According to our dog bite attorneys in Atlanta, on Christmas Eve a 7-year-old boy in Gwinnett County was viciously attacked by two pit bulls, reports Fox 5.
Allegedly the boy was attacked while playing in his grandmother’s yard, was dragged by the two dogs over a fence onto a neighbor’s property, and sustained extensive injuries all over his body.
The boy’s mother heard his screams and was able to save her son from the dogs, but not before the pit bulls had torn one of his ears completely off and left the other ear dangling from his head.
The child was rushed to a nearby children’s hospital where he received 300 stitches and doctors reattached one of his ears.
Luckily the injured boy will survive, but it looks like he will need many major reconstructive surgeries that will undoubtedly be very expensive.
Who will pay his mounting medical bills?
Who is liable when a dog attacks someone in Georgia?
This article provides a brief overview of Georgia’s main dog bite law, but if you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog, be sure to consult with our dog bite lawyers about your legal rights.
Dog Bite Liability in Georgia
Dog bite laws differ quite a bit from state to state.
Under statute O.C.G.A 51-2-7 Georgia’s dog bite law states that any person who owns or keeps a vicious or dangerous animal is liable for any injuries that his or her animal causes if the animal is carelessly managed or allowed to go at liberty.
In other words, a dog owner can only be held liable in Georgia for the injuries that his or her pet causes if the victim can show that:
- The dog was vicious or dangerous, the owner knew of the dog’s dangerous propensity, and the owner either carelessly managed the dog or allowed it to go at liberty, or
- The owner was violating a local leash law at the time of the attack and that the dog was either carelessly managed or allowed to go at liberty.
Compared with other states, Georgia’s dog bite statute is considerably more favorable to dog owners, as victims in Georgia are required to prove their case on the multiple grounds outlined above.
Additionally, dog bite victims in Georgia are ineligible to receive compensation if they are found to have provoked the dog that attacked them in some way.
Need Legal Advice?
If you have been bitten by a dog, be sure to consult with a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta as soon as possible.
Dog bite victims in Georgia can file a personal injury claim seeking several different types of damages including compensation for scars, emotional distress, current, and future medical expenses, and any other factors related to the attack.
Bryce Angell is an experienced dog bite lawyer who is committed to zealously protecting his clients’ rights and ensuring that they receive the compensation to which they are legally entitled.
To discuss your case with Mr. Angell schedule a free consultation by contacting our Atlanta office today at (770) 217-4954.
Bryce is considered a highly esteemed trial lawyer and a passionate client advocate amongst his peers in the Atlanta legal community. Never afraid to go the extra mile for his clients, Bryce Angell works tirelessly to ensure that each client’s personal injury case gets the attention that it deserves.