Victim of a dog bite?

A dog attack can shatter your sense of safety in an instant, leaving you with physical pain and many questions about what to do next. An Atlanta dog bite lawyer helps you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

If a dog attacked you or someone you love, call Sweet James Accident Attorneys at (800) 900-0000 for a free discussion about your case.

Why Choose Sweet James Accident Attorneys for Your Atlanta Dog Bite Case?

After a dog bite in Atlanta, choosing the right legal team is a significant step. You need attorneys who understand your situation and know how to get results. Sweet James Accident Attorneys offers dedicated representation for victims of dog attacks throughout the Atlanta area.

Our Team Knows Georgia Dog Bite Laws

Georgia’s laws regarding dog bites have specific details. Our team is familiar with these state laws and understands local ordinances in Fulton County, DeKalb County, and other metro Atlanta areas that may affect your dog bite claim.

A Record of Commitment

Sweet James Accident Attorneys is committed to fighting for victims of dog attacks and works hard to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients. We focus on helping you recover the compensation you need to move forward after an injury.

Dedicated Support

We know a dog bite is a traumatic event. Our compassionate Atlanta dog bite lawyers offer more than just legal advice. We handle the stressful parts of your claim, like dealing with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery and well-being.

We Know Atlanta

Our connection to the Atlanta area is strong. From Buckhead to East Atlanta and all the neighborhoods in between, we serve clients across this great city. Our local presence means your dog bite attorney understands the specific challenges victims face in our communities.

Call Sweet James Accident Attorneys at (800) 900-0000 for help if a dog bit you in Atlanta.

Compensation Your Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer May Pursue

After a dog attack, you may face many losses, both financial and personal. An Atlanta dog bite attorney helps you identify all the damages you might recover.

Here are common types of damages:

• Medical Expenses: This covers all costs for treating your dog bite injuries, such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, surgery, medication, and any needed physical therapy. Future medical care related to the bite is also included.
• Lost Income: If the dog bite injuries prevented you from working, you may recover your lost wages. If your ability to earn money in the future is affected, you may also seek compensation for this loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain, discomfort, and general suffering caused by the dog attack and your injuries. The severity and duration of your pain are key factors.
• Emotional Distress: A dog attack is a traumatic event that can cause significant emotional harm, such as fear, anxiety, depression, nightmares, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You may receive compensation for this mental anguish.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: If the dog bite resulted in permanent scars or other forms of disfigurement, you can seek compensation for the physical change and the emotional impact.
• Property Damage: If the dog damaged your personal property during the attack, such as clothing or eyeglasses, you may seek reimbursement for these items.

How an Atlanta Dog Bite Attorney Fights for You

An Atlanta dog bite lawyer from Sweet James Accident Attorneys takes on many tasks for you, managing your case from start to finish. We aim to secure the best possible result for your dog bite injuries.

Investigating the Dog Attack

A thorough investigation is the foundation of a strong dog attack case. Your lawyer for a dog bite in Atlanta gathers all available evidence, including police reports, animal control records, and any witness statements.

We also collect photographs of your injuries and the scene of the attack. Identifying the dog’s owner and the animal’s history of aggression is part of determining who is responsible under Georgia law.

Calculating Your Damages

Understanding the full extent of your losses is key, and your Atlanta dog bite lawyer will carefully calculate all your damages. These include current and future medical bills related to the dog bite. If you missed work, we calculate your lost income and any impact on your future earning ability.

We also assess the value of your pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Scarring or permanent disfigurement also factors into your compensation.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to pay out as little as possible after a dog attack. Your Atlanta dog attack attorney handles all communications and negotiations with them. We protect your rights and work to get a fair settlement offer.

You don’t have to speak to adjusters or worry about saying something that might hurt your claim. We manage these interactions for you.

Taking Your Case to Court if Needed

Most dog bite cases settle out of court. Sometimes, however, the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount. If this happens, your dog attack lawyer at Sweet James Accident Attorneys will take your case to trial.

We’ll present your case powerfully to a judge to seek the justice you deserve. When negotiations don’t achieve the right outcome, we file a lawsuit.

Understanding Georgia’s Dog Bite Laws

Georgia’s dog bite laws are complicated to navigate alone, but a dog attack lawyer in Atlanta can explain how these laws apply to your situation.

Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law

Georgia doesn’t have a strict “one-bite rule” like some other states. Instead, Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law holds owners liable under certain conditions.

Many Atlanta areas have their own leash laws that can impact a case. Your Atlanta dog attack lawyer will examine all relevant state and local rules.

Proving Negligence in an Atlanta Dog Bite Case

To win an Atlanta dog bite case, you generally must prove the dog owner was negligent. Negligence means the owner failed to use reasonable care, and this failure caused your injury. This might involve showing that the dog was running wild.

It might also involve showing the owner knew the dog was dangerous but did not take steps to protect others. Your Atlanta dog attack attorney gathers evidence to establish this negligence. Evidence might include previous bite reports or witness testimony about the dog’s behavior.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Georgia

Georgia law sets a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including dog bite claims. This is called the statute of limitations. Generally, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit.

Missing this deadline usually means you lose your right to seek compensation. Contact an Atlanta dog bite attorney as soon as possible after an attack to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights before time runs out.

What if I Was Partly at Fault for the Dog Bite in Atlanta?

Sometimes, questions arise about whether your actions contributed to the dog bite incident. If you are found partly responsible in Georgia, it can affect your ability to recover compensation. An Atlanta dog bite attorney can help you understand how this applies to your case.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Georgia follows a rule called modified comparative negligence. This rule means that if you are found to be 50% or more at fault for your injuries, you cannot recover any money from the other party.

You can still recover damages if your share of the fault is less than 50%. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% at fault and your damages were $10,000, you would receive $8,000.

Your Atlanta dog attack attorney works diligently to show that the dog owner was primarily or entirely responsible.

How a Victim Might Be Partly at Fault

Several situations might lead to a victim being considered partly at fault for a dog bite:

• Provoking the Dog: If you were teasing, hitting, or otherwise provoking the dog before it bit you, you might be partly responsible. Even unintentional actions that a dog perceives as threatening could be a factor.
• Trespassing: If you were on someone else’s property without permission when the bite occurred, this might affect your claim. Though exceptions exist, property owners generally have less responsibility to protect trespassers from their dogs.
• Ignoring Warnings: If the dog owner had clear warning signs posted, like “Beware of Dog,” and you ignored them, you may be partially at fault. Similarly, if the owner verbally warned you to stay away from the dog and you didn’t, it may impact your case.

An Atlanta dog attack lawyer can assess these factors and build the strongest possible argument on your behalf.

Common Injuries in Atlanta Dog Attacks

Dog attacks cause a wide range of injuries. Some may be minor, but many are severe and have lasting effects.

Common examples include:

• Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: Dog teeth can create deep puncture wounds and tear skin. These injuries may damage muscles, tendons, and nerves beneath the skin. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, so medical attention is needed to clean wounds and sometimes provide stitches or surgery.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Bites often leave permanent scars, especially on the face, arms, or legs. These scars can be constant reminders of the attack and may cause emotional distress. Severe disfigurement might require cosmetic surgery to improve appearance.
• Emotional Trauma: The psychological effects of a dog attack can be severe. Victims, particularly children, may develop a lasting fear of dogs, called cynophobia. Anxiety, depression, nightmares, and flashbacks are also common, and some people develop PTSD.

Secure Your Path to Recovery

A dog bite might leave you vulnerable and unsure where to turn. You don’t have to face this journey alone. Taking action now can help you get the resources needed for recovery.

At Sweet James Accident Attorneys, we stand ready to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Let our team handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.

Contact Sweet James Accident Attorneys today at (800) 900-0000 for a free, no-obligation consultation with an Atlanta personal injury attorney.