In order to successfully bring a claim against a dog owner after you or your loved one was attacked, you and your attorney will have to be able to demonstrate that the owner was in violation of a dog bite law or should have known the dog had a propensity to bite.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with not only state laws regarding dog bite liability, but also local laws. This is a reason to hire a local attorney to handle your case; an attorney in Peachtree City will be very knowledgeable of Fayette County ordinances.
Ordinances & Liability Claims
According to Ga. Code Ann. sec. 51-2-7, the dog owner can be liable for a victim’s injuries if:
- the dog was considered dangerous and was not leashed or improperly managed; or
- the county ordinance required the dog to be leashed, regardless of its propensity to attack.
So, since proving that the owner was in violation of local dog bite laws can be important to bring a successful dog bite claim, let’s take a look at the ordinances in Fayette County:
- At large – Fayette County Ordinance Sec. 4-29 explicitly prohibits dogs from running around the streets or on another person’s property unattended.
- On property – Sec. 4-30 requires every dog owner to keep the animal under control at all times while on the owner’s property. “Under control” is defined as “confined by way of fence or other enclosure, restrained by substantial chain or leash, restrained in some other physical manner by a competent person, or is under the control of a competent person who is present with the animal, via voice command, so that the animal does not wander off the real property of the owner.”
- Off property – Likewise, Sec. 4-31 requires owners to keep their animal under control at all times while off the property.
If you or a loved one recently suffered a dog bite attack, speak to a lawyer to discuss your case, your legal options, liability issues, and your time limits for filing a dog bite claim.
Consulting a Lawyer in Peachtree City
To discuss your case with a dog bite attorney that serves Peachtree City and the surrounding areas, contact the Law Office of Jason R. Schultz to schedule a free initial consultation: 404-474-0804.