If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite or attack in or around Morrow, Georgia we urge you to seek legal guidance from an experienced local attorney. The Millar Law Firm, located in Clayton County, specializes in handling dog bite injury cases and has a proven track record of success.

The Millar Law Firm is focused entirely on personal injury law and treats every case as personal. You are more than just a number to us. We understand that you’re going through a tough time, and with three decades of experience handling dog bite attack injuries, we are committed to providing the best possible service.

The split second that an aggressive dog lunged at you or a loved one, your life changed. The Millar Law Firm understands that dog attacks are traumatic and the impact of an attack can last a lifetime. While physical attacks can leave visible scars, dog attack victims can also struggle with stress that comes from lifestyle changes. We do our best to ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.

Types of Dog Attack Injuries

The Millar Law Firm knows that a dog attack can cause a range of physical and psychological injuries. Here are common types of injuries we have dealt with:

Physical Injuries

Bite Wounds - such as punctures, lacerations and abrasions.
Infections - rabies from unvaccinated dogs, tetanus, and bacterial infections
Soft Tissue Damage - including muscle or tendon tears, bruises and contusions
Fractures and Dislocations - broken bones from forceful attacks or falls and joint dislocations
Nerve Damage - numbness or lack of function due to bites to the face, neck or hands
Scarring and Disfigurement - permanent scars that may require reconstructive surgery
Internal Injuries - organ damage or internal bleeding

Psychological and Emotional Injuries

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety and Phobias
Depression

In rare cases, a dog attack may result in a fatality. In this case, it is crucial that you consult with a lawyer to protect your family’s legal rights.

Protecting Rights After a Dog Attack

If you are injured in a dog attack, the Millar Law Firm recommends you follow these steps to ensure your health, safety, and ability to pursue compensation:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately. This documents your injuries and is essential for your physical and emotional well-being. Even minor injuries should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Report the Attack to the Police. Reporting the incident creates an official record of a dangerous dog and can be vital to proving your case.
Obtain Copies of Police Reports and Documentation. Always keep a copy of any reports or other related documents related to your attack.
Take Photos of Your Injuries. Photographs of your injuries will serve as important evidence. Injuries may heal over time, and you could “look fine” later, potentially affecting your case in court.
Keep All Medical Records. Include doctor’s bills, emergency and hospital documentation, and prescriptions.
Write a Detailed Account of the Incident. Write down the details of the attack as soon as you can, including how, when, and where it occurred. This will help you when answering questions from your insurance company and is valuable if you pursue a lawsuit.
Consult with a Lawyer Specializing in Dog Bites. An experienced legal team like The Millar Law Firm can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

The Challenges of Dog Attack Claims

The financial strain from medical bills and lost wages can add even more stress for you and your family. A dog attack doesn’t just affect your body—it can change your entire life, impacting your confidence, relationships, career, and overall sense of security.

Following an attack, the Millar Law Firm advises that you obtain the dog owner’s name, address, and contact information. If they have insurance, request their insurance details as well. It’s also helpful to gather information about the dog’s vaccination history, breed, and whether or not there has been any previous aggressive behavior. We understand that this is not always an option so we know how to legally get that information from an uncooperative owner.

The dog owner’s insurance policy should outline the type and amount of coverage they have for incidents like dog bites. A skilled dog bite lawyer can help you understand the policy and determine the available coverage. Identifying the limits of coverage is a crucial part of the claims process because it determines the financial resources that may need to be accessed to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the dog bite.

The legal team at the Millar Law Firm navigates this complex legal process on your behalf. We also provide critical support in other ways. Let us focus on gathering information and negotiating with insurance companies. At the Millar Law Firm, we understand that a big part of our job includes providing emotional support and encouragement which makes it possible for you to focus on your recovery.

The Uninsured Dog Owner

Even when you’ve been bitten by a dog and discover that the owner doesn’t have insurance, you still have options. The Millar Law Firm has recovered damages and compensation for dog bite injuries in the following ways:

Personal assets: Depending on the dog owner’s financial situation, they may have personal assets that could be used to cover your expenses. The Millar Law Firm has investigated dog owners' financial backgrounds to determine if this is a viable option.
Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance: In some cases, a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy provides coverage for dog bite incidents, even if the dog owner doesn’t have specific insurance for their pet.
Negligence claims: If the dog owner was negligent in controlling or restraining their dog, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. We have won cases resulting in a court-ordered payment to cover damages.
Local or state assistance programs: Some areas in Georgia have assistance programs designed to help victims of dog bites or other injuries. These programs may help to cover medical expenses or provide other forms of support.

It’s critically important to consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer to explore all possible options in your specific situation. A good legal team will help you navigate the complex legal landscape and fight for the full compensation you deserve, even when insurance isn’t available.

Simple Dos and Don’ts

Do contact animal control

It is crucial to contact your local animal control agency. They can investigate the incident, ensure that the dog is up-to-date on vaccinations, and determine if the dog poses an ongoing threat to public safety. They will also know if the dog that attacked you has a history of aggressive or vicious behavior. The dog’s behavioral history can be critically important in processing your claim.

Don’t worry about the owner’s reaction

Calling animal control can feel bad, but not reporting a dangerous animal can result in other victims of the same dog.

Do notify the police

If you’re severely injured or feel that you’re in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to call 911. The police can create an official report of the incident, which can be valuable evidence for your personal injury claim.

Don’t brush off the incident

Documentation is critical to building a case.

Don’t put off contacting a lawyer

Remember, taking action quickly and contacting a personal injury lawyer like those at the Millar Law Firm can make a significant difference in the outcome of your dog bite case. Our knowledgeable attorneys can guide you through this challenging process and help protect your rights.

The Millar Law Firm Difference

When you call The Millar Law Firm for your free first consultation, you will continue the process of healing from your dog attack injury. You will speak to an intake specialist who will take a brief history of your incident.

The intake specialist will then schedule a consultation for you with members of our legal team. At that meeting, you will explore not only the facts around your attack, but also the options you have for proceeding. We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your claim, as well as learn about timelines and possible compensation. Our goal for that meeting is to provide you with a roadmap of the journey to your settlement so that you will know what’s ahead when you leave that first consultation.

Negotiations with the insurance company are handled by the Millar Law Firm to ensure you are not pressured into accepting a low settlement. Insurance companies may hire independent medical examiners to minimize your injuries or claim that you are not as hurt as you say. This can be especially tough if you are still recovering from the trauma and are not in the best position to defend yourself. Never speak to the insurance company without an attorney present, as they may try to use your vulnerability to settle for less.

Sometimes dog bite incident lawsuits go to trial when a fair settlement cannot be reached. This shows the insurance company that you are serious about getting what you deserve. In our over 30 plus years of practicing personal injury law, we have developed an expertise that gives our clients the edge over insurance company lawyers.

The Millar Law Firm is part of your support network as you recover from your dog bite injury. We always work to give our clients the same customer service we would provide to our own families. Your calls and questions matter to us, and we provide clear and concise communications. This means we work to reduce telephone hold times, call you back quickly, and supply you with frequent case updates. We know there are lots of Atlanta law firms to choose from. When you choose us to represent you, we aim to make you happy.

The Millar Law Firm handles dog bite incident claims on a contingency basis, meaning there are no up-front costs for you. This eases your financial stress, allowing you to focus on healing and not on paying legal fees.