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Dog Bite Injuries to Children

Dog bite injuries can be traumatic, especially for children. They can also result in significant injuries and damages to children for which compensation can be sought from the dog owner under certain circumstances. These injuries and damages often include:

  • Physical pain and suffering (past, present and future)
  • Medical expenses
  • Scarring and other disfigurement
  • Mental suffering like shock, anxiety, worry, etc.
  • Wrongful death

Children are injured from dog bites more often than others. Children generally are more susceptible to dog bite injuries than adults, in part because their size makes them more vulnerable to bites in the head/neck region and, secondly, because their youthful personality makes them more likely to approach or attempt to play with dogs without warning. According to the National Center for Biotechnical Information, a division of the National Institutes for Health, approximately 400,000 children receive medical treatment for dog bite injuries every year in the United States.

Dog owners who know their dogs have violent tendencies must exercise extreme caution when keeping them away from children. They must also abide by leash laws to prevent uncontrolled contact between children and dangerous dogs. When dog owners fail to exercise such care, the results can be catastrophic.

Do You Have a Dog Attack Legal Claim?

If you have been bitten by a dog, you may have a legal claim against the dog’s owner. However, whether you have a valid legal claim will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Was the dog owned or controlled by someone else? To have a legal claim, the dog must have been owned or controlled by someone other than yourself.
  • Did the owner act negligently? If the owner failed to take reasonable steps to control the dog or allowed it to run loose or unsupervised, they may be considered negligent.
  • Did the dog have a history of aggressive behavior? If the dog had a history of biting or attacking people, this could be evidence that the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s vicious propensity.
  • Did you provoke the dog? If you provoked the dog in any way, such as by teasing or hitting it, this could affect your legal claim.
  • What are your injuries and damages? To have a legal claim, you must have suffered some form of injury or damage due to the dog bite.

At Burnside Law Firm LLP, our personal injury attorneys can help you determine whether you have a legal claim after a dog bite or attack. With our in-depth knowledge and experience in handling dog bite injury cases in Georgia, we can help you assess your claim and determine the best course of action.

How an Augusta Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help Recover Damages

Dog bite laws are unique to each state. Our personal injury attorneys at Burnside Law Firm have a keen understanding of the laws and legislation that surround dog attacks in Georgia. In doing so, our dog bite lawyers are qualified to help prove dog owner negligence and recover fair compensation. In Georgia, to recover damages for injuries resulting from a dog bite, the plaintiff (injured person) must prove the following:

  • The dog’s owner was negligent in handling or controlling the dog.
  • The dog had a vicious propensity or a history of aggressive behavior, and the owner knew or should have known about it.
  • The plaintiff did not provoke the dog to attack.

If the plaintiff can prove these three elements, they may be entitled to recover damages for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

It’s important to note that Georgia’s dog bite laws are not limited to just dog bites. The law also covers injuries caused by a dog’s jumping, knocking down, or otherwise injuring a person.

What are the Leash Laws in Augusta, GA?

Knowing how to represent victims of dog bite injuries means having a full understanding of the specific leash laws in your Georgia city. In Augusta, Georgia, dogs are required to be on a leash or under the control of their owners at all times when in public areas. The Augusta City Code Section 6-4-5 states that it is unlawful for any owner to allow their dog to run at large on any public street, sidewalk, park or other public property within the city limits.

The leash should be no longer than six feet in length, and the owner should have direct physical control over the dog while on it. Retractable leashes that allow the dog to roam freely beyond the six-foot limit are not allowed in public areas.

Owners should also ensure that their dogs do not become a nuisance or danger to others while in public. This includes preventing the dog from jumping on or attacking other people or animals, barking excessively, or damaging property.

Failure to comply with the leash laws in Augusta can result in fines, penalties and serious injuries to others. At Burnside Law Firm, our dog bite attorneys can determine whether an owner was negligent or failed to abide by the proper leash laws in Augusta, which can ultimately improve the outcome of your legal claim.

Dog Bite Injuries and Fatalities Caused by Pit Bulls

According to numerous studies, the risk of dog bite injuries to children increases dramatically when they come into contact with certain breeds, especially Pit Bulls. In fact, if someone you loved was killed by a dog, the chances are that it was caused by a Pit Bull. According to reports from www.dogsbite.org, Pit Bulls were responsible for over 60% of the dog bite fatalities in the United States from 2005 through 2016. When you add in Rottweillers, the two breeds together account for over 75% of all dog bite fatalities. That equates to over 250 people during that 16-year period alone, and unfortunately many of those were children.

Why Hire an Attorney after a Dog Bite Injury?

It can be difficult to file a claim after a dog bite injury, especially if you are an animal lover. However, to ensure you get the most fair compensation for economic and non-economic damages you incurred from the unexpected dog attack, legal representation is critical.

A personal injury attorney from Burnside Law Firm can help you in a dog attack case in the following ways:

  • Legal Representation: Our personal injury attorneys can provide legal representation and advocacy on your behalf. They can help you navigate the legal process and deal with insurance companies and the dog owner’s legal team.
  • Investigation: Our legal team can investigate the dog attack incident to gather evidence to support your case. This can include interviewing witnesses, obtaining medical records, and reviewing the dog owner’s history of the dog’s behavior.
  • Valuation of Damages: A dog bite lawyer can help you assess the damages you have suffered as a result of the dog attack, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can also help you negotiate a settlement or take your case to court to seek compensation for your losses.
  • Knowledge of Laws: As experienced personal injury attorneys, we will have knowledge of the specific laws related to dog attacks in your state, including Georgia’s dog bite laws, and can use this knowledge to build a strong case on your behalf.
  • Communication: We can handle communication with the other party and their legal team, allowing you to focus on your recovery and well-being after your dog attack injury.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with a Dog Bite Lawyer in Augusta or Athens

Our law firm has handled numerous dog bite cases in Augusta, Athens, Atlanta and the surrounding areas involving children injured by pit bulls. Sometimes, it occurs when the parents let their child go over to someone else’s house to play, and unbeknownst to them, the family has a pit bull that attacks and seriously injures their child. Sadly, this is all too common.

If your child has been injured by a Pit Bull, contact one of the experienced dog bite attorneys at Burnside Law Firm today for a free consultation.

Contact Us

Augusta

2919 Professional Pkwy

Augusta, GA, 30907

Phone: (706) 432-8320

Athens

325 North Milledge Avenue

Athens, GA, 30601

Phone: (706) 227-4264

We have recovered tens of millions in settlements and verdicts

The attorneys at Burnside Law Firm LLP have over 30 years of collective experience handling personal injury claims. Over that time, we have helped hundreds of injured people recover the compensation they deserve and need in order to begin putting their lives back together. This list is just a sample of the recoveries we have obtained for some of our clients here and during our time at our former firm, Burnside Wall LLP. Obviously, success in obtaining significant judgments and settlements for other clients is no guarantee of success in your case. Each case must be evaluated and handled based on the individual merits of that particular case. To discuss the facts of your case and learn more about your legal rights, contact one of the personal injury attorneys at Burnside Law Firm LLP for a free initial consultation.

Commercial Vehicle/Death

$6,000,000

Auto Accident/Death

$5,000,000

Workplace Accident/Leg Injury

$1,800,000

Medical Malpractice/Surgery Complication

$1,000,000

Medical Malpractice/IV Procedure Error

$1,000,000

Premises/Fall

$700,000

No fee unless we win

Meet The Team

Thomas R. Burnside III Personal Injury Attorney

Thomas R Burnside III

Thomas R. Burnside III is a personal injury lawyer who focuses his law practice on the representation of individuals who have suffered injury as a result of automobile collisions, trucking accidents, medical malpractice, work related accidents or other causes. With over 20 years of experience in personal injury law at both the trial and appellate court levels, Attorney Burnside has represented people with brain and head trauma...

Meet Thomas Burnside
Garon Muller Personal Injury Attorney

Garon Muller

Garon Muller is a trial lawyer who focuses his law practice on the representation of individuals who have been seriously injured or damaged through the negligence or recklessness of others, including automobile collisions, workplace injuries, premises injuries, or defective products. Before beginning his practice in the representation of injured individuals, Mr. Muller served the community as an Assistant District Attorney...

Meet Garon Muller
Robert MacGregor

Robert MacGregor

Robert MacGregor is an experienced trial attorney licensed to practice law in Georgia and South Carolina. At the Burnside Law Firm, Robert devotes his practice to protecting the rights of individuals who have been injured because of someone else’s carelessness, negligence, or recklessness and represents those who have been injured in automobile collisions or tractor-trailer accidents; because of a slip and fall; and in other general negligence actions.

Meet Robert MacGregor

Ashton Revollo

Ashton is a trial lawyer in Augusta, GA who focuses his law practice on the representation of individuals who have suffered serious injuries or damages due to the negligent or reckless conduct of others, including automobile wrecks, job-related accidents, unsafe premises, or defective
products. Before beginning his practice, Ashton obtained his J.D., at Emory University School of Law, where he gained valuable courtroom experience as an intern assisting the District Attorney for DeKalb
County. After his time at Emory, Ashton received experience as a trial attorney at a respected personal injury firm in Atlanta before moving to Augusta. Over the course of his career, Ashton has assisted deserving clients in recovering millions of dollars in injury cases throughout Georgia.

Meet Ashton Revollo

Our Client Testimonials

Our Client Reviews

Burnside Law Firm

5.0 / 5.0

Based on 38 reviews

Erin Wren

After my car accident they helped me every step of the way! They were up front and answered any questions I had! They negotiated the insurance and got a higher settlement than was offered! I would definitely use them again!

Debbie Walker

In November 2017, I was in a car accident and I decided to seek out legal assistance. I chose to go with Burnside Law Firm, LLP because of their five star rating. My inital consultation was with attorney, Mr. Garon Muller. I knew immediately that I wanted Mr. Muller to take my case. His professionalism and expertise in personal injury made my decision easy. Mr. Muller maintained his professionalism throughout my case. He kept me updated on a regular basis via telephone or email. He was always available to me when I call. I did not have to wait 24 hours to get a call back from him. I would greatly recommend Mr. Muller and the Burnside Law Firm, LLP.

Rick Estep

Burnside Law Firm is who you want to represent you. Mr. Muller came to our house for a free consultation without hesitation. He guided us and overcame every obstacle we encountered. He secured the maximum insurance limits for us and we couldn't be more happy. If you are injured, DO NOT attempt to recoup compensation without the expertise of a trusted, skilled and able law firm to be your voice. THANK YOU MR. MULLER!!!

Alexander Hughes

Garon Muller with Burnside Law Firm makes client satisfaction his priority. Mr. Muller made sure that I had a lucid understanding during every discussion. He never made a decision without my input and made me feel like we were partners. Garon Muller was very professional and push for the maximum dollar amount from the insurance company. Me and my family considered ourselves blessed to have been represented by Garon Muller with Burnside Law Firm. We highly recommend Garon Muller and Burnside Law Firm! Burnside Law Firm staff are exceptional and exceeded our expectations.

Lynn Eldridge

I have known the Burnside family for many years. Recently Thomas was most helpful in getting my check following an auto collision. I highly recommend their firm.

Damien Williams

I definitely felt comfortable in there hands really good people.

Jacob Clements

Very very good law firm. Went above and beyond to make things right. Highly reccomend.

Barbara Huskinson

Burnside Law did what they said they would do. Garon Muller was great in communicating and looked out for my best interest in getting what was fair in my settlement. I would recommend Burnside to anyone.

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    Augusta

    2919 Professional Pkwy

    Augusta, GA, 30907

    Phone: (706) 432-8320

    Athens

    325 North Milledge Avenue

    Athens, GA, 30601

    Phone: (706) 227-4264