Articles Tagged with dog attack

In November of 2024, a Georgia woman narrowly escaped death after being attacked by a dog. While this particular victim survived, many do not. If her husband had not been with her, she probably would have become yet another worrying statistic in Georgia. These attacks not only illustrate the rising threat from aggressive dogs but also the vulnerability of many women in our communities. Even if victims survive dog attacks, the disfiguring scars and lasting health consequences can be life-changing. What does this recent dog attack in Georgia teach us? 

Woman Survives With Notable Disfigurements After Dog Attack

In November of 2024, an Albany woman was feeding her cats in her own backyard when the neighbor’s pit bull suddenly appeared and attacked her. Her husband was inside the residence at the time, and he quickly emerged to protect his wife from what might have been a deadly attack. In the seconds that it took for him to reach the yard, his wife’s face was viciously mauled

While many dog bite lawsuits involve privately owned pets, others involve police “K9 units.” Dogs are used throughout many law enforcement agencies in Georgia, and these animals are trained to perform various roles. But even the most well-trained animal is still an animal, and they are capable of causing serious, disfiguring injuries. A recent incident resulted in a Georgia man dying from a K9 attack, and the family is asking serious questions. 

Theft Suspect Killed by Georgia Police K9

Recently, the Hamilton Spectator reported that a man from Georgia had died after being attacked by a police dog. The incident occurred in Moultrie, and police say that it began with reports of burglaries. They arrived to find a suspect and attempted to pull him over while he was riding his four-wheeler. 

After a dog bite, you may face significant financial losses. First and foremost, you may incur tremendous medical bills as you seek to address your various injuries. You may also lose income after being forced to miss work due to your injuries. These two losses feed into each other, and it becomes increasingly difficult to pay your medical bills with no income to speak of. Finally, you might incur various “non-economic” damages – including PTSD, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and other psychological concerns. Who pays for these damages after a dog bite in Georgia?

Dog Owners Often Pay for Damages After a Dog Attack

The obvious party who becomes liable for dog bite injuries is the owner. In Georgia, you can hold these dog owners liable for your injuries – even if they took reasonable steps to prevent harm from occurring. The real question is whether they have enough assets to cover your damages. 

Rabies is a valid concern after a dog bite in Georgia. In the immediate aftermath of your animal attack, you might also become worried about all kinds of other infectious diseases. While rabies is generally quite rare, the statistics are somewhat misleading – and it is always best to approach your healthcare in a cautious manner. What should you do after a dog bite in Georgia? Do you need a rabies shot?

Health Department Confirms New Rabies Infection in Georgia

In August 2024, health officials confirmed that they had seen a new case of rabies in Georgia. However, the patient was not a human—it was a fox. The Health Department says that the dog’s whereabouts and condition are unknown, but they managed to capture and test the fox. While one would hope that the fox was cured, it may have been euthanized for safety purposes.

Disfigurement is a common issue among survivors of dog bites in Marietta. A dog’s jaws and teeth can mutilate tissue, causing both psychological and physical problems for the foreseeable future. If you are struggling with disfigurement after a dog bite in Marietta, you may desperately need compensation to cover various damages. Reconstructive surgery and similar procedures can be highly expensive, and you may lose income while you recover. How do you pursue financial support after a dog bite in Marietta?

You Have the Right to Sue the Owner After a Dog Attack in Georgia

You may have the right to sue a dog owner after a disfiguring attack in Georgia. The Peach State allows victims of dog attacks to hold owners liable for their injuries – and these injuries may include disfigurements.

Stray dogs are becoming a serious threat in Georgia. In May of 2024, numerous sources reported that a “pack of stray dogs” had mauled a mother to death. The incident also left the woman’s children injured, and it sparked a renewed discussion about dog attacks in Georgia. However, later reports suggested that the dogs were not actually “strays” but rather unsupervised and uncontrolled pets of a nearby neighbor. What can you do if you were attacked by stray dogs in Georgia

The Definition of a “Stray Dog”

The definition of a “stray dog” is somewhat elusive. In most contexts, the phrase refers to a dog without an owner. In other words, these are “wild” or “street” dogs. However, people may use this term loosely – and it may refer to a dog that is simply venturing off its property. After the tragic May incident in Georgia, many media sources referred to the animals as a “pack of stray dogs.” However, there is some indication that the dogs were not true strays. An individual close to the family seemed to suggest that the attack was carried out by “the neighbor’s dogs.” If this is true, the animals might have simply wandered or “strayed” off the property. However, another local stated that the animals had been “dumped” on the street. 

Georgia has unique regulations that vary across the state. Depending on which city and county you are in, the regulations about dog breeds may be different. 

If you have been involved in a dog bite incident, the physical and emotional trauma can be significant. You do not have to struggle alone. As an experienced Marietta personal injury lawyer, we understand how challenging it can be when an animal or dog attacks you. 

One-Year-Old Child Killed By Family Dog in Georgia

If you are a dog owner or interact with dogs, you may be wondering what you can do to prevent a dog bite from occurring. If you have been involved in a dog bite incident, it may be helpful to discuss your legal options with a Marietta Personal Injury lawyer.

Keep Dogs on a Leash in Cobb County

Under Cobb County Ordinance § 10-11, pet owners are responsible for keeping animals on a leash while on public property. Animal owners also are required to restrain or control animals preventing them from attacking other animals or people. 

The number of animal attacks has increased significantly over the years. Today, dogs bite millions of Americans every year. A significant number of these attacks cause serious injuries. Some of these serious injuries are outlined below. Much like the number of attacks, the medical bills associated with these bites have increased, as well. That is partly due to high medical bill inflation and mostly due to a better understanding of dog bite injuries.

These victims can work with a Marietta personal injury attorney and obtain the compensation they need and deserve in these situations. Dog bite victims have several options in Georgia, and each option has some pros and cons. However, a number of insurance company defenses are available as well. Common ones include provocation, which is a form of comparative fault, and assumption of the risk, which usually involves a “Beware of Dog” warning sign. So, only the most aggressive and experienced lawyers should handle these cases.

Direct Physical Injuries

In 2020, mostly due to coronavirus restrictions, the number of dog bite claims fell slightly. However, the average settlement per claim hit an all-time high. Medical bill inflation, which has increased significantly since 2008, is partly responsible for this increase. Furthermore, doctors better understand the nature of dog bite physical and emotional injuries. More on that below.

Animal attack laws vary significantly in different jurisdictions. Georgia’s dog bite law is especially complex. Essentially, lawmakers have tried to balance the interests of pet owners, who usually want limited liability laws, and victims, who need protective laws. Typically, if you stay in the middle of the road, you get run over.

So, only a highly-experienced Marietta personal injury attorney should handle these claims. A less-experienced attorney might not be able to obtain maximum compensation for your serious injuries. This compensation usually includes money for economic losses, such as medical bills, and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering.

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