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If you’re in need of a bicycle accident lawyer Atlanta residents trust, you want a seasoned Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer on your side. The kind of bicycle accident lawyer Atlanta residents is proud to have to serve their community can be found at Butler Kahn. Motorists injure and kill thousands of bicyclists every year in traffic accidents. Bicyclists don’t have a lot of protection. Other than a helmet which reduces the risk of trauma to the head, even the most experienced bicyclist faces real risks when he takes to the road. The most recent federal statistics available show that bicycle fatalities have been rising year-over-year. Contact one of our bicycle accident attorneys in Atlanta today.
Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law tells us that dog owners can be held liable if their dogs “seriously injure” other people or animals.
A serious bite injury, in this case, is more than a small nip or minor scratch. Serious injuries are defined as those carrying a significant risk of death or those that require major medical treatments like sutures or surgery.
It is also important to note that, under the law, a dog’s “owner” is the person who possesses, harbors, or has “custody” of the dog. This means pet-sitters, veterinarians, and groomers may be held responsible for dog bite attacks that happen under their care.
If the dog in a dog bite accident is owned by a minor, the child’s parent or guardian may be considered legally responsible for the dog and can be held responsible for any related damages.
When an injured person pursues damages in a dog bite injury claim, they typically seek monetary compensation from insurance providers rather than individuals. Homeowner’s insurance and other liability coverage may cover dog bite claims. Oftentimes, the owner of the dog that bit you is a friend, neighbor, or family member. You may be hesitant to pursue compensation. It’s important for you to know that the dog owner is usually not footing the bill for the injuries themselves.
Coverage may be available from:
There are two main categories of dog bites. The first is dog bites from dogs who have never previously bitten or displayed aggressive behavior toward others. Even seemingly gentle dogs are capable of biting.
Under Georgia’s so-called “one bite rule,” dog bite victims need to prove that a dog’s owner knew or reasonably should have known that the dog had a tendency to bite and then subsequently failed to restrain the dog. If a dog had no previously aggressive tendencies, an owner could still be liable for bite accident injuries if they occurred while the dog was loose and in violation of local leash ordinances.
The second category is dog bites from dogs who have previously been recognized or reasonably should have been recognized as “dangerous” or “vicious.” It is worth noting that dogs that have not previously bitten others may still be labeled “dangerous” under the law if they have demonstrated a threat of inflicting serious injury.
Owners of dangerous and vicious dogs are subject to strict legal requirements. Among other requirements, these owners are expected to post warning signs around their properties, keep their dogs in securely locked areas, and notify authorities promptly if their dogs attack or run loose. Owners who don’t follow these requirements can be charged with misdemeanor violations. If their dogs end up causing serious injury, they may face felony charges as well. Our Atlanta dog bite lawyer can help.
According to Georgia dog bite statutes, victims must prove three things to be eligible for compensation:
Georgia does not impose statewide leash laws on dog owners, but many Georgia counties and cities have local ordinances that set out rules for restraining dogs. When dogs bite or seriously injure people in violation of local leash ordinances, their owners could be considered legally responsible for the accident. For example, in DeKalb County within the city of Atlanta, owners are required to keep control of their dogs by:
If a dog has displayed previous tendencies to bite or behave aggressively, the owner is expected to be aware that their dog is considered dangerous or vicious. Under Georgia law, a “dangerous” dog is one that has:
A “vicious” dog is defined as one that previously:
Georgia’s dog bite laws are some of the most complicated in the United States. If you or your child are a victim of a dog bite injury, you should be focusing on healing rather than deciphering intricate legal codes or insurance policies. Experienced Atlanta dog bite lawyers like Butler Kahn can help you navigate the claims process and build the most persuasive case possible. Contact our dog bite attorney in Atlanta today.
Ways our attorneys may be able to help include:
Some of the most common injuries and complications from dog bites include:
Treatment for these types of injuries or side effects may involve:
Victims of dog bite injuries commonly seek compensation for:
Butler Kahn secured a $150 million jury verdict against Chrysler for the family of a 4-year-old boy who was killed in a devastating crash in Georgia. Our firm held the giant automaker accountable for Remington Walden’s death and for failing to warn the public about dangers associated with its Jeep Grand Cherokee. Learn More
Butler Kahn handles serious injury cases in Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia. We help victims recover from all types of accidents by building meaningful relationships and preparing strong cases.
We offer free consultations and do not charge legal fees unless we recover compensation. If you’re interested in having us review your case, please call us at the phone number below or send us a message online now.
We serve all areas of Atlanta, including Brookhaven, Druid Hills, Buckhead, Chastain Park, Garden Hills, Piedmont Heights, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Grove Pak, Inman Park, South Atlanta, East Atlanta Village, West End, and Atlantic Station.
