Licensed attorney since 2007. Licensed to practice law in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Washington D.C.
Dog Bite Lawyers Protecting Victims in Alabama & Georgia
Dog bites are violent, traumatic, and often life-altering. Victims may suffer deep puncture wounds, permanent scarring, nerve damage, infections, and emotional trauma—especially children. If you or someone you love was attacked by a dog in Alabama or Georgia, Bodewell’s dog bite lawyers act quickly to protect your rights and pursue full compensation.
Insurance companies often downplay dog bite injuries or shift blame to the victim. We don’t let that happen. Our team investigates aggressively, preserves evidence, and builds claims designed to win—whether through settlement or trial.
Birmingham Dog Bite Lawyers Focused on Serious Injuries
Dog attacks happen in neighborhoods, apartment complexes, workplaces, parks, and public spaces throughout Birmingham and beyond. Our Birmingham dog bite lawyers represent victims of:
- Unprovoked dog attacks
- Bites to the face, hands, arms, or legs
- Attacks involving children or the elderly
- Loose or unleashed dogs
- Repeat or known aggressive dogs
- Fatal dog attacks and wrongful death claims
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Alabama & Georgia
Dog bite cases are highly dependent on state law, which makes experienced legal guidance critical.
Alabama Dog Bite Law
Alabama generally follows a “one-bite rule,” meaning a dog owner may be held liable if they knew—or should have known—that their dog had dangerous or aggressive tendencies. Liability may also arise when:
- A dog is allowed to roam freely and injures someone
- An owner violates local leash or containment laws
- A dog attacks someone lawfully on private or public property
Important: Alabama also applies contributory negligence. If insurers claim the victim contributed in any way, they may attempt to deny compensation entirely—making early legal action essential.
Georgia Dog Bite Law
Georgia applies a modified comparative fault system. Victims may recover compensation as long as they are less than 50% responsible for the incident. Prior aggression, leash violations, or failure to control the dog often establish liability.
Many claims must be filed within two years; some notices are shorter—call to confirm your exact deadline.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite?
Dog owners are commonly liable, but responsibility may also extend to landlords, property owners, or caretakers depending on the circumstances.
| Key Liability Factors | How We Prove Fault |
|---|---|
| History of aggression | Animal control records, prior complaints |
| Failure to leash or restrain | Witness statements, local ordinances |
| Victim lawfully present | Property records, surveillance footage |
| Negligent supervision | Owner admissions, expert testimony |
Common Dog Bite Injuries
- Deep lacerations and puncture wounds
- Nerve damage and loss of function
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Infections, including rabies risk
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
What Compensation Is Available After a Dog Attack?
- Emergency care, surgeries, and follow-up treatment
- Plastic or reconstructive surgery
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages for surviving families
What To Do After a Dog Bite
- Seek medical treatment immediately.
- Report the bite to animal control or local authorities.
- Document injuries, the dog, and the location.
- Do not speak to insurance companies alone.
- Contact experienced dog bite lawyers right away.
Meet the advocates who will fight for you: Meet Our Team or contact Bodewell for a free, confidential consultation.
General information only; not legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.