Experiencing a dog bite or dog attack can be terrifying. Sometimes, even if you do everything right, you may still be injured. In situations like this, you may be unsure of how to file a dog bite report or even who to file the report with.
If you have been bitten by a dog and sustained injuries, you may benefit from speaking with an Atlanta dog bite lawyer with John Foy and Associates. Dog bites can have severe and lasting consequences, and negligent owners should be held responsible. We value our client’s experience and will endeavor to ensure you always feel respected and well cared for.
Filing a Dog Bite Report in Georgia
After a bite, filing a dog bite report is an important step. This is important because you have to file a dog bite report to claim compensation in Georgia. Holding the owner accountable and meeting the dog’s needs is also essential.
If you are severely injured, police and emergency medical services are likely to be sent out. The police should make their own report and take the statements of anyone nearby. They will also likely report the incident to animal control.
If you are not injured so severely that you call 911, you should file the report with Animal Control and the police department as soon as possible. You can check online and file a report with your local animal control, but you can also file a companion animal complaint with the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Depending on your county, you may be able to file the report online, or your county may request that you call to make your complaint.
After Your Georgia Dog Bite
If a dog has bitten you, a few priorities should be addressed immediately.
The most urgent priority is ensuring that everyone is physically safe and ensuring your injuries are addressed. Getting the dog owner’s contact information is crucial, and getting the contact information of anyone who witnessed the bite can benefit your case.
Once the immediate danger and incident are over, you may benefit from calling an attorney to discuss your legal options for compensation because you should not have to shoulder the burden of your injuries caused by someone else. In many cases, you may be able to make a claim or file a lawsuit through the other party’s homeowners or renters’ insurance. Still, sometimes, you may have to deal with the other party directly, and your attorney can help you navigate that.
The Benefits of Filing a Georgia Dog Bite Complaint
Filing a dog bite complaint is not just about penalizing the dog’s owner. It is a matter of documentation for yourself to keep options open in case you need to take more formal legal action. A report with animal control can provide resources for the necessary support to ensure the owner is meeting the animal’s needs to keep everyone safe from future injury.
Information on a Dog Bite Report
When you file a dog bite report in Georgia, they will request similar information to what would be on the police report. This does not mean that you don’t need to file a report with both departments if they are separate. Some of the information you can expect to provide is:
- Your name and contact information
- Where the incident happened
- Photos
- Breed of dog that attacked
- Owner’s name, address, and contact information
- Narrative of what happened
- Vaccination status of the dog (if known)
- If any other agencies have been notified (Department of Agriculture)
Each county or city may differ slightly in what they need from you or when they obtain it. The most important information is the owner’s name and residence or contact information so the complaint can be investigated. Once your report is filed, an animal control officer will contact the owner of the dog that was attacked.
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The Consequences of a Georgia Dog Bite
In the report’s aftermath, there are a few possible consequences for the dog’s owner. The owner may receive only a fine if the attack did not cause bleeding. However, if the attack broke the skin, the Georgia Rabies Control Manual states the animal must be quarantined for ten days following the bite for observation and rabies testing.
From a civil law perspective, filing a bite report or requiring medical attention after a bite can affect the owner’s liability. While Georgia doesn’t have the one-bite rule, we do have a modified version. If an animal has a history of aggressive or fearful behavior that is reasonable for the owner to know, they may be found 100% responsible for your injuries.
If this is the first offense, the owner and dog may be investigated, and the dog may be classified as aggressive or vicious. If this is not the first incident with the animal, the owner can be responsible for the costs regardless of negligence status, and the consequences may affect the animal. According to the Responsible Dog Owner Act 4.8.23, a dog who has caused injury more than once may be euthanized.
Call Us Today for Support for Your Dog Bite Report in Georgia
A dog attack is a tragedy for the victim and the dog, and the owner should be held responsible. You may be unsure about filing a report, especially if the owner is a friend, but the documentation is crucial to ensuring that your rights to compensation are protected, as well as the dog and the rest of your community. When someone else is responsible for your injury, the situation can quickly become complicated, and having an experienced dog bite lawyer from John Foy & Associates can fight for you to get what is fair compensation to facilitate your recovery.
If finances are a concern, our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to pay us until you get compensation. You can contact us through our website to set up a free consultation to discuss the details of your case. At the time of the consultation, we will educate you on the legal resources we may be able to provide.
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