Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure their pets do not cause harm or injury to others. While most dogs are friendly and are kept safely confined by their owners, this is not always the case. Those with aggressive dogs that could cause serious harm to others must follow leash laws. If the dog has bitten or attacked before, the owner must prevent the dog from harming others. When a dog attack occurs that causes serious injuries, the owner of the dog may be liable for those injuries.

In Georgia, a dog owner may be responsible for injuries if their dog bites or attacks another person. However, there are stipulations to the circumstances. These include:

• The dog must be considered vicious or dangerous
• The dog was “at liberty” or the owner was careless with the management of their dog
• The victim of the attack did not provoke the dog

A “vicious” dog under Georgia law is any dog that has bitten or attacked a person before, or the owner had a reason to believe the dog was dangerous. However, if there is a leash law in place and the dog was not on a leash, this alone could deem the dog dangerous. In injury cases involving dog bites and attacks, it is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer. You need someone who can decipher all the evidence to determine whether the dog owner could be held liable.

Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

A large dog, like a pit bull, can cause serious damage during an attack. In just a few moments, a sizable dog can tear flesh, crush bones and cause severe injuries that require extensive medical care. Even a single bite can cause nerve damage and horrific scarring. The victim of the attack may face ongoing medical care, lost time from work and deformities caused by the bites. Some victims may have emotional trauma from the attack.

It is common for victims of dog attacks to know the owner of the dog. They may be a neighbor, friend or even a family member. It can be difficult to decide to file a claim for compensation for injuries. However, it is your right if you have been injured due to the negligence of a dog owner. In many cases, homeowner’s insurance covers the costs of the claim for the dog owner.

If you have been injured by a dog attack, contact Race Law Firm in Atlanta to schedule your free consultation with our legal team. We can sit down with you, go over the details of your attack and advise you on your legal options.