If you live in Decatur and you or someone you love has been attacked or injured by a dog, getting the compensation you deserve can be a challenge – even when the case appears open-and-shut. Choosing the right lawyer could be critical to improving your chances of a positive outcome and getting the help you need. Here are some key tips for choosing a dog bite injury attorney in Decatur, Georgia.

Look for an attorney who focuses on personal injury law

Dog bites fall into the category of personal injury, a specific area of law that is loaded with potential complications. An attorney who practices in multiple areas of law may be competent enough, but he/she is more likely to be distracted or miss key nuances of your case. A good personal injury attorney will have a better understanding of the laws pertaining to your case and how to strategize to get you the compensation to which you are legally entitled.

Look for an attorney with dog bite experience

The more experience an attorney has with specific types of cases, the more likely he/she is to win those types of cases. In addition to practicing personal injury law, your attorney should have specific experience trying dog bite injury cases. Ask about the lawyer’s experience in cases like yours; ask how many such cases he has won. Ask these questions until you are confident the attorney has the experience needed to handle your case.

Look for an attorney who understands state and local ordinances

Trying dog bite cases in Georgia can be a challenge because Georgia state laws tend to favor the dog owners. It is incumbent on you, the defendant, to prove that the dog was vicious and that the owner was negligent. If the bite took place in Decatur, Georgia, one possible advantage you have is that DeKalb County has ordinances requiring owners to restrain their pets by enclosures and keeping them on leash – so if those ordinances were violated, this could work in your favor. Nonetheless, you need an attorney who understands both local and state laws regarding dogs, and how the laws work together in your favor. If you need a dog bite attorney in Decatur, Georgia, Sutton Slover Law focuses exclusively on personal injury law, and we have plenty of experience with dog bite cases like yours. For a free case evaluation, call our office today at 404.768.0292.