As any Atlanta dog bite lawyer knows, some people love dogs. They love all animals. Other people are not huge fans. This is especially true for someone who has been bitten or attacked by a dog in the past. While it’s rare for a dog bite victim to suffer fatal or even serious injuries, it does happen. In fact, on average, about 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by a dog every year. And at least 800,000 of the people attacked require some sort of medical care. If this happens to you, then you need to call and talk to an experienced Atlanta dog bite lawyer immediately.
What is the Law in Atlanta When it Comes to Dog Bites?
Every state is a little different when it comes to their dog bite laws. In some states, it depends on what the leash laws say. Other states hold dog owners legally responsible for any injuries caused by their dogs no matter what. Georgia falls somewhere in the middle. In Atlanta, a dog’s owner can only be held strictly liable in two situations. If the dog is supposed to be on a leash and wasn’t at the time of the bite, the owner will likely be held liable automatically. The other situation where a pet owner is strictly liable is when their dog is proven to be vicious or dangerous.
If your case doesn’t fall into these two categories, then your attorney will need to prove negligence. This basically requires that they show that the dog’s owner didn’t act the way a reasonable dog owner would have under the circumstances. For example, if a pet owner has only had their dog for a few days, they shouldn’t let a stranger pet or approach the dog. Or if someone has friends over for a party, they should keep the dog in a separate area to prevent anyone from suffering a dog bite injury.
What is the Leash Law in Atlanta, Georgia?
Just like every state has its own dog bite laws, most cities have their own dog leash statutes or ordinances. In Atlanta, a dog is required to be on a leash whenever they are in a public place that isn’t a designated dog park. This includes public spaces, trails, and parks. The law also states that a dog must always be within reach of its owner.
Another rule of thumb is that the pet’s owner must be within shouting distance of their animal. If the defendant in your case doesn’t follow the local dog leash law, then there’s a good chance they’ll be found strictly liable for your injuries. It’s up to your Atlanta dog bite lawyer to prove that this is the case. They can typically do this by submitting a copy of any citations issued by the local police at the time of the incident.
What Kind of Damages Can Your Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer Demand?
When it comes to damages, every lawsuit is different. It depends on the severity and types of losses or injuries. In dog bite cases, your Atlanta dog bite lawyer will demand the following types of damages:
- Medical bills and future medical care
- Lost wages
- Lost future income
- Property damage if any
- Pain and suffering
Keep in mind, your attorney will need to review your case thoroughly before they can give you an idea of what your case is worth. If your injuries are minor, it may not be worth filing a lawsuit. However, there’s no reason why you should have to pay out of pocket for these things.
Call and Schedule a Free Consultation with a Seasoned Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or your child are attacked by a dog, you may suffer pretty serious injuries. Even if you don’t sustain any permanent damage, that doesn’t mean you won’t need an Atlanta dog bite lawyer. There’s no reason why you should have to pay for your medical care out of your own pocket. The dog’s owner should be held responsible for these costs and any other damages you suffer. The best way to do this is to make sure you have an experienced personal injury lawyer in Atlanta who knows the law when it comes to dog bites. Call today and schedule your free, initial consultation. It’s important that you have someone by your side who can protect your rights.