Dog Bites and Dog Attacks in Georgia

Welcome to The TD Injury Firm’s Dog Bites page. We are Atlanta’s premier dog bite law firm with attorneys who will help you obtain the compensation you deserve. We understand that dog-related incidents can result in traumatic injuries and emotional distress, leaving victims uncertain about their next steps. If you suffered a dog bite when visiting family, friends or by making a delivery, we boldly champion your rights. To better serve our community, we offer free consultations to analyze your case and discuss the most effective legal strategy. Call Atlanta’s premier dog bite law firm today at (404) 595-1991 and allow us to start the process of healing and restitution. At The TD Injury Firm, we’re here to help make things right.

Proving Liability for a Dog Bite

At The TD Injury Firm, we understand the significant emotional and physical toll a dog bite can inflict. A common misconception is that dog bites are minor in nature. However, we are here to ensure you that such an incident can result in severe harm, warranting rightful compensation.

Georgia permits the application of general negligence principles in dog bite cases. To prove negligence, you will need to establish (1) the owner had a duty to prevent harm, (2) this duty was breached, (3) the breach caused harm, and (4) damages were suffered as a result. Essentially, if the owner’s negligence resulted in the dog bite, they can be held accountable. Our dedicated team can help navigate these complex legal issues, building a strong and effective case on your behalf.

Common Injuries From Dog Bites

Dogs are considered man’s best friend but unfortunately dog bites and attacks can lead to grave injuries with far-reaching implications. The following paragraphs provide a detailed overview of some of the most common injuries from dog bites.

• Head Injuries: Among the severe injuries, head injuries include concussions or traumatic brain injuries. These can lead to cognitive difficulties, behavioral changes, or even loss of consciousness and require immediate medical treatment.
• Facial Injuries: Dog bites to the face can result in disfigurement, broken or shattered jawbones, loss of eyesight or hearing. These injuries often require reconstructive surgery and can cause long-term psychological trauma.
• Broken Bones: Strong dog bites can result in broken or fractured bones. This is especially common in bites to the arms, hands, legs, and feet, requiring extensive medical intervention and rehabilitation.
• Scarring: After a dog bite, you may be left with visible scars. This can impact their self-esteem.
• Nerve Injuries: Deep dog bites can cause severe nerve injuries leading to loss of function or sensation. Healing from such injuries might require physical therapy and, in some cases, can be permanent.
• Infections: Infections like rabies, can result if the dog wasn’t properly vaccinated. Immediate and proper medical attention is crucial in these cases.
• PTSD: Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological impact of a dog bite. Experiencing a traumatic event like a dog bite can lead to fear, anxiety, nightmares, and can affect everyday life. Professional psychological help might be necessary to overcome these symptoms.

Understanding these injuries and their potential impacts underscore the seriousness of dog bites and the necessity for legal intervention.

Damages in Dog Bite Cases

When unfortunate dog bite incidents occur, it’s important to understand that they often entail both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the measurable monetary losses that occur as a result of the bite. These might include:

• Medical bills: These are expenses that directly relate to medical treatments necessary after a dog bite. They can include, but are not limited to, emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor consultations, medication, and physical therapy sessions.
• Lost income: If the victim was unable to work due to the severity of the injury, they may be entitled to wages lost during the period of their recovery.
• Future treatment costs: A dog bite may result in injuries that require ongoing care or future surgical procedures. These prospective expenses can also be considered in economic damages.
• Lost earning capacity: In more serious cases, the injuries sustained could cause a lasting impact, potentially threatening the victim’s ability to earn in the future. This damage reflects the estimated future income lost due to these limitations.

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are the intangible losses suffered by the victim and are often harder to quantify. These might involve:

• Pain and suffering: This encompasses the physical pain and mental anguish suffered as a result of the dog bite. It not only considers the immediate trauma but also any long-term psychological impacts such as fear, anxiety or post-traumatic stress the victim might endure.

Understanding this distinction is crucial to get a full picture of the potential compensation in a dog bite case.

Dog Bite Statute of Limitations

In addressing the gravitas of canine-related injuries, our law firm is exceedingly knowledgeable regarding the laws surrounding dog bites and dog attacks in Georgia. Understanding the statute of limitations is crucial for any victim seeking compensation for injuries sustained from dog bites or attacks. A statute of limitations, in essence, is the predefined time period in which a victim of a dog attack may initiate legal proceedings against the dog owner. The current Georgia law stipulates that the statute of limitations for a dog bite case is two years. This means that a victim has two years from the day of the incident to pursue a lawsuit against the dog owner.

Timely action is a prerequisite given the constraints of the statute of limitations. A delay beyond these two years could deem your case null and void, despite the severity of your injuries or the clear liability of the dog owner. Hence, strictly adhering to this time frame is of utmost importance, as it allows the victim adequate time to garner necessary medical records, witness testimonials, and related incriminating evidence against the dog owner.

It is also important to remember that not all cases are straightforward. Numerous exceptions could possibly extend the statute of limitations. Understandably, the complexities of such laws necessitate the assistance of a law firm well-versed in dog bite cases. Our law firm, has an impressive track record of successfully handling dog bite and dog attack cases in Atlanta. We are committed to ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Our team has the comprehensive knowledge and proficiency to guide you through this intricate process, providing you with quality representation every step of the way.

Settlements in Dog Bite Cases

Navigating the legal maze after a traumatic dog bite incident can be daunting. Deciding whether to settle your case or proceed to trial can be a complex decision requiring in-depth understanding and guidance. It is often advantageous to settle a case pre-trial, as this tends to guarantee compensation without the risks associated with a juried verdict. Furthermore, a settlement avoids the unpredictability of a trial outcome, as well as the associated costs.

However, there are potential downsides to settlement. It’s paramount to fully comprehend that acceptance of a settlement typically involves signing a release of all claims associated with the dog bite incident. This means you, as the victim, waive your right to bring forth any future litigation pertaining to the same incident. This can be a disadvantage, particularly if future medical complications arise from the dog bite. Another challenge is grappling with a potentially lesser compensation amount in comparison to what a trial verdict might have awarded.

Dog bites in Atlanta requires careful assessment of various factors, including case complexity, damage severity, and risk tolerance. Trust our proficient law firm to help you with these difficult decisions as you recover from your dog bite incident. We are proficient in handling such cases, fueled by our commitment to assist victims in achieving a satisfactory resolution to their case.

Let Us Help You Pursue Compensation

In Atlanta, dog bite victims are often faced with financial, physical, and emotional challenges. The TD Injury Firm has an understanding of Georgia’s dog bite laws and are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. We dedicate our efforts to meticulously building a strong case to adequately account for your pain, suffering, and past and future medical expenses. We steadfastly stand by your side through every stage of the process, meticulously explaining your options, and relentlessly pursuing justice on your behalf. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a dog bite or dog attack in Atlanta, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us for a Free Consultation at (404) 595-1991, or contact us online. We believe that you should not have to bear the burden of an incident that you did not cause and we’re here to help make things right.

SERVICE AREAS

Dog bites and dog attacks can happen anywhere. We handle dog bite cases throughout the state of Georgia. In fact, we have successfully handled dog bite cases in Atlanta, Augusta, College Park, Columbus, Decatur, East Point, Fairburn, Hampton, Jonesboro, Lithonia, Locust Grove, McDonough, Stockbridge and Union City, Georgia.