflects all the hurt you have gone through.

The Scope of Dog Bites & Attacks In Atlanta

Animal bites are a serious public health hazard that cause a great deal of physical and emotional damage to victims and many hidden costs to communities. Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. These bites can cause disfigurement, infection, permanent disability and may even be life-threatening.

It is estimated that 1 billion dollars per year of homeowners’ liability claims result from dog bites. It is also estimated that $102.4 million dollars in hospital expenses for dog bite-related emergency visits occur each year. Lost wages, medical insurance claims, workers’ compensation claims and sick leave-associated business costs contribute to the huge overall cost of dog bites in the U.S.

If you or a loved one has sustained a dog bite due to someone else’s negligence, the attorneys at Montlick are here to help. We have recovered billions of dollars for our clients, and we are ready to assist you, too.