Dog Bite Attorney in Atlanta, GA

Were you bit or attacked by a dog?

If you have been the victim of an unprovoked animal attack, it is urgent that you obtain the assistance of a lawyer from our office as soon as possible. Elderly persons and children are most likely to be severely injured by in a vicious dog attack, and wounds can be made worse if they become infected from bacteria carried in the dog’s mouth.

When a large dog attacks the face, head or neck of the victim, the delicate facial bones can be broken and fatal injuries can result. Even with corrective surgery by medical specialists, severe facial injuries can leave the victim permanently disfigured. Call a qualified Atlanta premises liability attorney from our firm today – no fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Get your free initial consultation with Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. today!

Georgia’s Dog Bite Law

Unlike most other states, the dog bite statute in the state of Georgia favors dog owners over victims. This means that in order to make a successful
dog bite claim, the victim must be able to prove the existence of more than one ground for liability. In the past, there have been several precedents
established stating that a victim cannot file a claim for irresponsible or negligent actions that cause a dog to injure a person, but a skilled personal injury attorney may be able to help you bypass these precedents.

In the Georgia Code Ann., Sec. 51-2-7, it states the following:

A person who owns or keeps a vicious or dangerous animal of any kind and who, by careless management or by allowing the animal to go at liberty, causes injury to another person who does not provoke the injury by his own act may be liable in damages to the person so injured.

This means that in order for a dog owner to be found liable for injuries inflicted by his or her animal, the victim must prove the following three factors:

1. The animal was vicious or dangerous
2. The defendant had a requisite degree of knowledge
3. The defendant either allowed the dog to run free or carelessly managed
   the animal

The victim may only have to prove two of these factors if he or she can also prove that the animal was not at heel or on a leash, as required by a local ordinance. There are many other ordinances in Georgia for which a dog owner can be held strictly liable if an injury attack occurs. These ordinances address issues such as general animal control, running at large without a leash, keeping an animal under restraint while on property, and more.

Can I pursue an injury claim in Atlanta?

Every year, a number of individuals are seriously injured or killed by a dog attack. Most homeowners carry homeowner’s insurance, which often covers this type of incident. In the case of a serious injury or death, the insurance company often offers extremely low settlements or denies the clam altogether.

If you were injured by a dog, you will need an experienced dog bite attorney in Atlanta to protect your interests and help you fight for the compensation you deserve under personal injury law. A skilled Atlanta premises liability lawyer from our legal team at Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. can protect your right to the compensation you need in order to address all damages.