Dogs have been a part of our lives for thousands of years. They are a welcome companion and friend in most homes, but that does not excuse a dog owner from the responsibilities of ownership. When a dog attacks, the wounds they can cause can be catastrophic. From crushed bones to disfiguring scars to infections, these wounds can leave victims infirmed for weeks to months. And this doesn’t even account for the mental and emotional impact caused by dog bites.
If you have suffered injuries from a dog bite in Atlanta, the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown can help. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers can discuss your case with you and learn about your needs. We can build a claim for compensation that reflects all the losses you experienced and addresses the care you may need in the future. Call us today to get started with a free case consultation.
Georgia’s Dog Bite Laws Follow a Modified Strict Liability
Strict liability is a legal principle that holds a person or entity liable for injuries they cause, regardless of the intent. We frequently see this principle applied to manufacturers where a product causes harm. The manufacturer is responsible for paying their customers compensation for the injuries and losses the customers suffer due to using the defective product.
The same principle is applied to dog ownership, but there are modifications. Per the definitions given for a dangerous dog under O.C.G.A. § 4-8-21, if the owner knew their dog was aggressive and did not make accommodations to protect others from harm, they would be liable for the injuries the dog caused. Additionally, dogs must be kept on a leash while off the owner’s property, per Fulton County Code of Ordinances § 34-205.
Our Atlanta dog bite attorney can review your case and explain which dog bite and personal injury laws apply to you.
Dog Attacks by the Numbers
It is the responsibility of dog owners to keep their pets safe and others safe from their dogs. Pit bulls and other large breed dogs can cause serious injuries if they attack. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there are over 62 million pet dogs in the U.S. Most have responsible owners who ensure their dogs have the right training and are kept restrained to prevent injuries to others and the dog. Unfortunately, there are irresponsible dog owners who can put others at risk of injury from a dog attack.
According to Injury Prevention, an estimated 1,000 Americans are seen in emergency care centers every day for nonfatal dog bites. These statistics reveal the frequency of dog bite injuries. While many of these injuries may happen to family members who live in the home with the dog, many are visitors to the home or strangers on the street. When a dog attacks or bites a person, the owner is liable for any injuries caused by their dog.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Obviously, a dog bite involves teeth puncturing the skin of the victim. Any size dog can cause damage to skin and tissue from the bite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), victims of dog bites also need to be concerned about infection and diseases, even for small bites. Dog bites can transmit rabies, MRSA, tetanus, Pasteurella, and Capnocytophaga infections.
In addition, large breeds like pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German shepherds can cause additional injuries when they attack, including:
- Bone fractures
- Disfigurement
- Scarring
- Tissue and muscle tearing
- Death
Dog attack injuries can require extensive medical care, including surgery, medication, hospitalizations, and cosmetic surgery. Almost half of dog attack victims are children, who may need to live with the scars for the rest of their lives.
If you or your child has been the victim of a dog attack, you need to know your rights. Contact the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown to discuss filing a dog attack injury lawsuit or claim to receive compensation for your injuries. Learn more about our success by calling our number today. The initial consultation is free.
You Deserve Compensation for the Medical Care of Your Dog Bite and More
Victims of personal injury, such as those in dog bites, often suffer from physical injuries. The severity and time to recover from those injuries have a direct impact on the damages you can claim. Also, no two cases are exactly alike. The injuries suffered by one person may heal quickly while another victim suffers for years. Given the often brutal nature of a dog attack, victims can suffer catastrophic injuries that take years to fully heal.
Moreover, the care and treatment of physical injuries are not the only losses a victim suffers. As a dog bite victim, you may experience a wide range of losses, including:
- Lost income: You may request compensation for the time you were away from work healing. This compensation could cover hourly wages or salary. It could also include tips, bonuses, and possibly lost opportunities.
- Lost earning capacity: If your injuries have affected your ability to work, you could request compensation for that loss. You could also request compensation if you cannot work again at all.
- Damaged property: If personal property was destroyed or damaged, you could request funds for their repairs or replacement.
- Pain and suffering: The physical discomfort and misery you experienced from the injury and during your recovery is a damage you can request from the liable party in your case.
- Emotional distress: Additionally, if you live with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), these ailments are justifiable losses you may claim.
- Scarring, disfigurement, disability: If the injury has left permanent marks or caused physical hardship, you may request damages for the change in your lifestyle.
- Loss of quality of life: You can request fair compensation if you can no longer participate in activities, passions, and hobbies following the dog bite.
- Loss of consortium: Problems and hardship between you and loved ones are also grounds for compensation. This damage reflects how the injuries have affected the relationships in your life.
And there may be other damages unique to your case. Our dog bite injury lawyer can assess the damages in your case and calculate a fair settlement value for them.
How Our Personal Injury Attorney Helps Dog Bite Injury Victims Like You
The claims process can be an overly complicated ordeal, especially for someone recovering from their injuries. Help is available from the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown. We can take care of your insurance claim and give you the time you need to recover from your injuries.
Here’s how we can help:
Provide a Free Consultation
Every case begins with us learning about you. Our firm believes in focusing on your needs and goals. After all, this case is about you, not us. During your consultation, you have the chance to ask questions about the law, tell us your concerns about the future, and learn more about our process. For us, it’s the chance to develop a personal relationship and help you reclaim your life.
Investigate the Dog Bite
Once onboard, we investigate your dog bite. We will collect such evidence as:
- Medical records and bills
- First responder and police reports
- Animal control incident reports
- Veterinary records
- Witness statements
- Photographs of your injuries and where the attack took place
- Video from cellphones and business surveillance, if it exists
- Your pay stubs and finances
We will also discuss your case with experts on dog behavior.
Establish the Dog Owner’s Negligence
With the evidence we collect, we will prove how the dog owner was negligent by presenting the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of care: The dog owner had a responsibility to keep you and the community safe by controlling their pet.
- Breach of duty: The dog owner failed to control the dog.
- Causation: While out of the control of its owner, the dog attacked you and caused injuries.
- Damages: The injuries have left you with medical bills, less income, and possible emotional trauma.
The evidence we collect allows us to make the connection between the dog owner, the attack, and your injuries.
Calculate Your Losses
The evidence also allows us to determine the value of your compensation. We can calculate your economic losses with bills, invoices, and receipts. We also have the knowledge to calculate the more abstract losses in your case, such as your pain and suffering. With this evidence, we can file your claim with the at-fault party’s homeowners’ insurance company.
Manage Communications and Negotiations
We will speak to the insurance companies, their attorneys, and the liable parties on your behalf. We will protect you from any questionable tactics by the insurance adjusters to diminish or deny your right to fair compensation. Our dog bite lawyer will negotiate in your best interests to obtain a settlement that addresses all of your concerns.
File a Lawsuit
If we cannot reach a fair settlement, we will be prepared to take your case to court. There, we will present our arguments and fight for a court award.
Keep in mind that under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you generally have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. Missing that deadline means you may not have the right to pursue damages in court, and you could be forced to accept what settlement the insurance companies offer.
Call Today for Guidance on Your Atlanta Dog Bite Claim
Call the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown today for a free case consultation. Get the 30 years of experience and support you and your family deserve.
