Animal and Dog Bites Attorney Georgia

If you have been bitten by a dog or other animal being irresponsibly maintained, you may have a legal claim against the animal’s owner and you should call Decatur, Georgia animal and dog bites attorney, The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch immediately.

Andrew Lynch is an animal and dog bites attorney in Decatur, GA and is experienced in recovering damages for victims who suffered serious injuries because of negligent pet owners. Animal attacks are common, and though they do not always result in severe injuries, very often the victims suffer permanent damage. Fatalities also occur, and the surviving family members are left to wonder how the pet owner could have been so negligent and so careless. Recovering damages in these cases can be difficult, if not impossible, without the legal representation of an experienced animal and dog bites attorney in Decatur, GA. No amount of money can reverse a permanent or fatal injury, but a large settlement can ease the associated financial burden and other costs.

Georgia Law

We think of dogs as man’s best friend, and being injured by one can be confusing and frustrating. The first thing to do after being bitten is always to seek medical attention, a dog bite can cause a horrible infection, and dogs are carriers of many dangerous diseases such as rabies. After you receive the medical bill for these injuries, many questions may come to mind such as who to hold responsible for it and how to seek damages. Fortunately, Georgia law makes this very clear.

According to O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7, the owner of a dog or other type of “vicious or dangerous animal” is responsible for injuries caused by that dog under the following conditions:

  • The owner was aware that the animal has aggressive or vicious tendencies due to a history of being aggressive towards other people chasing people or other animals.
  • The dog was not on a leash while in an area that requires them to be. In many Metro-Atlanta areas, all public spaces that are not specifically designated as dog parks require dogs to be on a leash at all times.
  • The dog was not being confined to private property, or the dog was being otherwise allowed to roam free where they may injure a person.
  • The victim did nothing to provoke the animal, and acted in no way aggressive towards the animal.

If you have been hurt by a dog or another dangerous animal under the above conditions, then you can seek compensation for your injuries from the owner of that animal. Compensation may include medical bills, time off work and pain and suffering. This law puts the responsibility on the owner of a potentially dangerous animal to prevent harm to others. When an owner fails in this responsibility, and allow a dangerous animal to go loose and harm you, they are liable for the damages. One of the best decisions you may make regarding getting the compensation you deserve is to contact Andrew Lynch, a skilled animal and dog bites attorney in Decatur, GA.

Facts About Animal Bite Attacks and Injuries

Animal attacks can occur almost anywhere: a zoo, public sidewalk, neighbor’s yard or home, in a schoolyard. The primary factor that many animal attacks share is that the attack was unprovoked. Sadly, the majority of animal attack victims are children.

Though in some cases children have been known to trespass to locations where an animal is otherwise safely out of their reach and the child is subsequently attacked, this is not that common. Much more common are attacks involving animals that the child is familiar with and has had positive interactions within the past. Statistics show that dogs belonging to neighbors, friends, and one’s own family are much more likely to attack a child who had not provoked them into aggressive behavior. The unfortunate fact is that these attacks are usually very serious, and all too often fatal. Some of the most common injuries that Decatur, GA animal, and dog bites attorney Andrew Lynch has seen are these:

  • Deep lacerations and puncture wounds of the face and hands
  • Amputated fingers and other extremities (including ears and nose)
  • Scarring
  • Eye injuries
  • Fractured or broken bones
  • Emotional trauma requiring extensive psychological counseling
  • Internal bleeding and injuries to internal organs

A Decatur GA Animal and Dog Bites Attorney Who Cares

The trauma a victim endures due to an animal attack is often severe and the resulting post-traumatic stress can last a lifetime. Andrew Lynch understands the importance of victims not be victimized twice by the justice system. To that end, he will work tirelessly to right the wrong of an unjustified an animal attack against an individual. Call Andrew Lynch, a Decatur, Georgia animal and dog bites attorney, today to schedule a free and confidential case review.