What Evidence Can Be Used in a Georgia Dog Bite Case?

Proper evidence in Georgia dog bite cases includes medical records showing the extent of a person’s injuries. Witness statements can confirm how the attack occurred and whether the dog has a history of aggression. Photos of the wounds, torn clothing, and the location of the attack can also be helpful.

Animal control or police reports can show if the dog has a history of dangerous behavior. Proof that the owner violated local leash or restraint laws can also strengthen your case. If surveillance footage is available, you could use it to show how the attack occurred or prove the owner did not have the dog under control at the time.

How Do You Get a Copy of the Police Report of the Dog Bite Incident?

You can get a copy of the police report after a dog bite in Georgia by contacting the police department that responded to the incident. You can either contact the department’s records division by phone or visit in person. Some departments also allow you to submit online requests.

You will need basic details, such as the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as the names of those involved. You may need to pay a fee for copies. Processing times vary, so it’s best to request the report as soon as possible. If you face delays or don’t hear back after your request, follow up with the department to check the status of your report.

Can You Get a Copy of the Animal Control Report?

Yes, you can request a copy of the animal control report for a dog bite incident in Georgia by contacting the local animal control agency that responded to the incident. When speaking with the agency, please provide details such as the date, location, and description of the event. Some agencies have online request forms, while others require phone calls or in-person visits for records requests.

Be prepared to pay a fee for the report. Processing times can differ by agency, so request the report promptly. If the report is not available immediately, ask when it will be ready and follow up as needed.

Can the Medical Records from the Dog Bite Help with My Case?

Yes, medical records can support your dog bite case in Georgia. These records show the extent of your injuries and link them directly to the dog attack.

Relevant medical documentation can include emergency room notes, doctor’s evaluations, and treatment plans. Records of surgeries, medications, and follow-up care can also strengthen your claim. If you missed work due to your injuries, medical documentation will help you prove the wages you lost. Photos of your injuries taken during and after treatment can also provide valuable evidence.

Make sure to keep copies of all medical bills and reports. These documents can help you demonstrate the physical and financial impact of the attack and support your claim.

What Is Georgia’s One-Bite Rule?

Many states follow a “one-bite rule” for dog bite cases. Under this rule, dog owners are liable for dog bites only if they knew or should have known that their dogs were dangerous due to previous bites or aggression. Usually, the first time a dog bites someone in a one-bite rule state, the owner isn’t liable if they had no reason to believe their dog would act aggressively. However, if a dog has bitten someone, its owner must take extra precautions to prevent future attacks and can face liability if they fail to do so.

Georgia uses a modified version of the one-bite rule (Ga. Code § 51-2-7). Here, a dog owner can be held responsible even if their dog has never bitten anyone before. Georgia law labels dogs as “vicious” or “dangerous” based on their past behavior; or if their owners have violated local leash or restraint laws. For example, if a dog has previously attempted to bite or attack someone, the owner is expected to be aware that the dog poses a risk. But if a local ordinance requires dogs to be leashed and the owner lets their dog roam freely, that alone can serve as proof of the dog’s “vicious propensity.”

To win a Georgia dog bite claim, you must show the dog’s owner knew the dog was dangerous or vicious and failed to take precautions; or that the dog was in violation of a local leash ordinance when it attacked you. You must also prove that your injury was a direct consequence of the owner’s careless management.

What Steps Should You Take If a Dog Bites You in Georgia?

If a dog bites you in Georgia, seek immediate medical care to treat the injury and reduce the risk of infection. Report the incident to your local animal control agency or law enforcement agency as soon as possible. Gather information from the dog’s owner, including contact details and vaccination records, if possible. Take photos of your injuries, the scene of the attack, and the dog, if it is safe to do so. If anyone witnessed the incident, request their contact information. Ask for copies of any police or animal control reports. Document your injuries, treatment, and recovery progress in a personal journal. Finally, consult a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Could the Person Bitten Be Held Responsible for Their Injuries?

In some cases, you could be held responsible for your injuries from a dog bite in Georgia. If you were provoking the dog by teasing or threatening it, the owner might not be liable. You could also share responsibility if you were trespassing on private property or ignoring warnings when the bite occurred.

Georgia law also does not hold dog owners accountable if the bite occurred while the victim was committing a crime or abusing the dog. The circumstances of the attack matter. So, it’s essential to gather evidence that you were not provoking the dog or breaking the law when the bite happened.

Contact a Georgia Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite in Georgia, contact R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, today. Our firm has recovered over $150 million for clients who have suffered serious injuries, including those hurt by dog bites. We know how to build strong cases and pursue the compensation you deserve. We offer an initial free consultation to discuss your situation, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. Contact us today to get started.