We represent clients who have been injured due to an attack or bite by a dog or other animal. Depending on your location in the Atlanta area, your city may have leash laws that require dogs to be leashed. Our dog bite lawyers have extensive experience in these types of claims. Georgia is one of a handful of states with complicated dog bite laws that often favor the dog owner over the victim. Because of this it is imperative that if you are injured due to an attack or dog bite you receive experienced representation. We urge all Atlanta dog bite victims to seek legal help at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. after a dog bite.
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Recommendations after a Dog Bite
- Identify the dog – The most important first step you can take after a dog bite is to identify the dog. Find out who owns the dog or where the animal lives. If the dog is a stray and you cannot identify it, you may be forced to undergo a series of rabies shots, which are expensive and painful.
- Seek medical care – Depending upon the severity of the bite, contact first responders (9-1-1) for medical attention or have someone drive you to emergency care. Always seek medical care after a dog bite. The risk of infection from a dog bite is far too great to ignore.
- File a bite report – After you’ve been medically treated — even if the injury was minor — file a bite report with your city or county animal control or Sheriff’s department. This legally documents your case and provides help to the next victim who may be harmed by the same dog. Without a paper trail, authorities cannot enforce effectively.
- Gather information – To protect your future rights as a victim, obtain the name and address of the dog owner, in addition to the dog license information. Find out if the dog has a record as well. Has the dog bitten a person or dog prior to biting you? Has the dog been labeled “potentially dangerous” or “dangerous?”
- Photograph injuries – Take photos of your injury, even if you need to unwrap gauze. Confer with a doctor or nurse as needed. They will tell you a safe manner in which to do so. It is recommended that you photograph all of your wounds, including bruises, as well as torn, bloody clothing and the location of the attack.
- Contact an attorney – Contact an Atlanta dog bite lawyer now — not later. The issues surrounding dog bites are complex and difficult to navigate through. Your dog bite lawyer (or personal injury lawyer) is the only person besides the doctor that treats your wounds who will look after your best interest from this point forward. Contact us today at 770-282-8357 for a free legal consultation with our personal injury law firm.