A dog attack can cause deep wounds, infections, nerve damage and permanent scarring — and the fear can last long after the wounds heal. Children and older adults are especially vulnerable.
In Georgia, a dog’s owner can be held responsible when the dog was known to be dangerous or aggressive, or was running loose in violation of a local leash law, and the owner failed to keep it under control.
What to do after a dog bite
- 1Get medical careEven a bite that looks minor can become infected. Get treated, and keep every record and bill.
- 2Report the attackReport the bite to local animal control so there is an official record of the dog and its owner.
- 3Document everythingPhotograph your injuries as they heal, and the place where it happened. Write down the owner’s name and the names of any witnesses.
- 4Let a lawyer deal with the insurerHomeowner’s and renter’s insurance often covers dog bites — and adjusters are trained to keep payouts low. Let David Price handle them.
Dog bite injuries can include
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Infections
- Nerve damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Broken bones from being knocked down
- Emotional trauma