Georgia Dog Bite Attorneys
Recovered more than $41 million for our clients in the last 8 years.
Hagood Injury Law are top-rated dog bite injury attorneys in Georgia and surrounding areas. Our lawyers at Hagood Injury Law have extensive knowledge of the laws that govern dog bite cases. They can help you determine how to proceed when an unfortunate accident occurs. We fully dedicate ourselves and our resources to help you fight for a fair and just settlement.
If you reside in Georgia, and have been the victim of a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and other damages. Hagood Injury Law can help you fight for justice and ensure that the dog owner is held accountable. Our dog bite attorneys specialize in representing victims of dog bites in the state of Georgia and are well-versed in all applicable state and local laws. With years of experience handling dog bite cases, our attorneys will work diligently to get you the maximum compensation available under the law.
Our Experienced Georgia Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help
We understand the difficulties you face after a dog attack. Our main goal is to make sure you get fair compensation for your injuries and any lost income from time off work due to your injury. Here’s how our legal team can assist you:
- We are dedicated to holding dog owners responsible when their pets cause harm or even death.
- Our attorneys know all the laws related to dog bite cases, so you get expert advice.
- We provide caring support and representation to victims of dog attacks who are going through a tough time emotionally.
- We work tirelessly to get you the most compensation possible within the law. If you’re dealing with injuries from a dog attack, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer a free consultation with no upfront fees. During this meeting, we’ll carefully review your situation and help you make informed choices.
If you’ve been hurt by a dog and need help, please contact us. We offer a free meeting where we’ll listen to your situation and help you make smart choices, all without any upfront fees.
Who is Liable in the State of Georgia?
In Georgia, the dog owner is usually the one responsible for dog bite cases. But there are exceptions based on the specific situation:
The Dog’s Caretaker: If someone else was taking care of the dog when it bit you, they might also be responsible if they knew the dog was aggressive or mishandled it.
Landlords: If the bite happened on a rented property, the landlord could be accountable if they knew about the aggressive dog but didn’t do anything about it. This also applies to commercial property landlords.
Property Owners: If a dog gets out of a residential property and bites someone elsewhere, the property owner may be liable for not preventing the dog from escaping and causing harm.
What Are Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Georgia?
Navigating a dog bite incident can often lead to complex legal proceedings when seeking rightful compensation. At Hagood Injury Law Firm, we are committed to simplifying this process for you. To strengthen your case, consider the following steps:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Clean the wound with soap and water and apply an antiseptic if available. Even seemingly minor bites can lead to infections, so it’s crucial to see a healthcare professional.
Identify the Dog and Its Owner: If possible, obtain the dog owner’s contact information, including their name, phone number, and address. Also, gather information about the dog, such as its breed and any distinguishing features.
Report the Incident: Notify local authorities, such as animal control or the police, about the dog bite. This helps create an official record of the incident and ensures that the dog’s vaccination status is checked.
Document the Incident: Take photographs of your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, and the dog involved. These visual records can be valuable evidence later.
Collect Witness Information: If there were any witnesses to the dog bite, obtain their names and contact details. They may provide statements or testify if needed.
Who Is Responsible After a Dog Bite in Georgia?
In Georgia, the responsibility for a dog bite typically falls on the owner of the dog. The dog owner is legally responsible for the actions of their dog, including any injuries or damages it may cause through a bite or attack.
However, there are exceptions and circumstances where others may also be held responsible for a dog bite in Georgia:
Caretaker: If someone other than the owner was caring for or had control of the dog at the time of the bite, they might share liability if they knew about the dog’s aggressive tendencies or mishandled the dog.
Landlords: In cases where a dog bite occurs on a property that is rented by a tenant, the landlord may be held accountable if they were aware of the dog’s aggressive behavior and failed to take action, such as removing the dog from the premises. This liability may also extend to commercial property landlords.
Property Owners: If a dog escapes from a residential property and bites someone off the property, the property owner may be held responsible if they didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent the dog from escaping and causing harm.
It’s important to note that Georgia follows a “strict liability” rule for dog bites. This means that in most cases, the dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog had shown previous aggression or the owner was aware of the dog’s behavior. However, exceptions may apply based on the circumstances, as outlined above.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Georgia, it’s advisable to consult with our Georgia dog bite attorneys at Hagood Injury Law Firm we specialize in dog bite cases to better understand your rights and the specific circumstances of your situation.
What Are The Types Of Dog Bite Injuries?
Dog bite injuries can vary in severity, and they can affect different parts of the body. Here are some common types of dog bite injuries:
- Puncture Wounds
- Lacerations
- Abrasions and Contusions
- Nerve Damage
- Bone Fractures
- Infections
- Scarring and Disfigurement
- Emotional Trauma
- Risk of Disease Transmission
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, is generally two years from the date of the incident. This means that you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and damages.
It’s crucial to be aware of and adhere to the statute of limitations, as failing to file a lawsuit within the specified time frame can result in your claim being barred, and you may lose your right to pursue compensation through the legal system.
Keep in mind that every legal case is unique, and there may be exceptions or circumstances that can affect the statute of limitations in your specific case. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney in Georgia to understand how the statute of limitations applies to your situation and to ensure that you take appropriate legal action within the prescribed time frame.
How Much Money Can You Get for a Dog Bite?
The amount of money you can get for a dog bite injury can vary a lot, and it depends on different things. When people try to get money for a dog bite, they usually do it by making a legal claim or filing a lawsuit. The amount of money you might get is affected by a few things, including:
- Severity of Injuries
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Property Damage Repairs
- Comparative Negligence
- Insurance Coverage
- Permanent Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Death Benefit
How can a dog bite lawyer help with insurance claims?
A dog bite lawyer can be extremely helpful when dealing with insurance claims after a dog bite incident. Here’s how they can assist:
Understanding Your Coverage: A dog bite lawyer can help you understand your insurance coverage. They will review your policies to determine which insurance policies may cover your injuries, such as homeowners’ insurance or renters’ insurance for the dog owner, or your own health insurance.
Communicating with Insurance Companies: Lawyers can act as intermediaries between you and the insurance companies involved. They handle communication, ensuring that you don’t inadvertently say something that could negatively impact your claim.
Negotiating Fair Settlements: Insurance companies may offer settlements that are lower than what you deserve. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance adjusters to secure a fair and reasonable settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Gathering Evidence: Lawyers are skilled at collecting and presenting evidence to strengthen your claim. They can help gather medical records, witness statements, photographs, and other documentation that supports your case.
Handling Legal Procedures: If negotiations with the insurance company don’t result in a fair settlement, a lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf. They can handle all the legal aspects of your case, including filing paperwork, representing you in court, and advocating for your rights.
Maximizing Compensation: An experienced dog bite lawyer knows how to assess the full extent of your damages. They can help you seek compensation not only for medical bills and lost wages but also for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future medical expenses if necessary.
Our Experienced Georgia Lawyers at Hagood Injury Law Can Help
After a dog bite, it’s important to talk to a dog bite attorney because insurance companies often care more about protecting themselves than giving you fair compensation for your medical bills and emotional stress. These companies might try to pay you less or avoid responsibility. If you agree to their offers without legal help, you might not get enough money to cover all your rightful expenses, like future medical bills, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Our experienced Georgia dog bite lawyers at Hagood Injury Law are here to help. You can contact us for a free consultation with no obligation. We’re ready to support you and make a big difference in your case.
