Atlanta, GA Dog Bite Attorneys

Do You Need an Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer?

Dog bites cause serious injuries, including lacerations, broken bones, and deep wounds. Your dog bit attorney will investigate the event and file a claim on your behalf. If the other side refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer, Grant Law Office is always prepared to take your case to trial.

Sadly, Children are the most frequent victims of these attacks. In order to recover damages such as medical expenses and emotional trauma after a dog bite incident, victims and their loved ones should turn to an experienced dog bite lawyer for help.

Get in touch with the trusted Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Grant Law Office today. If you decide to have us proceed with your case, we will collect material evidence that lends credibility to your claim so you can pursue the full compensation you need to cover the cost of your medical bills and other expenses.

To get started, please call us today at (404) 995-3955 or submit a case review form.

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Why Choose Us Over Other Dog Bite Attorneys in Atlanta?

• Over 60 Years of Combined Legal Experience
• Husband-and-Wife Legal Team Known for Personalized Representation
• Named to The Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Law
• Selected by Super Lawyers Based on Peer Reviews and Independent Research
• AV Preeminent 5/5 Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
• Not a High-Volume Firm: We Provide Focused, One-on-One Attention
• Empathetic, Down-to-Earth, and Easy to Talk To
• We Gather Evidence Ourselves
• Courtroom-Ready Case-Building From Day One

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Pursuing Compensation After a Dog Bite Incident in Atlanta

Depending on the circumstances of your case and the strength of your claim, you may be able to recover the following economic and non-economic damages:

• Medical expenses
• Income lost during recovery
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional and mental trauma
• Disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages
• Punitive damages

Initial settlement offers by the liable party will almost always be inadequate. Always consult with an Atlanta dog bite attorney before accepting any offer in order to ensure you get the amount you are entitled to.

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Atlanta Dog Bite Laws

Georgia's dog bite laws are designed to protect victims and hold dog owners accountable. Under Georgia Code Section 51-2-7, there is strict liability for dog owners. If a dog bites someone, the owner is liable for damages, and victims don’t need to prove the dog had a history of aggression. The law applies if the victim was lawfully on the property where the attack occurred and did not provoke the dog.

Dog owner negligence refers to situations where the owner fails to exercise reasonable care to prevent their dog from causing harm. This may include not properly restraining the dog, ignoring local leash laws, or failure to control a god that’s known to be aggressive.

When an owner allows their dog to roam off-leash in a public area where leash laws are enforced, and the dog bites someone, this may be negligence. If an owner knows their dog has aggressive tendencies but fails to take necessary precautions such as using a muzzle, this could also be deemed as negligence.

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Proving Liability in an Atlanta Dog Bite Case

As the victim and claimant in an Atlanta dog bite case, you must establish the three following conditions in order to establish liability on part of the responsible party and validate your claim:

• The dog exhibited vicious or aggressive behavior in the past - This can be shown through a past history of the dog's aggressive behavior against people or other animals.
• The liable party knew or should have known about the dog's violent tendencies - This assertion may be difficult to prove unless there is public record of the dog's violent behavior, such as an animal control report. Testimonies from neighbors and the like may also help establish the owner's knowledge of the dog's potential for danger.
• The dog was handled without proper caution - The dog was not leashed, the gate was left open, the fences were inadequate, etc.

If a legal violation was involved, it may not be necessary to prove that the owner knew about the dog's aggressive tendencies. Instead, you may only have to prove that the owner violated local ordinances which required him or her to keep control of the dog and that he or she failed to do just that as a result of the violation.

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Factors That Contribute to Aggressive Dog Behavior

Certain breeds may have a genetic predisposition to aggressive behavior due to their lineage and breeding history, but the environment in which a dog is raised plays a crucial role. Factors such as socialization, training, and the presence of abuse or neglect can significantly influence a dog's demeanor.

A well-socialized dog exposed to positive interactions with people and other animals is less likely to exhibit aggression. On the other hand, a dog raised in a stressful or abusive environment may develop aggressive tendencies as a defense mechanism.

Proper training from an early age can help mitigate aggressive tendencies by teaching a dog appropriate behavior and social skills. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding good behavior, are effective in fostering a well-behaved and sociable dog.

Cruelty and abuse have a profound impact on dog behavior. Dogs subjected to physical punishment, neglect, or harsh training methods may develop fear-based aggression as a defense mechanism. These dogs often react aggressively to perceived threats, even if no real danger is present.

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Common Dog Bite Injuries

Physical injuries from dog include puncture wounds, lacerations, and broken bones. Puncture wounds occur when a dog's teeth penetrate the skin, potentially causing deep tissue damage and requiring stitches.

Lacerations are deeper cuts that may also need surgical intervention to repair, and excessive bleeding can be fatal. Bacteria from the dog's mouth can enter the wound, causing serious infections that may require antibiotics or even hospitalization. Chronic pain and limited mobility may persist, especially if the bite caused significant tissue or nerve damage.

Dog bites can result in broken bones, especially if the victim is a child or elderly person. The force of a dog's jaws can fracture a person’s bones in the hands, arms, or face. When an attacking dog knocks its victim over, it may cause serious injuries such as fractures, concussion, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Emotional trauma is often a significant consequence of dog bites. Victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and a persistent fear of dogs following an attack. PTSD symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe emotional distress when reminded of the incident.

Anxiety following a dog bite may cause generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and heightened vigilance. Victims might avoid areas where dogs are present or feel anxious even when encountering friendly pets. This can limit social interactions and outdoor activities, diminishing the victim’s overall quality of life.

Dog bites frequently have long-term consequences that extend beyond the initial physical and emotional trauma. One of the most common long-term effects is scarring, which can lead to disfigurement and require corrective surgeries. Scars can be particularly distressing when they are on visible areas like the face, affecting self-esteem and quality of life.

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Don't Wait! The Statute of Limitation for Georgia Dog Bite Accidents

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for dog bite injury claims is two years from the date of the attack. If you don’t file your claim within this timeframe, you could permanently lose your right to recover compensation.

It’s important to find an experienced dog bite lawyer who will start investigating your case right away. Otherwise, evidence can deteriorate, witness memories can fade, and medical records may become harder to retrieve.

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Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Occurs

Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial after a dog bite, regardless of the severity of the wound. Seeing your doctor also establishes a documented record that can be invaluable in pursuing compensation for injuries sustained.

Even minor bites can introduce bacteria into the body, leading to serious infections if left untreated. A healthcare professional can properly clean the wound, assess the risk of infection, and determine if additional treatments like stitches, antibiotics, or a tetanus shot are necessary. Prompt medical care is essential to address deep tissue damage, lacerations, or broken bones.

Documenting the incident is a crucial step after a dog bite, as it provides essential evidence for any legal claims. Start by taking photos of the injuries from multiple angles. Gather contact information from all witnesses. If the owner is present, you can request their insurance information and the dog’s vaccination history as well.

Write a detailed account of the incident while it's still fresh in your memory. Include specifics like the date, time, location, and circumstances leading up to the bite. This documentation can be invaluable when dealing with insurance companies or if legal action becomes necessary.

After a dog bite, it’s important to report the incident to local authorities, such as animal control or the police. Your next step is contacting an Atlanta personal injury attorney who has experience in dog bite cases.

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How Your Atlanta Dog Bite Attorney Can Help

A personal injury attorney plays a crucial role in investigating and gathering evidence for a dog bite case. Grant Law Office will conduct a thorough investigation of the event. This includes reading police and animal control reports, interviewing witnesses, reviewing your medical records, investigating the dog’s history, collecting photographs, and obtaining any available surveillance camera footage.

Insurance companies typically aim to minimize payouts. Grant Law Office will submit a claim that reflects the true cost of your medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, and other damages. If the other side refuses to make a reasonable offer, our seasoned trial attorneys are always prepared to take your case to court. Grant Law Office will advocate on your behalf, seeking the compensation you deserve.

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Speak With Compassionate Dog Bite Lawyers in Atlanta

At Grant Law Office, our Atlanta dog attack attorneys make it their top priority to meet the needs of all of our clients and provide them with personalized services. In other words, we let our clients take an active role in the development of their case rather than leaving them in the dark. Contact us at (404) 995-3955 today for assistance from a legal team that truly cares.

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Client Testimonials

If you want to win...hire her!
Mrs. Grant is a professional with high standards, moral conduct, and a person of integrity. With every experience I had with her, whether verbal or written, I was thoroughly satisfied with the manner in which she shared information. I was amazed at Mrs. Grant's ability to retain volumes of legal research which were used strategically, allowing me to receive the most favorable outcome possible in my case. I would not hesitate to enlist Mrs. Grant's services in the future and would consider it an honor to have her represent me.
- Tara (5-Star AVVO Review)

Mr. & Mrs. Grant are by far the best! They communicate well. They handled our case with “care and compassion.” Their office staff is professional. I cannot say enough about this great team! Would definitely recommend this law firm. Professional, compassionate, [and] diligent!
-Rochelle O (5-Star Google Review)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after a dog bite occurs?

Seek medical attention immediately. If possible, get the dog owner’s contact info, photograph your injuries, and report the incident to animal control.

Can I file a claim if I was bitten on the dog owner’s property in Georgia?

Yes. You may still have a case if the dog was unrestrained or the owner failed to warn you of the dog’s known aggressive behavior.

What types of compensation can I recover in Georgia?

Medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and disfigurement or scarring.

What if the dog’s owner doesn’t have insurance?

You may still have options. We can explore whether other policies apply or whether a personal judgment is feasible.

Can I seek compensation if a dog bit me while I was working (e.g., delivery or repair)?

Yes. You may be eligible to collect workers' comp benefits in addition to personal injury damages if the property owner was negligent.

How long will my case take?

It depends. Some Atlanta dog bite cases settle in a few months; others may require more time if the injuries are severe or liability is disputed. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

There are no upfront costs when you choose Grant Law Office to handle your dog bite case. And we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

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Meet Your Attorneys

Wayne Grant

Wayne Grant brings more than 40 years of experience to every case he handles. His background in both medical and personal injury law makes him especially skilled in evaluating injuries and long-term damages in dog bite cases.

Year Licensed: 1979

Kimberly W. Grant

Kimberly Grant is known for her strategic thinking, empathetic communication, and exceptional legal advocacy. With over 30 years of experience, she works side-by-side with Wayne Grant to provide clients with thorough and individualized representation.

Year Licensed: 1993

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Additional Information

• Dog Bite Injuries Often Result in Hospital Bills
• Atlanta Humane Society
• Animal Bites - MedlinePlus