Norcross Dog Bite Lawyer
Legal Help for Dog Bite Victims in Georgia
Dog attacks can cause severe physical and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a dog bite, you may have the right to seek compensation for your damages. Pursuing your claim under Georgia’s complex dog bite statute can be difficult without skilled legal help. At Bowman Law Firm, we are committed to helping victims of dog attacks navigate Georgia’s legal system and obtain the justice they deserve. Contact our office today for help from a skilled and compassionate Norcross dog bite lawyer dedicated to your recovery,
Understanding Georgia’s Dog Bite Law
Under O.C.G.A. §51-2-7, Georgia follows a modified “one-bite rule.” This statute holds dog owners liable if their dog is known to be dangerous or has a history of aggressive behavior. The law states that a dog owner can be held responsible for injuries if the owner knew or should have known that the dog had a propensity for violence. Liability also exists if the dog was off-leash or not under the control of its owner (not “at heel”) in violation of local ordinances. In either event, a defense against liability exists if it can be proven that the victim provoked the dog before the attack.
Proving Liability in a Georgia Dog Bite Case
To successfully pursue a dog bite claim in Georgia, you must prove the following elements:
- The dog was dangerous or vicious. Evidence such as prior attacks, complaints, or aggressive tendencies such as growling or snarling can establish this.
- The owner was negligent. The dog must have been off-leash or uncontrolled, violating local leash laws.
- The victim did not provoke the attack. If the victim taunted, teased, or harmed the dog before the bite, liability may be reduced or denied.
- The injury was directly caused by the attack. Medical records, eyewitness testimony, and expert opinions can substantiate the claim.
Damages Recoverable in a Dog Bite Claim
Victims of dog bites may be eligible to recover various damages, including:
- Medical Expenses – Emergency treatment, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and future medical care.
- Lost Wages – Compensation for time missed from work and potential loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – Physical and emotional distress resulting from the attack.
- Scarring and Disfigurement – Compensation for permanent scars, reconstructive surgeries, or other cosmetic damages.
- Punitive Damages – If the owner acted with reckless disregard for safety, additional damages might be in order.
The Role of Local Leash Laws in Dog Bite Cases
Georgia law emphasizes that dog owners must comply with local leash laws. If a dog is off-leash in an area where leash laws exist and attacks someone, the owner is presumed negligent. Many Georgia municipalities, including Norcross and Gwinnett County, require dogs to be restrained or on a leash in public places. Violations of these laws can strengthen a victim’s claim for compensation.
Defenses Dog Owners May Raise
Dog owners often attempt to avoid liability by asserting defenses such as lack of prior knowledge, arguing they were unaware of their dog’s aggressive tendencies. However, a skilled dog bite lawyer can often show many types of behavior that fit the definition of a vicious or dangerous animal. Additionally, Georgia law explicitly states this provision of the law is satisfied if the animal was off leash or not at heel when required by local ordinance.
Other defenses raised by dog owners include provocation, claiming the victim provoked the attack by teasing or harming the dog, or trespassing, stating the victim was unlawfully on their property when the bite occurred. At Bowman Law Firm, we anticipate these defenses and build strong cases to counter them, ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
The Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Georgia
Georgia imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites. This means that victims must file a lawsuit within two years of the attack or risk losing their right to seek compensation. It is crucial to act quickly and consult an experienced attorney to ensure all deadlines are met.
How Bowman Law Firm Can Help
Navigating a dog bite claim can be complex, but our firm is here to help. We provide comprehensive case evaluation, assessing the facts of your case and determining the best legal strategy. We gather medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions as needed to ensure thorough evidence collection to prove your case. Attorney Shireen Hormozdi Bowman and her legal team provide aggressive representation when it counts, negotiating fair settlements with insurance companies and litigating cases when necessary.
Contact Bowman Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog and suffered injury, do not wait to seek legal help. Contact Bowman Law Firm today for a free consultation. Our skilled Norcross dog bite lawyer will review your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.