Atlanta Dog Bite Attorney

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates more than 4.5 million suffer dog bites each year, and close to a million need medical attention after the dog attack. Dog bites can be minor, but many leave permanent physical and emotional stars to those who experience them. Unfortunately, severe dog bite injuries come with medical expenses and other costs that victims should not have to pay. An experienced Atlanta dog bite attorney can help you hold a dog owner responsible for their pet’s actions.

When Should I Call An Atlanta Dog Bite Attorney?

Any time you or your child suffers a dog bite, especially if it breaks the skin, it’s best to consult with an Atlanta dog bite lawyer. An experienced attorney can review the facts of your case and determine your eligibility for compensation. Even if a bite does not break the skin, a firm grip can fracture bones or cause internal damages. In the most severe cases, dog bite victims might need one or more cosmetic surgeries to fix permanent scars. A dog bite attorney can help you get the compensation you need for your medical treatment and ensure that the dog owner and/or their insurance company treat you fairly. You can focus on healing while your personal injury lawyer handles the details of your claim.

What Happens When Someone Is Attacked by a Dog?

After a dog attack, a victim must seek immediate medical attention. Dogs carry diseases that can lead to dangerous, sometimes fatal infections. Victims need to prioritize their safety and create medical documentation of the attack to serve as evidence for a claim. It’s likely the medical provider will report the dog attack. However, when a dog in Atlanta attacks someone, they should report the dog bite to Fulton County Animal Services.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Caused by a Dog Bite?

Those who suffer a dog bite face a wide range of illnesses and injuries. Common injuries caused by a dog bite include:

• Lacerations and puncture wounds. Almost all dog bite victims suffer deep wounds from a dog’s teeth and lacerations if the teeth tear the skin.
• Soft tissue damage. Many dog bites damage soft tissue at the site of the injury, such as tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
• Infection/disease. Dog bite victims risk bacteria from the dog’s mouth entering their bloodstream and causing infection. If left untreated, some infections lead to organ failure and ultimately death.
• Scarring. Damage to the skin and infections from a dog bite sometimes require skin removal and reconstructive surgery to avoid permanent disfigurement. However, dog bite victims often are left with permanent scars.

PTSD. Dog bite victims, especially young children, often face post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The emotional trauma of fluffy biting them can lead to anxiety and a host of other PTSD symptoms.

Who Is Responsible for Injuries from a Dog Bite?

Under Georgia law, dog owners who allow their pets to run free or do not take proper care of them are often liable for dog bite injuries. This is especially true when a dog is labeled “vicious or dangerous.” Atlanta requires all dogs to be leashed in a public space with dog parks as the only qualifying exception. The law automatically categorizes a dog as vicious if it is off-lease when a bite happens. If you provoked the dog in any way, the dog owner might not be responsible for your injuries. Your Atlanta dog bite lawyer can review your case and determine who is responsible for your injuries.

Contact a Top-Rated Atlanta Dog Bite Attorney Near You

The vast majority of dog bite injury claims fall under a dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance policy. However, not all dog owners own their own homes. Finding the right path to recover damages for dog bite injuries can be difficult. Even when owners have coverage, their insurance carriers won’t simply pay a claim without putting up a fight. Contact a top-rated Atlanta dog bite attorney near you who can advocate for you and help you secure compensation for damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Reach out right away to schedule a free consultation.