Dog Bites While Walking or Jogging: What to Do if You’re Attacked in Public

October 7, 2024

Getting bitten by a dog can be a terrifying experience, especially if the attack happens unexpectedly while you’re out walking or jogging. Dog bites can cause serious injuries and emotional distress. Knowing how to protect yourself and what steps to take if you are attacked by a dog in public can help minimize harm.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

The best defense is being aware of your surroundings at all times when out in public. Watch for loose dogs that may be roaming, take note of houses with unfenced yards where dogs could potentially run out, and cross the street to avoid approaching loose dogs. Don’t wear headphones while walking or jogging, as they block out sounds around you.

Why Are Expert Witnesses So Important?

Expert witness testimony serves several critical purposes in wrongful death litigation:

Proving Causation

The plaintiff must show that the defendant’s negligent or wrongful actions directly caused the death of their loved one. Medical experts can analyze injuries and the cause of death to draw conclusions about what led to the fatality. Accident reconstructionists can use physical evidence to explain how the defendant’s reckless driving, defective product, or other misconduct resulted in the death. This causation evidence is vital.

Carry Protection

Carrying protection while walking or jogging gives you a way to fend off a dog if attacked. Pepper spray designed for use on dogs can stop an attack in progress. Sturdy walking sticks can be used to keep space between you and an approaching dog. If it is legal in your area, you may want to consider carrying a stun gun designed for personal protection.

Stay Calm and Don’t Run

If you are approached or chased by an aggressive dog, running away can actually trigger the dog’s prey drive and encourage an attack. Stand still with your arms at your sides. Avoid direct eye contact with the dog, as this can be perceived as threatening. Speak calmly and firmly to the dog, saying “no” or “go home”. Back away slowly once the dog loses interest. Yelling or sudden movements can provoke an attack.

Protect Yourself if Attacked

If a dog does attack, quickly cover your neck and face with your arms and hands. Curl up in a ball on the ground and use your knees and elbows to shield vulnerable areas. Keep your backpack or any objects you are holding between yourself and the dog. Do not try to pull away, as this can provoke shaking and further injury. Remain as still and quiet as possible until the attack ends.

Get Seen by a Medical Professional

Dog bite wounds can become infected easily. Seek medical attention after any dog bite, even if it was just a nip and didn’t break the skin. Make sure to clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Contact your doctor to determine if you’ll need antibiotics or rabies post-exposure shots. Puncture wounds and any injuries to the face, head, neck, hands or genitals warrant urgent medical care.

Report the Incident

Report a public dog attack to 911 immediately. Provide a description of the dog and the owner if known. This report creates a record of the attack and animal control can locate the dog to check for rabies. You’ll also want documentation for any potential legal action.

If the owner is present, get their contact details and ask if the dog’s rabies vaccine is up to date. Take pictures of the dog if possible, to aid in identifying it. Get contact info for any witnesses to the attack.

Consider Taking Legal Action

The dog owner can be held liable if their dog bites someone, especially if the dog has displayed aggressive behavior before. Consult with a personal injury attorney to explore your options. In Georgia and South Carolina, you typically have two years to file a dog bite lawsuit after the incident.

Compensation can include medical bills, lost wages from missed work, pain and suffering damages, and costs like counseling if the attack caused emotional trauma. If the bite left scarring or disfigurement, you can also seek compensation for this.

An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company, request evidence like veterinary records, and take the case to court if needed to help maximize your settlement amount. Many personal injury firms offer free consultations, so you can discuss your situation and options at no cost.

Prevent Future Attacks

Consider carrying pepper spray or avoiding the area where you were attacked to stay safe on future walks and runs. Alert others about an aggressive dog roaming the area.

Home and business owners can be held responsible if their dog gets loose and bites. Write down the address where the attack happened and file a report with animal control. Providing documentation could motivate the owner to take precautionary measures, like reinforcing fencing, muzzle-training their dog, and keeping it leashed or confined when outside.

Getting bitten by an unfamiliar dog in public can be a scary and potentially dangerous situation. Staying alert, protecting yourself if attacked, seeking prompt medical attention, and reporting the incident can help mitigate harm. Speaking with a personal injury attorney can advise you on steps to take and compensation you may be entitled to if injured.

Know the Laws in Your State

Laws pertaining to dog bites and owner liability vary somewhat from state to state. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand the specific laws and legal options in Georgia and South Carolina.

Some key things to note:

Both states adhere to the “one bite rule” – owners are only liable if they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous. But prior aggression like growling or chasing can meet this standard.
In Georgia, victims have two years to file a dog bite lawsuit. Comparative negligence may reduce compensation if the victim was partially at fault.
South Carolina is a “strict liability” state for dog bites. Owners are liable regardless of whether they knew their dog was dangerous. Lawsuits must be filed within three years.

Seek Support to Cope with Trauma

Being attacked by a dog can lead to lasting psychological effects like anxiety, stress, and fear of dogs. Talk to your doctor about getting a referral to work with a therapist who specializes in treating trauma and PTSD. They can help you process the attack and overcome anxiety about going out in public.

Consider joining a support group to connect with other dog bite victims. Shared experiences and advice from those who’ve been through it can aid the healing process. A dog bite survivor support group may meet in your local area or online.

Don’t let trauma hold you back from activities like walking and exercising outdoors. Over time and with professional help, most dog bite victims can move past fear and enjoy normal routines again.

At The Brown Firm, our dog bite attorneys offer free case evaluations. If you were attacked by a dog while out walking or jogging in Georgia or South Carolina, contact us today to discuss your legal options. Our experienced team is here to help victims recover damages and hold negligent dog owners accountable after a bite injury.

Visit one of our offices at:

7176 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31405
320 East Clayton Street, Athens, GA 30601
197 14th St. NW, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30318
110 Traders Cross #226, Okatie, SC 29909

Or call now for a free consultation on (800) 529-1441.

Ready to Talk to a Lawyer Who Has Your Back?

Contact The Brown Firm

Get the Answers and Compensation You Deserve

You’ll notice the difference when you contact The Brown Firm! Our local dedicated attorneys want to help you recover and rebuild.

Schedule your free consultation by calling (800) 529-1441 or completing our simple online form.

Postal Worker Dog Attacks: Protecting the Rights of Delivery Personnel

June 16, 2024

Being a postal worker or delivery driver can be a dangerous job. One of the biggest hazards is dog bites and attacks. Studies show that postal workers and delivery drivers suffer thousands of dog bites each year while simply doing their jobs. As an employer or employee, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to preventing and dealing with dog attacks.

The Dangers of Dog Bites for Delivery Personnel

Dog bites and attacks pose serious risks for postal workers and delivery drivers. According to the U.S. Postal Service, around 5,800 postal employees are attacked by dogs each year. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that around 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually.

For postal workers and delivery drivers, a dog bite can cause injuries ranging from minor to severe. Bites often lead to wounds, lacerations, scarring, infections, nerve damage, and even dismemberment or death in extreme cases. Attacks may also cause emotional trauma like anxiety, stress, and fear. Beyond the physical and mental impact, dog bites result in many lost workdays and costs for medical treatment and worker’s compensation.

Negligent Dog Owners vs. Responsible Pet Owners

The vast majority of dog owners properly train, restrain, and supervise their pets. However, irresponsible owners allow their dogs to run loose, fail to secure gates or doors, or do not take proper precautions when delivery drivers arrive. Negligent dog owners who fail to control dangerous dogs should be held fully accountable.

On the other hand, responsible pet owners take measures to keep guests safe. They leash or kennel dogs when expecting deliveries. They also post clear signs or warnings about dogs on their property. Responsible owners should not be blamed if a delivery driver enters a fenced yard and is unexpectedly bitten. Distinguishing between negligent and responsible owners is a key issue in dog bite claims involving postal workers and delivery drivers.

Legal Rights of Postal Workers and Delivery Drivers

Postal workers and delivery drivers have specific legal rights and protections when it comes to dog bites and attacks. Key laws include:

State Dog Bite Statutes – Most states have laws imposing strict liability on dog owners whose pets bite or injure others. This means victims don’t have to prove the owner was negligent.
Worker’s Compensation – Provides medical and wage benefits to delivery personnel injured on the job, including dog bites.
Personal Injury Lawsuits – Injured postal and delivery workers can pursue legal action against negligent dog owners to recover damages for medical bills, lost income, disability, pain and suffering, and emotional distress resulting from a bite or attack.

Preventing Dog Attacks Against Delivery Workers

There are various ways employers and delivery personnel can work to prevent dog bite incidents, including:

Training – Educate workers on dog bite risks and safety tips like avoiding yards with loose dogs, not reaching over fences, using dog repellent spray if needed, and reporting concerns to managers.
Warning Signs – Delivery drivers should heed signs about dogs on properties and refrain from entering secured yards.
Reporting – Workers should promptly report aggressive dogs and negligent owners to supervisors.
No Access Lists – Employers can compile addresses of properties with dangerous dogs to avoid for deliveries.
Leashing Laws – Local ordinances requiring dogs to be leashed or fenced can help prevent bites.
Legal Action – For habitual offenders, fines, animal control interventions, or civil suits may help curtail loose dogs and irresponsible owners.

Justice and Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Postal workers and delivery drivers injured by dog attacks deserve justice. Responsible dog owners also deserve protection from unwarranted blame. Key steps for bite victims include:

Report the bite to your employer and seek immediate medical care.
Identify the dog owner through public records if needed.
Document the incident and your injuries thoroughly including medical reports, bills, photos, veterinary records, etc.
Consult a qualified dog bite attorney to assist with investigating liability and pursuing damages in a personal injury claim, especially for severe or fatal bites.

Don’t suffer silently if you’ve been attacked by a dog at work. Take action to hold negligent owners accountable while also protecting responsible pet owners. With an experienced attorney, you can recover damages and bring about changes locally to prevent future dog bites.

If you’ve been bitten by an out of control dog, contact us today to see how we can help. We have helped thousands of people obtain compensation due to dog bite injuries. Visit one of our offices at:

7176 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31405
320 East Clayton Street, Athens, GA 30601
197 14th St. NW, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30318
110 Traders Cross #226, Okatie, SC 29909

Or call now for a free consultation on (800) 529-1441.

Ready to Talk to a Lawyer Who Has Your Back?

Contact The Brown Firm

Get the Answers and Compensation You Deserve

You’ll notice the difference when you contact The Brown Firm! Our local dedicated attorneys want to help you recover and rebuild.

Schedule your free consultation by calling (800) 529-1441 or completing our simple online form.

Dog Bite Prevention: Educating Owners and the Public

January 24, 2024

Home » Dog bites

Dog bites are a serious public health issue, with over 4.5 million dog bites occurring in the United States every year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Children are the most common victims, but adults can suffer severe injuries as well. While most dog bites are from family pets, even well-trained dogs have the potential to bite. Education for both dog owners and the general public is key to reducing bites and their impact. Communities should prioritize accessible education around prevention.

Understanding Dog Behavior

To prevent dog bites, owners must understand normal dog behavior versus aggressive behavior. Dogs naturally use their mouths to communicate, but mouthing typically does not break the skin. Signs of aggression like baring teeth, tense muscles, growling, stalking, or attacking indicate a dog is feeling threatened and may escalate to biting if pushed. Staying calm, creating space, and avoiding eye contact can help diffuse tense situations before a bite occurs. Recognizing and responding appropriately to canine body language is a critical skill for owners.

Proper Socialization and Training

Many bites result from insufficient socialization and training. Puppies missing early positive interactions with people, other pets, noises, and environments can become fearful. Socialization should start as early as 3 weeks old. Ongoing positive training also reduces aggressive tendencies. Reward-based methods work best to reinforce good behaviors. Techniques using punishment or intimidation can actually worsen aggression over time. Owners should seek professional advice if struggling with training. Consistency with rewards and corrections is important when training dogs properly.

Supervising Interactions

Even friendly dogs should not be left alone with children or strangers. Their play may be misinterpreted as aggression or lead to accidental bites due to puppies’ sharp teeth. Small children should be taught how to properly interact with dogs to avoid bites – no pulling tails or ears, poking eyes, using loud voices, hugging tightly, or bothering dogs while eating. Parents should supervise all interactions and keep dogs and babies separate unless actively supervising. Allowing children to treat dogs like stuffed animals can lead to traumatic bites.

Secure Containment

Proper containment minimizes opportunities for bites and other dangerous interactions. Fences or leashes keep community members safe when taking dogs into public areas. At home, baby gates work well for separating dogs and children. Crates not only limit access when owners are away but provide a safe space for dogs themselves. If dogs exhibit territorial, possessive or reactive tendencies, owners may need professional help with containment solutions to avoid liability for bites. Secure gates and fences also protect dogs themselves from getting loose and injured.

Understanding Liability

Dog owners can be held legally responsible for bites depending on laws that vary by state and situation. Homeowner’s insurance may help cover medical bills or legal claims, but often excludes certain breeds considered prone to aggression. It is critical that owners educate themselves on local dangerous animal ordinances, leash laws, and quarantine procedures following bites. Taking responsibility for dogs’ behavior is the best way to avoid legal issues. Checking with insurance providers annually ensures appropriate coverage for dog bites liability.

Educating the Public

Community education helps prevent bites through appropriate interactions with unfamiliar dogs. People should receive consent before approaching and refrain from interacting with dogs displaying fearful body language. Running or shouting can also trigger a chase and bite response. If approached aggressively by an unleashed dog, experts recommend standing still like a tree with arms at your sides rather than trying to outrun the dog. Carrying protection like pepper spray when out walking is also wise in areas with loose dogs. TV and radio public service announcements may effectively share bite prevention tips.

Seeking Legal Recourse

If you are ever bitten by a dog, start by seeking appropriate medical care, which may involve contacting emergency services, visiting urgent care or the ER, getting stitches, or even plastic surgery. Also, file an official bite report with animal control agencies to ensure the incident is on record, which will be essential if considering legal action later. While not every dog bite case warrants suing owners, those involving significant uncompensated damages may benefit from legal guidance.

An experienced dog bite injury attorney from The Brown Firm can advise victims on state laws and procedures for recovering damages. With proper education and responsible ownership, we can work together as a community to prevent these traumatic incidents.

You can find us at the following locations:

7176 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31406
320 East Clayton Street, Athens, GA 30601
197 14th St. NW, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30318
110 Traders Cross #226, Okatie, SC 29909

Ready to Talk to a Lawyer Who Has Your Back?

Contact The Brown Firm

Get the Answers and Compensation You Deserve

You’ll notice the difference when you contact The Brown Firm! Our local dedicated attorneys want to help you recover and rebuild.

Schedule your free consultation by calling (800) 529-1441 or completing our simple online form.

Who is Legally Responsible for Dog Bite Injuries in Georgia?

December 20, 2019

Who Is Liable For My Injuries?
Proving Your Claim Against a Dog Owner
Knowledge of the Dog’s Viciousness
Violation of Leash Ordinance

You can’t deny the reality that there is a special bond between dogs and pet owners. For millions of families, a dog is more than just a pet, they’re also part of the family.

Unfortunately, not all dogs are fluffy and sweet members of a household.

Dangerous dogs can cause serious bite injuries to innocent victims. The World Health Organization recently reported that approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur every year in the U.S alone.

A dog attack is a frightening and potentially life-altering experience. It can cause plenty of physical injuries, including puncture wounds, soft tissue injuries, and broken bones, among other serious injuries.

A more severe injury causes infections which may require stitches or even life-threatening issues that may lead to surgery. Moreover, their bite may be left with permanent scarring, disfigurement, and disability.

One of the most severe diseases that can be contracted from dog bites is rabies. While rare, rabies in humans can result in hallucinations, paralysis, confusion, hydrophobia, and eventually death if left untreated.

Dog bites also leave their victims with considerable emotional trauma. The incident can leave emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to name a few.

Here are some common areas for dog bite injuries and tips to prevent a bite.

So what happens when another person’s dog attacks you and causes injury, pain, and suffering in Georgia?

I met with Harry Brown personally and he sat with me for 20 minutes at our initial consultation to explain everything. He even called after my surgery to see how I was doing. I met with him several more times after that and was kept informed about my case throughout. I highly recommend Harry Brown as an attorney.

STEVEN SWEENY, SAVANNAH

Who is liable for my injuries?

In the state of Georgia, the law views dogs as harmless and hold dog owners legally responsible for people’s safety around their pets.

A person attacked and injured by a dog in some way should be able to receive compensation for their injuries and other damages from the dog owner.

Knowledge of the Dog’s Viciousness

In cases of dog bites and other animal-related injuries, Georgia is considered to be a negligence state. This means that the individual who has experienced an injury due to a bite or attack by a dog has to prove that the dog owner knew that their pet was “vicious” or “dangerous” to prove liability.

There are several types of evidence that might be relevant in proving that the owner knew their dog was potentially aggressive, but the most adequate is proof of prior bites as this obviously constitutes sufficient information to alert the owner of the dog’s tendency to be vicious towards others.

Dog training and warning signs are also sufficient evidence to provide knowledge that the dog is potentially dangerous. You can offer the fact that the owner knows that their dog undergoes guard or attack dog training or that they post warning signs such as “Beware of Dog” or “Dog Bites” as evidence.

Once the knowledge of the dog’s aggression has been proven, the victim must further show that the owner acted negligently and allowed the dog to roam without any restraint.

Violation of Leash Ordinance

Some counties in Georgia have leash laws which forbid dogs from roaming around without being on leashes. Cases wherein the dog bites somebody while running loose will be much easier to prove your case against the dog owner.

Courts will often deem the violation of leash laws to be enough to determine that the owner was negligent or irresponsible as they allowed an aggressive dog to injure another individual.

If you have either been attacked by a dog or own a dog that attacked someone, consider talking to an experienced Dog Bite injury attorney from The Brown Firm for any legal advice and find out how local laws apply in your situation and how best to proceed.

Contact our experienced dog bite attorneys at (912) 324-2592 for a Free Consultation to discuss the nature of your case or click the link below.