Athens Dog Bite Lawyer: Protecting Victims of Dog Attacks in Georgia
Experienced Athens, Georgia Dog Bite Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in Athens, Georgia, we understand the trauma and challenges you’re facing. Dog bite incidents can result in severe physical injuries, emotional distress, and significant medical bills. At Simon Injury Lawyers, our compassionate and experienced team is here to help. We are dedicated to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you need to recover.
Understanding Georgia Dog Bite Law: What You Need to Know
There are two primary ways a dog owner can be held legally liable in Georgia:
- Violation of Leash Laws or Restraint: The dog was off-leash, unconfined, or outside a fenced area in violation of a local leash law or ordinance when the attack occurred. Most cities and counties in Georgia, including Athens-Clarke County, require owners to keep their dogs leashed or securely fenced at all times.
- Prior Dangerous Propensity (The “Vicious Propensity” Rule): You have compelling evidence that the dog had a history of attacking humans or behaving in a very aggressive manner towards humans before your incident. This “vicious propensity” rule is often central to dog bite claims in Georgia.
Gathering evidence of prior behavior can be challenging, but our lawyers are skilled investigators. We have experience working with postal workers, delivery drivers (FedEx, UPS), and neighbors who often have valuable information about aggressive dogs on their routes or in their communities.
Securing Compensation: The Importance of Insurance in Dog Bite Cases
A crucial aspect of any dog bite case is identifying a source of insurance to cover your damages. Many dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy, renter’s insurance, or sometimes even a commercial liability policy if the incident occurred on business property.
Don’t assume the owner is uninsured! We’ve seen cases where clients were told an owner had no insurance, only to discover a valid policy after thorough investigation. Because such misunderstandings are common and can significantly impact your recovery, you need an attorney who is able and willing to meticulously investigate all facts, ensuring no crucial details are overlooked that could cost you dearly.
Recent Appellate and Case Law Decisions on Georgia Dog Attacks
Navigating Georgia’s dog bite laws requires a deep understanding of current case law. A key question in animal injury cases is whether the owner had knowledge of the animal’s inclination to engage in the specific conduct that led to the injury. Courts rarely find an owner negligent if there was no reason to believe the animal would act dangerously. Consequently, plaintiffs must often provide evidence of the owner’s knowledge, which can be a tricky undertaking as owners may not readily admit such awareness.
Insights from Green v. Wilson: Broadening the Scope of “Knowledge”
As demonstrated in a recent opinion from the Georgia Court of Appeals, Green v. Wilson, it remains possible to surmount this hurdle. In this case, the plaintiff, a house cleaner, was injured while escaping a border collie that leaped over an enclosure and charged her. The defendants typically locked the dog away for cleaners, and the dog would lunge, bark, and growl when being relocated. While the plaintiff hadn’t seen direct aggression towards herself, other cleaners testified about being scared of the dog.
The trial court initially granted summary judgment to the defense, arguing no evidence showed the dog had a propensity for the particular act that caused the injury (chasing). However, the Georgia Court of Appeals reversed this. Citing Wade v. American Nat. Ins. Co., the majority found that prior behavior like lunging and growling was not “meaningfully different” from the dog escaping and chasing. This suggests that “knowledge of propensity” doesn’t require an incident involving the exact same conduct and injury to occur before the owner’s knowledge may be inferred (Torrance v. Brennan).
While a dissenting judge argued for a stricter interpretation—that lunging isn’t enough to imply a propensity for chasing—the majority’s view prevailed. This means that judges often leave the question of “reasonableness” and sufficiency of knowledge to a jury. For victims, this is fortunate, as it allows for a “day in court” to present evidence of an owner’s awareness of their dog’s general aggressive tendencies.
As Green aptly demonstrates, a litigant must be prepared to overcome the many procedural obstacles that come before any trial. The aid of experienced counsel goes a long way in helping to successfully advance your case through these stages.
Common Injuries Suffered in Dog Attacks
Dog bites can lead to a variety of severe injuries, including:
- Lacerations and Puncture Wounds (often deep and prone to infection)
- Scarring and Disfigurement (especially on the face, hands, and arms)
- Nerve Damage
- Infections (e.g., rabies, tetanus, Capnocytophaga)
- Fractured Bones (especially in children or when falling to escape)
- Muscle and Tissue Damage
- Emotional Trauma, PTSD, and Anxiety (particularly in children)
Our team works closely with medical professionals to ensure all your injuries are documented and factored into your claim for maximum compensation.
Why Choose Our Athens, Georgia Dog Bite Lawyers?
Navigating the aftermath of a dog attack and understanding Georgia’s complex dog bite laws requires skilled legal representation. At Simon Bridgers Spires, our attorneys combine decades of courtroom experience with compassionate client service to deliver results for injured families in Athens and across Georgia.
- Deep Understanding of Georgia Dog Bite Law: We specialize in the nuances of foreseeability, local ordinances, and “vicious propensity” rules that often determine liability in Georgia dog bite cases.
- Proven Legal Experience: With over 60 years of combined attorney experience and more than 50,000 hours spent in litigation, our team has successfully guided hundreds of injury victims through complex cases.
- Award-Winning Attorneys: Lead Attorney Christopher Simon has been named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and selected to Georgia Trend Magazine’s Legal Elite, earning recognition for his skill and dedication.
- Highly Rated by Clients: With over 150 five-star Google reviews, our firm has built a reputation for excellence, responsiveness, and compassionate advocacy.
- Thorough Investigation Skills: We leave no stone unturned in gathering evidence—from animal control reports and veterinary records to witness testimony from postal workers, delivery drivers, and neighbors.
- Inside Knowledge of Insurance Companies: Before representing injury victims, Chris Simon spent nearly a decade defending major insurers such as Liberty Mutual and USAA. We now use that insider perspective to anticipate insurer tactics and fight for maximum compensation.
- Proven Track Record of Results: Our firm has secured over $100 million in verdicts and settlements for injury victims, including cases involving dog bites and attacks.
- Compassionate Client Support: We understand the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by a dog attack. Our team provides personalized guidance, keeping you informed and supported throughout the legal process.
- Local Courtroom Knowledge: We are deeply familiar with Athens-area judges, procedures, and local ordinances—an advantage that helps us position your case for success.
- You Pay Nothing Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t owe us anything unless we secure compensation for you.
Meet Lead Attorney Christopher Simon
With more than 25 years of legal practice, Christopher Simon focuses on serious injury cases in Athens and across Georgia. His career began with nearly a decade defending major corporations and insurance carriers, experience that now gives him a unique advantage in advocating for injured children and their families.
Known for his strategic litigation skills and compassionate representation, Christopher has successfully guided hundreds of families through complex legal battles. His professional highlights include:
- 50,000+ hours of courtroom and litigation experience in personal injury and wrongful death law.
- Extensive background as former defense counsel for insurers including Liberty Mutual and USAA.
- Recognition among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association.
- Honored by Georgia Trend Magazine’s “Legal Elite” and consistently selected to Super Lawyers.
- Juris Doctor degree earned at Mercer University School of Law.
- Dedicated Georgia Bar Association member, admitted to practice in both state and federal courts.
Read Full Bio & Credentials
Contact Our Athens Dog Bite Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation!
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Athens, Georgia, don’t face the complex legal process alone. The team at Christopher Simon Attorney at Law is ready to help you pursue justice and secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
We offer free, no-obligation case consultations to discuss your incident and explain your legal options. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery.
Call now or fill out our online form below to get started.