For the most part, dogs bring people joy and comfort. Unfortunately, when owners are negligent, their pets can also cause severe harm. If you suffered injuries in a dog attack, discuss your legal options with a
knowledgeable attorney at the Gunn Law Group. An Atlanta dog bite lawyer can handle your case and provide dedicated support while you focus on recovering.
Causes of Animal Attacks
Although some dog attacks occur seemingly out of nowhere, there is often a reason behind them. Some dogs bite when they feel threatened or are placed in unfamiliar and stressful situations. Dogs may attack when they feel that they need to protect themselves or their owners.
Dogs who are not spayed or neutered or who have a history of past abuse may be more likely to bite people. Additionally, certain breeds may be predisposed to aggressive tendencies. If a dog has bitten a person before, the animal may be more at risk of biting someone again.
A seasoned attorney at our Atlanta office can investigate the facts of a dog attack on behalf of the injured victim. Our legal team could also meet with people familiar with the dog to see if it had a history of prior aggression.
Dog Bite Laws in Atlanta
Unfortunately, Georgia does not operate with a strict liability statute. In states with a strict liability statute, claimants can generally recover damages whenever a dog bites them, so long as they did not intentionally or recklessly provoke the attack.
Under Georgia law, pet owners are legally responsible for attacks only if they know that their dog is dangerous or vicious. To recover damages, the victim of a dog attack would need to demonstrate that the owner knew their pet had a propensity for aggression.
Proving that a Dog is Vicious
An experienced dog bite attorney in the area could help prove vicious propensity in several ways. One option is to demonstrate that the dog in question had bitten someone else in the past and was supposed to be on a leash or in a fenced yard. Even if the animal had not previously bitten anyone, a skilled lawyer could present evidence of the dog’s history of aggressive behavior, arguing that the owner should have been aware of their pet’s dangerous nature.
Common Injuries in Canine Attacks
Dog bites frequently cause physical wounds as well as emotional trauma. Physically, many people bear permanent, disfiguring scars from deep cuts and lacerations. If the dog knocked them over, they might also experience fractures, concussions, and other wounds from hitting the ground.
Additionally, many people face lingering fears and debilitating anxiety around dogs after suffering an attack. A compassionate Atlanta attorney at our firm would consider the full value of a victim’s losses in pursuing a claim on their behalf.
Contact an Atlanta Dog Bite Attorney Today
If you suffered a dog bite or attack, you deserve dedicated legal representation. Reach out to an Atlanta dog bite lawyer at the Gunn Law Group to discuss your options for seeking restitution. A successful legal claim against the dog’s owner could secure the resources you need to recover and move forward with your life.
However, it is important to act quickly to protect your legal rights, as there are deadlines for pursuing these types of claims. Our knowledgeable attorneys can explain the relevant dog bite statutes and help file your case in a timely manner.
Call our firm today to review your situation and learn how we can assist you.
