What are the Dog Bite Laws in Georgia?
A dog bite or attack can leave you or someone you love with some of the most severe injuries. Sadly, the physical injuries are just the beginning. The medical bills stemming from treatment will quickly add up and the unique injuries from dog bites can create an emotional impact that will last for years. Our Atlanta dog bite attorney knows how complex these cases can become and will fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
The Law on Dog Bites in Georgia
Dog bites in Georgia are governed by a modified one-bite rule. This means that under specific circumstances, dog owners can be found liable for the injuries their animal causes. The modified one-bite rule in Georgia means dog owners are responsible if they knew, or should have known, that their dog had dangerous or vicious propensities. Unlike many other states that have strict liability laws, the modified one-bite rule in Georgia does not necessarily hold dog owners liable the first time their dog injures someone.
The modified one bite rule does not mean a dog must necessarily actually bite a person. Acting aggressively, such as jumping or scratching, can also result in a personal injury claim if the dog hurts someone. The law also does not always provide owners with a free pass the first time their animal injures someone. If the owner was negligent and resulted in a dog bite injury, owners can still be held liable for a first bite in some cases.
The law in Georgia also holds dog owners liable when animals are not adequately controlled or restrained in compliance with local ordinances. The leash laws in Atlanta and surrounding areas require dog owners to control their pet in public. Dog owners may be held liable when they do not comply with these laws and their dog hurts another person.
Property owners can also be held liable if they knew a dangerous dog was on their premises and they did not properly want visitors or take other necessary precautions. This includes landlords who knew a tenant kept an aggressive animal or businesses that allowed a dangerous dog on their property without proper safety measures.
How to Prove a Dog Bite Claim
It may seem as though proving that a dog has shown violent or aggressive tendencies in the past is impossible but fortunately, this is not true. Our Atlanta dog bite attorney will start an investigation by documenting the scene of the attack. We will also photograph your injuries and collect witness statements as quickly as possible while memories are still fresh. We can also obtain animal control records and incident reports to obtain any important information about any previous history of the dog’s aggression.
Medical records also play a critical role in proving the extent of your injuries and the impact on your life. We will work with your medical professionals to gain a full understanding of the scope of treatment you require, such as ongoing surgeries, physical therapy, and mental health counseling. Expert medical testimony can also strengthen your claim and showcase the long-term consequences of wounds that may at first seem minor.
Contact Our Dog Bite Attorney in Atlanta Today
Dog bite injuries may seem fairly minor at first, but they can change your life in just a matter of seconds. You may have the right to claim compensation for your injuries, but you do not have to go through the process alone. At The Forsythe Law Firm, LLC, our Atlanta dog bite attorney is dedicated to fighting for injury victims and we will fight for you, too. Call us now at 404-476-2717 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal advocate you need.
Source:
legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20112012/127721
