Dog Bite Attorney in Macon & Savannah, Georgia
From service and therapy dogs, watchdogs, and our beloved family pets, there is no denying that dogs are deeply rooted in American culture.
Despite America’s love for dogs, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. The unfortunate reality is that many dog owners fail to properly train and honor leash laws which often leads to an unexpected and unprovoked attack on another person. Simply put, dog owners have a responsibility to control their pets and ensure that they do not interfere with the safety of others. Being attacked by a dog is a terrifying experience, and no one should suffer because of a pet owner’s negligence.
If you have been bitten by a dog, you have rights and deserve to receive compensation for your injuries, personal damage, and loss. After seeking medical attention for the bite, your next step is to contact a reputable dog bite attorney to help with your claim.
At The Law Offices of Peter Meyer, P.C., we understand the impact that a dog bite can have on you or a family member. Our team has the knowledge and experience to help you understand Georgia dog bite laws, determine fault and liability, and fight for compensation.
Remember, dog owners will offer every excuse to pin fault on you. Let us tackle the legal side while you focus on recovery and wellness. Our team proudly serves dog bite victims and their families in Macon, Savannah, Bibb, Houston, Laurens, Chatham, Peach, Twiggs, Jones, Dodge, Telfair, Wheeler, Bulloch, Candler, and Bleckley, Georgia.
Georgia Dog Bite Laws
Much like other states, dog owners in Georgia must adhere to strict liability and negligence laws that help minimize attacks and ensure the safety of others.
More specifically, in 2012, Georgia adopted the Responsible Dog Ownership Law. This law emphasizes liability on dog owners and provides some protection for individuals and other dog owners against attacks.
Along with the Responsible Dog Ownership Law, Georgia’s Dog Bite Law enacts two general ways dog owners can be held liable for injuries:
The dog owner or caretaker knew or should have known about the dog’s aggressive or dangerous behaviors and carelessly managed the dog.
The dog was required to be leashed or under control, and the owner or caretaker failed to do so.
Lastly, Georgia’s one-bite rule says that the owner of any dog will be held strictly liable for injuries caused by their animal only if the owner knew or should have known about the animal's vicious tendencies. The burden of proof is on the injured party.
Proving Liability
The cornerstone for liability in almost every dog bite claim is proving negligence. Georgia dog law section 51-2-7 establishes a few scenarios in which dog owners can be held liable when an injury to another person occurs.
A dog owner can be liable for another person’s injury if:
The dog is considered vicious or dangerous.
The incident occurred through careless management by the owner.
The person injured did not provoke the injury.
The bottom line is that dog bite laws in Georgia are complex, and liability seems gray rather than black and white. Because of this, it is always wise to speak with a Georgia dog bite attorney before taking action alone.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, there are a few critical steps you can take to strengthen your case.
Seek medical attention — Dogs can carry diseases, and never assume you are “just fine.” In addition, it’s hard to prove you suffered an injury if you never neglected medical attention.
Photograph injuries — Keep updated photos of your injuries and recovery.
Identify the dog and owner — Get names, addresses, and other important information.
File a dog bite report — Contact your local municipality or animal control to document the incident.
Keep updated records — Document everything, including medical bills, physical and emotional pain, loss of work, etc.
Contact a Georgia Personal Injury Attorney — Your attorney will evaluate all relevant information and advise you on how to move forward and seek compensation from the responsible party.
Dog Bites Attorney Serving Macon & Savannah, Georgia
No one deserves to suffer because of someone else’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, let The Law Offices of Peter Meyer, P.C provide the personalized attention you deserve. We can take the worry out of the recovery process and hold the responsible party liable for your injuries. We proudly serve clients in Macon, Savannah, Bibb, Houston, Laurens, Peach, Twiggs, Dodge, Wheeler, Bulloch, and Bleckley, Georgia.