Atlanta Dog Bites
If you have suffered a dog bite, you likely require ongoing medical attention with mounting bills and months or years of recovery ahead. Aside from inflicting a potentially serious infection, being bitten by a dog is a traumatic experience. Filing a claim against the responsible party is a necessary step to seek financial recovery while holding the dog’s owner responsible. Our experienced Atlanta dog bite attorneys at Greathouse Trial Law can guide you through this process so you can focus on your recovery instead of the financial ramifications of your injury.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs remain the pet of choice for Americans, with 44.6% of U.S. households owning a dog. And while the majority of dogs have earned the title of "man's best friend" due to their loyalty and fidelity, dog bites occur more frequently than animal lovers would like to admit.
Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States, and nearly one out of five of these bites becomes infected. Sadly, many victims of dog bites are children, with the Humane Society estimating that children comprise 51% of dog bite victims. While many people assume a stray dog poses the greatest risk, the majority of dog bites come from a pet dog in the home, such as the neighbor’s dog or the dog of a family friend. Still, it's possible to suffer an attack from a stray dog.
At Greathouse Trial Law, we understand what it feels like when dogs bite. Having represented many clients who have suffered bite wounds, our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys understand the nuances of Georgia law pertaining to these animal bites, and the tactics of insurance companies. Let us pursue fair compensation for your injuries while you focus on healing and recovery. Contact us today at (678) 310-2827 to schedule your free consultation.
Key Takeaways About Dog Bite Injury Cases in and around Atlanta, Georgia
- Like all animal bites, a dog bite poses a risk of infection. Whether your bite appears less serious or more urgent, clean the wound with mild soap and running water to reduce the risk of infection, then seek an evaluation from a healthcare practitioner.
- Common types of dog bite wounds include puncture wounds, lacerations, abrasions, crush injuries, infections, head and neck injuries, nerve damage, and scars and disfigurement.
- When dogs bite, those affected can experience severe emotional consequences and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Familiar dogs tend to inflict the majority of dog bites, although it's not uncommon for stray dogs to bite.
- Georgia has nuanced laws regarding dog bites, which are likely applicable to your case.
- You may be able to seek different types of damages in Georgia after you sustain a bite wound from a dog.
- Why seeking the representation of a knowledgeable and experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney is vital to your recovery.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause serious, and in some cases, life-threatening injuries. Some people recover in weeks or months, while others live with complications from their injuries for the rest of their lives. Common dog bite injuries include:
- Puncture wounds — A puncture wound is a break in the skin with an accompanying tear. Puncture wounds can be superficial or deep, and the damage to underlying tissues may not be immediately apparent.
- Lacerations — A laceration is a deep cut or tearing of the skin that creates an irregular wound. The appearance of these bite wounds depends on their depth and location.
- Abrasions — An abrasion is a scrape or graze to the top layer of skin caused by friction against a rough surface. These injuries are usually minor but can cause pain, bleeding, and infection if not treated properly.
- Crush Injury — A crush injury occurs when a dog’s powerful jaws crush or break bones, causing extensive tissue damage. This type of injury can lead to permanent nerve and muscle damage.
- Infection — Any open wound is susceptible to infection, but dog bite wounds are at an especially high risk since the dog's mouth is full of bacteria. If left untreated, an infected wound can lead to serious health complications. In rare cases, a penetrating bite wound can cause septic arthritis (infection of the joint), osteomyelitis (infection of the bone), pyothorax (pus in the chest cavity), or septic peritonitis (pus in the abdominal cavity).
- Post Traumatic Stress/Emotional Trauma — Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience that leaves lasting emotional effects such as fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These psychological injuries should not be overlooked when seeking compensation for a dog bite injury.
- Scars and Disfigurement — Depending on the severity and location of the dog bite, scarring or disfigurement may occur. These injuries can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and quality of life.
- Head and neck injuries — In severe cases, dog bites can lead to traumatic brain injury, skull fractures, or injuries to the head and neck. These types of injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
- Nerve damage — The powerful jaws of a dog can cause significant nerve damage, leading to loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and other long-term complications.
- Death — In rare cases, dog bites can lead to death. This tragic outcome is more likely to occur with small children or infants who are unable to defend themselves against a larger dog, but maulings of adults by single or multiple dogs can also be deadly.
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Legal Liability for Dog Bites in Georgia
Georgia's dog bite laws are nuanced. If a dog bites someone in Georgia, the dog's owner is responsible for any injuries or damages caused by their dog under either of the following two circumstances:
- The dog was vicious, and it can be proven the owner knew the dog was vicious. A pet owner can be placed on notice following an evaluation under the Responsible Dog Ownership Law if their animal displays aggressive tendencies, even if that animal has not actually harmed anyone in the past. However, to prove liability for injuries, an injured person must be able to prove that the animal’s known behavioral tendencies are connected to the injury they suffered, and that the owner could have reasonably expected such a potential injury to be caused by their animal’s behavior.
- The owner violated an ordinance requiring the dog to be on a leash or to be at heel. This can be applied regardless of the dog's past behavior or whether or not the owner knew the dog was prone to aggression, as long as the victim was lawfully on public or private property during the incident.
The law extends beyond bites to include any injuries caused by a dog's actions, such as knocking someone over or scratching them.
However, Georgia law provides limited defenses for dog owners, such as cases where the victim provoked or teased the dog or if the victim was trespassing.
In addition to holding the owner liable for damages, Georgia law allows victims to pursue compensation from other parties who may be at fault for a dog bite injury. For example:
- A landlord who knowingly allowed a dangerous dog to reside on their property
- A dog handler or caretaker who was responsible for controlling the dog at the time of the attack
- A business owner who failed to properly secure their premises and allowed a dangerous dog to enter and cause harm
The owner or insurance company will mount a defense to attempt to dismiss the charges or settle the claim for as little as possible. Sadly, initial settlement offers usually aren't enough to cover medical expenses and other damages. Consulting an experienced dog bite attorney will protect your rights.
Working with an attorney does not necessarily involve filing a lawsuit because your attorney could potentially negotiate a favorable settlement without going to court. However, when the insurance company or dog owner does not agree to a fair settlement, legal action is necessary. Whether your case settles out of court or goes to trial, an attorney from Greathouse Trial Law will fight hard for you while pursuing the compensation you need to begin to put this traumatic event behind you.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
If a dog bit you, take the following steps immediately after the incident:
- Remain Calm and Wash The Wound — Use mild soap and run warm tap water over the wound for five to 10 minutes. Slow the bleeding by compressing the wound with a clean cloth and apply antibiotic ointment if you have any on hand. Then use a sterile bandage to cover the wound. Although providing first aid at home is a good idea, consulting a doctor immediately afterward is crucial. A doctor can assess the wound for signs of infection, determine if you need antibiotics, treat the wound properly, and advise you about how to care for the wound at home.
- Seek Medical Attention — Even if you think you have only sustained minor injuries, seek medical treatment at a hospital emergency room or walk-in clinic as soon as possible to avoid infection – or at least reduce the risk of infection. Particularly if the incident involved a stray dog that could possibly have rabies, emergency medicine is crucial. An emergency medicine professional will properly clean and treat your wound, and possibly prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection from occurring, especially if you have pre-existing conditions such as a weakened immune system. In some cases, victims may require intravenous antibiotics. Regardless of the type of treatment required, diligently seeking medical attention before following up with doctor’s appointments and doctor’s orders creates a record of your injuries, which can be used as evidence in your case.
- Identify the Dog and its Owner — If possible, secure the name and contact information of the dog’s owner. It’s also helpful to gather information from witnesses who may have seen the attack.
- Report the Incident — Contact your local animal control agency or your local policy to report the dog bite. Notifying the authorities is especially critical if it's an unknown pet or a pet that has not had a rabies vaccination. They may be able to provide important information about the dog’s history and help prevent future attacks.
- Document Your Injuries — Take photos of your injuries, keep track of any medical expenses, and document any other losses or damages caused by the attack.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney — An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. They can also assist in gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary.
Owners of dogs should use a leash in public, keep their dogs healthy, and vaccinate them against rabies and preventable infectious diseases. Furthermore, people with weakened immune systems should have a rabies shot administered immediately following a bite.
What Types of Compensation Can I Pursue in Georgia After Suffering a Dog Bite?
If you have been bitten by a dog in Georgia, you can pursue compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are quantifiable costs that the victim has incurred or will incur due to their bite wounds and other injuries. Examples of economic damages can include:
- Medical expenses — These damages include current and future medical bills related to your injuries, such as hospitalization, surgeries, antibiotic ointment and other prescription medication, physical therapy, and other necessary treatments.
- Lost wages — If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you may seek compensation for lost wages. This can include both past and future lost earnings.
- Property damage — If your personal property was damaged during the attack, such as torn clothing or broken glasses, you may be able to pursue compensation for these losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages serve to compensate the victim for the non-monetary injuries caused by dogs, which due to their subjective nature are not easily quantified. However, our attorneys are experienced and skilled in determining the proper monetary values for non-economic damages. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the dog bite, including any lasting effects such as scarring or disfigurement.
- Emotional Distress: Damages awarded for the emotional trauma, anxiety, fear, and psychological impact suffered by the victim following the dog bite.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the diminished ability to participate in activities and enjoy life as before the dog bite incident.
- Disfigurement or Scarring: Damages for any permanent scarring or disfigurement due to the dog bite, which can affect the victim's self-esteem and quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injuries on the victim's relationships with family members, including loss of companionship, support, and consortium.
- Punitive damages: In cases where the owner’s actions were deemed particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
How Much is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every dog bite claim is different. The compensation you can seek is largely based on the verifiable losses you have suffered, the circumstances surrounding the dog bite, and additional factors that your attorney will explain during the consultation. After investigating the attack, your attorney can provide a general idea of your case’s value and pursue compensation on your behalf.
How to Prevent Dog Bites
While we cannot completely prevent animal bites, we can reduce the risk of being bitten by a dog by taking the following steps:
- Never leave children alone with a dog without adult supervision.
- Teach children how to interact safely with dogs and respect their boundaries.
- Always ask for permission before approaching an unfamiliar dog.
- Avoid making direct eye contact or sudden movements around a dog you do not know.
- If a dog appears aggressive, back away slowly and do not scream or run.
- Do not disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
- If you are approached by an unfamiliar dog, stand still with your arms at your side.
“As a former felony prosecutor, I believe that there is no fight that is too small or too big to fight when seeking justice for my clients.”
- Riah Greathouse
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Do I Need An Atlanta, GA Attorney to Pursue Compensation for a Bite Wound from a Dog?
While you can pursue a claim on your own, working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries. Seek the services of an attorney with profound knowledge of the laws and procedures related to dog bites in Georgia — as well as extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and representing clients in court.
Discover Why It’s Greater with Greathouse
At Greathouse Trial Law, Greater with Greathouse is not just a catchphrase ~ it's our law firm’s mission. Our law firm focuses on personal injury cases including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, premises liability, slip and fall accidents, drunk driver accidents, wrongful death, and medical malpractice in and around Atlanta and throughout Georgia.
Our founder, Riah Greathouse, served his community for several years as an Assistant District Attorney in Fulton County, where he prosecuted cases ranging from drugs to violent felonies throughout the county. His service as a prosecutor yielded a tremendous amount of courtroom experience, allowing him to attack personal injury cases with tenacity, often proving to be beneficial in securing a favorable resolution.
Riah's experience as an insurance defense lawyer on behalf of insurance companies gives him a unique advantage when representing injured clients. In this role, Riah noticed the insurance companies treated victims with legitimate injuries unfairly, making it as difficult as possible for them to seek compensation. That's when he vowed to make a difference.
When you work with Greathouse Trial Law, you can expect:
Greater Health
We will connect you with the best doctors available after your injury, to get you through your recovery.
Greater Communication
You will have open lines of communication with our office, as well as the providers charged to help you.
Greater Representation
You will have a fighter on your side against the insurance companies and their attorneys.
Have you or someone you love been bitten by a dog in and around Atlanta? We understand the physical and emotional trauma people experience when dogs bite. Whether the bite has caused significant injury to the skin and soft tissues or exacerbated a pre-existing condition, we want to help.
Contact us at 678-310-2827 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation.
Discover why it’s Greater with Greathouse for claims involving dog bites.
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