When a dog attack occurs in Marietta, the physical and emotional trauma can overwhelm victims and their families. Georgia law provides specific protections for dog bite victims, but securing fair compensation requires skilled legal representation. The physical wounds may heal, but the financial burden and psychological impact often linger for months or years.
Dog owners in Georgia bear significant responsibility for their pets’ actions. State law holds owners liable when their dog causes injury, regardless of the animal’s previous behavior. This strict liability approach means victims do not need to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous. However, insurance companies often dispute claims or offer inadequate settlements that fail to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing treatment needs.
Contact our experienced Marietta dog bite accident lawyers today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Georgia Dog Bite Laws and Owner Liability
Georgia Code Section 51-2-7 establishes clear liability for dog owners when their animals attack others. The law states that owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dogs if the victim was lawfully present and not provoking the animal. This statute removes much of the burden from victims to prove negligence or prior knowledge of aggressive behavior.
The state follows what legal experts call a “modified one-bite rule.” While owners face automatic liability for unprovoked attacks, certain factors can influence the outcome of cases. Provocation by the victim, trespassing on private property, or engaging in criminal activity at the time of the attack may reduce or eliminate the owner’s responsibility.
Property owners and landlords may also bear liability in certain situations. When landlords know about dangerous dogs on their property but fail to take action, they can face legal consequences.
Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks can cause devastating injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Medical professionals frequently treat victims for multiple trauma types simultaneously, as dogs often inflict various injuries during a single attack.
Physical injuries from dog bites include:
- Deep puncture wounds that damage muscles, tendons, and nerves
- Facial lacerations requiring plastic surgery and reconstruction
- Bone fractures from the crushing force of powerful jaws
- Infections, including rabies, tetanus, and bacterial complications
Children face particularly severe risks during dog attacks. Their smaller stature means bites often target the head, neck, and face, leading to permanent scarring and disfigurement. The psychological trauma can be equally devastating, creating lifelong fears and requiring ongoing mental health treatment.
Immediate Steps After a Dog Attack
Quick action following a dog bite can protect both your health and legal rights. Medical attention should always be the first priority, as even minor-looking wounds can harbor dangerous bacteria or require stitches to heal properly.
Documenting the incident thoroughly strengthens any potential legal claim. Take photographs of your injuries, the attack location, and the dog if possible. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the attack occur. Report the incident to Cobb County Animal Control, as their investigation creates an official record of the event.
Avoid discussing fault or accepting blame at the scene. Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly after the incident, hoping to secure a recorded statement or a quick settlement. Politely decline these requests until you consult with legal counsel who can protect your interests.
Building Your Dog Bite Case
A successful Marietta dog bite accident lawyer builds cases on solid evidence and thorough investigation. Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment form the foundation of any claim. These records establish the extent of your damages and the connection between the attack and your medical needs.
Witness statements provide crucial support for your version of events. Independent observers can verify that you were behaving appropriately and not provoking the animal. Their testimony becomes especially important if the dog owner claims you were trespassing or acting aggressively.
Animal control reports and the dog’s history create additional evidence of liability. Previous complaints about aggressive behavior, citations for loose dogs, or prior attacks strengthen your case significantly. Your Marietta dog bite accident attorney will investigate these records and interview neighbors who may have experienced problems with the same animal.
Damages Available in Dog Bite Cases
Georgia law allows dog bite victims to recover various types of compensation for their losses. Economic damages cover the measurable financial impact of your injuries, while non-economic damages address the personal suffering you have endured.
Recoverable damages in dog bite cases include:
- Medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgery, and ongoing care
- Lost wages during recovery and reduced earning capacity
- Physical therapy, psychological counseling, and rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering compensation for trauma and permanent disability
Severe attacks may result in permanent disfigurement or disability that affects your quality of life for years to come. Calculating these future damages requires expertise in medical economics and life care planning. Insurance companies often undervalue these long-term impacts, making skilled legal representation essential.
Insurance Coverage and Settlement Negotiations
Most dog bite claims are covered under homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies. The liability coverage under these policies may range, and some carriers exclude certain dog breeds from coverage entirely.
Insurance companies employ experienced adjusters who work to minimize claim payments. They may argue that you provoked the attack, were trespassing, or that your injuries are less severe than claimed. Having an experienced Marietta dog bite accident lawyer levels the playing field and ensures you receive fair treatment during negotiations.
When insurance coverage proves insufficient for severe injuries, your attorney may pursue the dog owner’s personal assets. This additional recovery becomes crucial in cases involving permanent disability or extensive medical treatment needs that exceed policy limits.
Areas We Serve in Marietta
The Persons Firm proudly represents dog bite victims throughout the greater Marietta area, including residents of these zip codes:
Service areas include:
- 30060 (Marietta city center and historic districts)
- 30062 (East Marietta and residential neighborhoods)
- 30064 (West Marietta, including Kennesaw Mountain area)
- 30066 (North Marietta and surrounding communities)
Our local presence means we have extensive knowledge of Cobb County courts, animal control procedures, and the judges who may hear your case. This familiarity with local legal processes often provides advantages during settlement negotiations and trial preparation.
Contact Us Today
Dog bite injuries can change your life permanently, but you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Georgia law provides strong protections for attack victims, and skilled legal representation can help you recover the compensation needed for a full recovery. Contact The Persons Firm today to schedule your free consultation and learn how our Marietta dog bite accident lawyers can help you rebuild your life after a traumatic dog attack.