Have you been bitten or attacked by a dog in Duluth, GA? If so, you may be eligible to file a compensation claim against its owner. The consequences of a dog bite can be profound and long-lasting. You should not have to pay for them if the dog’s owner is ultimately to blame.
The state’s dog bite laws can be complicated, though. The help of an experienced Duluth dog bite attorney may be crucial to the outcome of your case. The team at Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. understands the challenges people face after an animal attack. We are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how a Duluth dog bite lawyer can help you.
What Are the Dog Bite Laws in Duluth, GA?
When it comes to dog attacks, many states operate on a “one-bite” rule. In these states, an owner must know or should reasonably be expected to know that their dog is aggressive before they can be held liable if it bites someone. If the dog has bitten someone before, its owner should be on notice that it has a habit of biting. The second time the dog bites someone, the injured party can hold the owner accountable for any resulting injuries.
Georgia operates on a modified version of this rule and holds an owner liable for a dog bite if their dog is “dangerous.” A dog can be considered dangerous under various circumstances, including if it’s been allowed to roam free without a leash. That means an owner may be liable the first time their dog bites someone if they violate local leash laws. For example, if a dog bites someone while unrestrained in public in Duluth, the owner can be at fault for the victim’s injuries – even if the dog had never behaved viciously before. A dog bite lawyer in Duluth can walk you through it.
Does Duluth Have a Ban on Certain Breeds of Dogs?
Georgia has no statewide laws banning specific dog breeds, leaving restrictions up to local governments. While Gwinnett County and the city of Duluth do not ban any dog breeds, you should be aware that restrictions apply in other areas. For example, Marietta in Cobb County does not allow pit bulls or Rottweilers to enter dog parks or off-leash areas. Always check local ordinances to determine animal restrictions. Contact our Duluth dog bite attorney today.
What Are Some Common Dog Bite Injuries?
Frequent injuries from dog bite attacks include:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Head injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Nerve damage
- Torn muscles or tendons
- Crushing injuries
- Amputations
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
What Complications Can Occur from a Dog Bite?
Common complications from dog bite attacks include:
- Infections such as tetanus, rabies, and MRSA
- Nerve damage or neuropathy
- Loss of function in the affected area
- Disfigurement from scarring
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Permanent disability
- Rabies
- Joint injuries
- Damaged growth plates in children
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Financial hardship from medical bills and lost income
How Common Are Dog Bites in Georgia?
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), Georgia ranks 10th in the nation for the number of dog bite claims. Most of these bites happen to young children. However, even adults with lots of experience around dogs can be the victims of sudden attacks. Bites occur most frequently when the dog is afraid, and poor training or mistreatment can add to this sense of fear. Contact our Duluth dog bite lawyer today.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Bitten by a Dog?
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, consider taking the following steps:
- Seek medical attention to treat your wounds and prevent infection. Dog bites can transmit bacteria deep into tissue and should not be left untreated.
- Report the bite to animal control in your area so there is a record of the incident. Provide details like the owner’s name and the dog’s breed and appearance.
- Document everything related to the bite. Take photos of your injuries from multiple angles and write down a detailed account of how the attack happened while the memory is still fresh.
- Get contact information from any witnesses who saw the bite occur. Their accounts could help prove liability.
- Consult an experienced dog bite attorney about your right to seek compensation for your injuries. An attorney can deal with insurance companies and preserve evidence.
Can I Recover Compensation for My Dog Bite Injuries?
If the dog’s owner is ultimately to blame for your dog bite injuries, they could owe you money for:
- Past and future medical bills related to the bite, including hospital treatments, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
- Lost income due to missing work during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if the bite caused permanent disability
- Pain and suffering damages
- Emotional distress
- Scarring or disfigurement
An experienced dog bite lawyer in Duluth can help determine what compensation you deserve and fight to maximize your recovery.
How Is Fault Proven in a Duluth Dog Bite Case?
There are many different ways to establish a dog owner’s fault for their pet’s behavior in Duluth, GA. These include showing they violated local leash laws, proving that the dog had a history of aggression, or arguing that the owner was in some way negligent in the way they handled the animal.
Your lawyer will gather evidence like medical records, veterinary records showing prior incidents, photographs, sworn statements from witnesses, and animal control reports to help establish liability and calculate your losses.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Dog Bite Injury Claim?
Georgia gives you two years from the date of a dog bite to file a claim for compensation. Failure to do so may result in losing your right to compensation. Working with a skilled dog bite lawyer can help you avoid missing this crucial deadline.
Contact a Duluth Dog Bite Lawyer
Suffering injuries due to a dog bite can be a traumatic experience. You deserve all the support you can get. The experienced Duluth dog bite attorneys at Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. understand the challenges you are facing. We are ready to listen to your story, investigate the incident to identify all liable parties and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our team today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.