Dog Bites

 About Dog Bites

• Dog bites can result in severe injuries, including deep lacerations, nerve damage, infections, and permanent scarring. In some cases, victims may suffer from emotional trauma or long-term physical impairment, requiring ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• If you are injured by a dog, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the owner. The legal process involves proving the dog’s aggressive tendencies or the owner’s negligence, often through careful investigation and evidence collection.
• Victims of dog bites may pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and permanent disfigurement. Working with an experienced dog bite attorney can ensure you recover the maximum amount from insurance or the responsible parties.

Why Hire CSS for a Dog Bite Lawsuit

Filing a dog bite case can be daunting, especially if the pet’s owner is a friend or family member. A dedicated personal injury attorney can help ease some of your concerns about the legal process so that you can move forward with confidence. 

Dog bites can lead to severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens, which is why you need an experienced legal team on your side. At Childers, Schlueter & Smith, we understand the complexities of dog bite cases, especially when they involve friends or family members. In most instances, we seek financial compensation from the pet owner’s insurance company, not the owner. Our compassionate attorneys will handle your case with the utmost sensitivity, ensuring your legal interests are protected while minimizing any personal conflicts.

With a deep understanding of Georgia’s dog bite laws, CSS knows how to build a solid case that proves the owner’s liability, whether through aggressive tendencies or negligence. Our team is skilled in negotiating with insurance companies to secure the maximum compensation you deserve, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Contact us today for more information or a free case consultation.

Why Dogs Attack

Most people assume dogs are friendly, but even a well-behaved pet can attack if it feels threatened. The following list identifies some of the more common reasons a dog will choose to attack:

• Dominance aggression: Aggressive behavior is usually directed at family members who take something from the dog, pet it, hold it, pick it up, or disturb it while resting.
• Defensive or fear aggression: Directed at family or strangers who approach too quickly or too closely when the dog is afraid.
• Protective/territorial aggression: Directed at strangers that approach the owner or the home of the owner.
• Predatory aggression: Directed at small, quickly moving animals and children, especially where more than one dog is involved.
• Pain-elicited aggression: Directed at family or strangers who approach or touch when the dog is in pain or injured.
• Punishment-elicited aggression: Directed at family or strangers who hit, kick, or verbally assault the dog.
• Redirected aggression: Directed at family, strangers, and animals who approach or touch the dog when it is aggressive in another context.

If you were attacked by an aggressive dog, you should not hesitate to reach out to a local attorney.

Investigating a Dog Attack Case

In any personal injury case, it is important to investigate the accident in question. An attorney can determine how the dog bite occurred by analyzing animal control records, police reports, 911 recordings, medical records, photos, and videos. A lawyer can also speak with eyewitnesses and record their statements about the incident. Investigating the case early on can help ensure critical evidence does not get lost or destroyed.

Communicating with Insurance Companies in Atlanta

Whether the dog attack occurred at a private residence, on public property, or in a commercial building, the injured party will likely have to deal with an insurance company. Many homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies cover dog bites. However, insurance agents often aim to settle these cases for as little money as possible.

Injured parties can benefit from having a skilled lawyer on their side when negotiating a settlement for a dog attack. An attorney can warn plaintiffs of the insurance company’s deceptive tactics and file a lawsuit, if necessary.

Proving a Dog Had Vicious or Aggressive Tendencies

Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-2-7 states that plaintiffs in dog bite cases must prove that the animal in question had aggressive tendencies and a previous history of threatening behavior. Acts that may be considered threatening include lunging, biting, attempting to bite, and attacking people, animals, or passing objects.

If the owner knew about their dog’s aggressive behavior at the time of the attack, they can be held liable for the injured party’s damages. A skilled attorney can help a claimant prove the dog that bit them had a history of threatening behavior.

Compensation in Dog Bite Claims

In a successful dog attack case, an attorney can help the claimant recover compensation. Injured parties may seek restitution for losses such as:

• Medical costs
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost income
• Lost earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement or scarring
• Loss of consortium

A lawyer will calculate these damages accurately to ensure the plaintiff recovers the full compensation they need.

Consult an Atlanta Dog Bite Attorney Today

A severe dog bite can lead to significant emotional trauma, physical pain, and scarring. If you wish to take legal action, reach out to our law firm as soon as possible. An Atlanta dog bite lawyer from our team can help you determine your next steps in a free consultation.