Douglasville Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are called “man’s best friend”. They are faithful companions, protectors, and playmates. While these traits are certainly enough reason to bring a furry friend into your home, it is also important to remember that dogs are still animals and have instincts that humans cannot fully understand. Dogs also require a great deal of care, and owners should also understand how they are responsible for the behavior of their pets.

Here in Georgia, there are certain laws related to ownership and responsibility of dogs, as well as how dog bite cases are managed. Dog bites fall into the category of negligence laws, or personal injury laws. That means that if you are bitten by a dog and suffer injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries and expenses. If the dog’s owner was negligent, then he or she would be liable for those expenses.

To find out more about these laws and your legal rights, contact The Embry Law Firm’s Douglasville dog bite lawyer.

Dog Bite Injury Information

Every year, around 4.7 million people experience a dog attack. Around 50 percent of those attacked require emergency medical treatment. Around 800,000 of those attacked suffer serious injuries. In 2015, 27,000 dog bites required some degree of reconstructive surgery. Dog bite injuries can range, and may include:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Open wounds
• Nerve or muscle damage
• Broken bones
• Emotional trauma

The scope of dog attacks is much broader than most people expect. Dogs of all breeds and sizes are responsible for attacks. There is a common misconception that only large dogs, or dogs of certain breeds attack people. While some breeds may be more prone to certain aggressive tendencies, the fact is that any dog can attack under the right (or wrong) circumstances. The size or breed of the dog does not mean that it is incapable of causing serious injury. Even small breeds can cause injuries that are painful, prone to infection, or carry disease.

Another misconception is that dog attacks occur in unfamiliar territory, or involve unfamiliar or unfriendly dogs. The truth is that dog attacks can happen anywhere, including homes, businesses, parks, or anywhere that dogs may be present.

Why Do Dogs Attack?

Most dogs are not inherently aggressive or mean toward people. However, when provoked or placed in certain situations, even the most friendly, tame, and otherwise docile dog can become unpredictable and attack. The most common reasons why dogs attack include the following:

• Dominance: Dogs may exhibit dominance aggression if family members try to pet it, pick it up, or otherwise disturb it while it is resting or sleeping.
• Territory: Dogs are territorial creatures. They may exhibit aggressive behavior if someone disturbs it, its toys, or its owner. This is especially true of strangers.
• Defense or Fear: When dogs become scared, they often act aggressively, especially if someone is approaching quickly, is unfamiliar, or is being aggressive themselves.
• Predatory Nature: Dogs are predatory creatures. Dogs who are trained to play rough, hunt, or attack small animals may become more aggressive toward children or other family pets.
• Pain Response: Dogs that are in pain are more likely to be aggressive if they are manipulated or aggravated. This response may be directed to family members or other pets.
• Punishment Response: Dogs who are physically punished or verbally punished are more likely to act aggressively in general.

A lot of dog attacks are the result of pure instinct. Some attacks are caused by poor treatment, abuse, or a lack of socialization. And, of course, some attacks are provoked, but these are less common.

Georgia Dog Bite Laws

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, it is important to understand what Georgia law says, and what your legal options may be. Georgia has specific laws for dog owners. Dog owners are required to keep their dogs under control, and to ensure that they are vaccinated and healthy.

Even with the responsibilities of dog owners, it remains the burden of the person attacked to prove that the owner was negligent. That means that you must be able to prove that the dog has attacked before, or that the owner should have known that the dog could attack. While recovering from the physical and emotional trauma of a dog attack, this task may seem daunting. Fortunately, you are not alone.

Contact Our Douglasville Dog Bite Lawyer

In the aftermath of a dog attack, your focus should be on making a complete recovery. Unfortunately, your attention may be split if you are seeking compensation for your injuries and related expenses. That is why you should contact The Embry Law Firm, and let our Douglasville personal injury lawyer fight for compensation on your behalf.

At The Embry Law Firm, we understand how devastating dog bite injuries are. You and your family may be affected for a long time, and it can be difficult to move forward. That is why our team is dedicated to fighting on your behalf. We can help take the burden of the legal process off your shoulders so you can heal. We will work alongside you every step of the way ensuring that your legal rights are protected.

To learn more about our services, or to schedule a free consultation, contact our office by calling 844-443-6279. You can also fill out our online form, and we will contact you as soon as possible.