Were you bitten by a dog in Atlanta, GA? You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. A dog bite can cause serious injuries that may affect you for years. If someone else’s negligence caused the attack, they could be held financially responsible.
Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC is a top-rated personal injury law firm that has recovered over $600 million for injured clients. Our Atlanta dog bite lawyers have 85 years of combined experience, and we’re ready to put our knowledge to work for you. If you hire us, we’ll do everything we can to seek the full compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation at (404) 869-8600. During that meeting, we can discuss your case, answer your questions, and outline your legal options — no obligations involved.
How Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC Can Help After a Dog Bite in Atlanta, Georgia
Dog bites can be overwhelming, especially if they lead to costly medical bills and lasting injuries. You might be dealing with painful treatments and a difficult recovery. On top of that, you may feel pressured by insurance companies looking to settle quickly and cheaply. Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys can handle every aspect of your claim, allowing you to focus on healing.
Here’s what we can do to help:
- Investigate your case
- Identify the liable party
- Protect you from blame
- Calculate your damages
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Take your case to court in Fulton County if necessary
You don’t have to face insurance companies or legal complexities alone. Contact Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC today in Atlanta, Georgia to schedule your free consultation. We’ll stand by you from start to finish.
Dog Bite Laws in Georgia
Georgia’s dog bite laws can be difficult to navigate. Georgia follows a “knowledge of vicious propensities” rule, meaning that the owner must be aware or should have known of the dog’s aggressive behavior. Important aspects of Georgia dog bite laws include:
- Owner’s Knowledge of Aggression: In many cases, you must show that the dog owner knew or should have known the dog had vicious tendencies. This can be proven if the dog has bitten or attacked someone before or demonstrated aggressive behavior in the past.
- Owner’s Negligence: Even if there’s no history of aggression, you might be able to prove that the owner or handler was otherwise careless or violated local leash laws.
- Local Ordinances: Some cities and counties have leash requirements and other regulations. If a dog owner breaks these rules, it could strengthen your claim.
- Comparative Fault: If the defense argues you provoked the dog or were trespassing, Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rules might impact how much you can recover.
Because these issues can get complicated, it’s important to have a lawyer who understands Georgia dog bite laws. We can assess the facts of your case and develop a strategy that reflects local regulations and state statutes.
How Much Is My Atlanta Dog Bite Claim Worth?
Every dog bite claim is unique, and the value of your case will depend on many factors. Some bites lead to minor puncture wounds that heal quickly, while others require surgery, skin grafts, or ongoing therapy.
Key considerations that can affect how much your claim is worth include:
- The severity of your injuries
- Long-term effects
- Financial losses
- Impact on your life
- Shared fault
- Available insurance coverage
The best way to get a solid idea of your case’s worth is to consult an attorney. Our dog bite lawyers will look at every aspect of your situation and seek the maximum possible amount based on Georgia law and relevant insurance policies.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Dog Bite in Atlanta, GA?
If someone else’s negligence caused your dog bite, you may be entitled to a range of damages. These are generally divided into economic and non-economic losses, also called compensatory damages. In rare cases, punitive damages could apply.
Economic damages include:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage, if any personal items were damaged in the attack
- Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home care, medications)
Non-economic damages include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship
Punitive damages may be awarded only if the dog owner acted with extreme recklessness, malice, or a willful disregard for safety. They also require “clear and convincing evidence,” a stronger standard than other damages.
At Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC, we’ll help you document your injuries, treatments, and all financial and personal losses tied to the attack. Then, we’ll pursue full and fair compensation based on what you’ve endured.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Atlanta?
Many victims worry about legal fees, but hiring a dog bite lawyer doesn’t have to strain your finances. Our firm — and most personal injury law firms in Georgia — operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- You pay no upfront fees or retainers.
- You only pay attorney’s fees if we secure compensation for you.
- If we don’t win or settle your case, you don’t owe us attorney’s fees.
- Our payment is a percentage of your total award.
This setup benefits you because it allows anyone to access quality legal representation regardless of their current financial situation. It also motivates your lawyer to fight for the maximum possible settlement or verdict.
We’ll Fight for Compensation for All of Your Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can vary in severity, from mild puncture wounds to major trauma. Regardless of how badly you were hurt, we can step in to help. Our attorneys are prepared to handle claims involving:
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones caused by falling or struggling
- Facial injuries requiring reconstructive surgery
- Severe infections like rabies or MRSA
- Nerve damage leading to numbness or weakness
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Wrongful death of a loved one in the most tragic situations
It’s important to seek medical attention after any dog bite, even if it appears minor. Infections and complications can surface later. Our lawyers can help you recover compensation for all your physical and emotional injuries.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Dog Bite in Georgia?
It’s not uncommon for the dog’s owner or insurance company to argue that you provoked the attack, trespassed, or contributed to your own injuries somehow. Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law:
- You can still collect compensation if you’re less than 50% at fault.
- If you share blame, your damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- If you’re 50% or more responsible, you’ll be barred from recovering compensation.
Don’t let scare tactics or blame-shifting keep you from seeking justice. We can gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and use other tools to challenge unfair accusations. Our priority is to ensure you retain as much of your claim’s value as possible.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Georgia?
In Georgia, dog bite victims generally have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. You could lose your right to seek compensation altogether if you miss this window. However, exceptions might apply if:
- The injured person was a minor at the time
- You didn’t immediately discover the harm caused by the bite
- A government entity shares some responsibility for the attack
Because these rules can be complicated, it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Acting quickly also helps preserve evidence and witness testimony, which can fade over time.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Atlanta Dog Bite Attorneys
If a dog attacked you in Atlanta, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the physical, emotional, and financial burdens alone. Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC is here to help you hold the negligent party accountable. With 85 years of combined experience and over $600 million recovered, our firm can fight for the compensation you need.
Call our Atlanta dog bite attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. During this meeting, we’ll discuss what happened, review your injuries, and outline the next steps for your case. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.
