Attacked by a Dog in Atlanta? Know Your Legal Options from a Dog Bite Attorney
The majority of dog bites are not the fault of the dog. Often, they trace back to the negligence of the owner or keeper. If you have been bitten by somebody else’s dog, a dog bite attorney can help you identify the dog’s owner, build a strong case against them based on state laws, and secure full compensation for your puncture wounds, permanent scarring, lacerations, or disfigurement after being attacked by a dog. Learn more about your legal options here:
Understanding the Dog Bite Laws in Atlanta
To successfully pursue compensation for the injuries you suffered after being attacked by another person’s dog, it is important to understand the dog bite laws in Atlanta. The city maintains specific regulations in terms of animal control and ownership. All dogs in the city should be always on leashes in public spaces. Owners or keepers who walk their dogs without leashes can face a citation from the police. Also, all dogs must be within sight of their owners and under voice control.
In the state of Georgia, liability is placed on the owner or keeper when their pet bit or attacked someone. However, the plaintiff needs to prove the dog was dangerous or vicious, that the keeper or owner was negligent, and that they did not provoke the dog.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
If you have been bitten by a dog, you must record information on the incident first. Get the dog owner’s name and describe the dog that bit you in writing. Also, get the names of any witnesses to the incident. Then, see a doctor for a medical checkup immediately. Dog bites can get infected and may require antibiotics. Dogs in Atlanta should have current vaccinations. If you were attacked by a dog that does not have an updated shot, you may require extra treatment to prevent diseases that could develop due to a dog bite like rabies, tetanus, bacterial infection, and staph infection. After you get appropriate treatment for dog bites, think about your legal options against the owner of the dog with your lawyer’s assistance.
If an Atlanta dog caused serious injuries and damages, get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible. You must protect your rights. Because the law often favors the owner of the dog, you must have an attorney maximizing your chances of a satisfying ruling. In addition, you should also hire an attorney in the case of a fatal attack to help you file a wrongful death claim against the owner of the dog.
