With nearly one in five households having at least one dog, the chances of attack are higher than ever. Any dog may bite, no matter their breed, and victims are often left wondering what to do when the aggressor lives next door. The claims process may be complex, but help is available. Contact a local personal injury attorney who can protect your rights and hold the dog’s owner responsible.
Maintaining Neighborly Relationships
If you are bit by a neighbor’s dog, it’s important to hold them accountable—but it’s best to tread lightly. You’ll likely be living next to them for years to come, and that’s why it’s so crucial to approach the situation calmly and carefully. Be considerate but get all the information you can before seeking treatment.
Taking Immediate Action
The steps taken after a dog attack have a substantial effect on a case’s outcome. If the injuries you’ve suffered don’t keep you in the hospital, start by:
- Getting the dog owner’s name and contact information.
- Asking for proof of the animal’s rabies vaccination and confirming it with their veterinarian.
- Cleaning and disinfecting wounds.
- Seeking immediate medical treatment.
- Speaking with an experienced injury attorney.
Once you’ve hired a lawyer, they’ll handle all the details of your civil and insurance claims. Our firm will do everything within our power to hold at-fault parties responsible for their animals’ actions.
What Are Your Neighbor’s Responsibilities?
Under the state’s Responsible Dog Owner Act, Georgia residents can be held responsible for harm caused by their pets, especially if they had prior knowledge of a dog’s aggressive behaviors. If a neighbor’s dog bites you or someone you love, you don’t have to prove negligence to seek compensation. To hold them accountable, all you must do is prove they owned or controlled the animal when the attack happened.
Is It Possible for an Owner to Avoid Liability?
Georgia uses a modified version of the one-bite rule, but that doesn’t mean neighbors are always held accountable for dog bites. There are several ways for nearby dog owners to avoid liability, including:
- Proving that you were trespassing at the time of the attack.
- Showing that you provoked the animal.
While legal action is not required in cases involving minor injuries, it may be possible to file a claim with the neighbor’s homeowner’s insurance company. We’ll negotiate with them on your behalf, protecting your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve.
What Happens When The Insurance Company Refuses to Pay?
Insurance companies, including your neighbor’s, are here to make a profit—and they don’t have your best interests in mind. Some dog bites require extensive surgery and ongoing care, and insurance companies often make lowball settlement offers. That’s why it’s so crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side. We’ll assess the damage, work with the neighbor’s insurance company, and pursue civil remedies if necessary.
Get Legal Advice From a Local Injury Attorney
Minutes matter after a dog bite, especially when serious injuries are involved. Our law firm offers no-obligation initial consultations where we explain your legal options. Whether the bite happened in Atlanta or a suburb, we can help you get justice when a neighbor’s dog attacks. Complete our short online form or call the office to schedule a case review.
