A Gwinnett dog bite lawyer is exactly who you need to call if you or your child has been bitten by a dog. Dog bites in Gwinnett can lead to infection, permanent scarring, emotional trauma, and major medical expenses. What you do in the first 24 to 48 hours can have a huge impact on your ability to get compensation.
As an experienced Gwinnett dog bite lawyer, I have handled dozens of these cases across Lawrenceville, Norcross, Snellville, and beyond. Based on what I have seen work in court and in settlement, here are 6 critical things you must do after a dog attack to protect your case.
Watch this Podcast Episode Where Attorney Michael Coker Explains Dog Bite Claims:
1. Call Animal Control Immediately
One of the first things any Gwinnett dog bite lawyer will tell you is this: always call animal control after a bite. Why?
Animal control will create an official record of the incident
The dog will be tested for rabies or other diseases
The owner may receive a citation or warning
A quarantine may be ordered if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown
In Gwinnett, animal control reports often serve as the only formal documentation of a dog bite — especially if police are not called.
2. Get Medical Attention Right Away
Even if the bite seems minor, do not wait. Dog bites are prone to infection, nerve damage, and long-term scarring. Go to the ER or urgent care the same day, and follow up with your primary care doctor or a specialist if needed.
Your Gwinnett dog bite lawyer will use your medical records as evidence to show the seriousness of your injury. Delaying treatment makes it easier for the insurance company to argue that the injury was not severe — or not even related to the bite.
3. Take Photos of the Bite — Immediately and Over Time
Insurance companies often claim that a dog bite “was not that bad” or “healed fine.” But you can fight back with clear, dated photos:
Take photos of the wound on the same day of the attack
Continue taking photos during healing and scarring
Include photos with a ruler or coin for scale
Your Gwinnett dog bite lawyer can use these images to prove pain, suffering, and disfigurement — which increases the value of your case.
4. Find Out Who Owns the Dog
If the dog was loose or unaccompanied, try to identify the owner as soon as possible. Take down:
The dog’s description and breed
Address where the dog came from or returned to
Names of witnesses who saw the bite
The sooner your Gwinnett dog bite lawyer knows who owns the dog, the sooner they can file a claim with the correct homeowner’s insurance company. In many Gwinnett dog bite cases, the dog is a repeat offender — and prior reports can help prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
5. Do Not Talk to the Insurance Company Alone
Shortly after a dog bite, you may receive a call from the pet owner’s insurance company. They may ask for a recorded statement or offer you a fast payout. Do not take it. Read our guide on settlement advice in Georgia before accepting any offer from the insurance company.
A skilled Gwinnett dog bite lawyer knows how to:
Handle all communication with insurance
Prevent you from saying something that hurts your claim
Push for full compensation — not just your medical bills, but also your pain and suffering
Let your lawyer protect you from lowball offers and pressure tactics.
6. Understand the One Bite Rule and Leash Laws in Gwinnett
Georgia follows a version of the “one bite rule.” This means an owner is typically liable if:
The dog has bitten someone before
The owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous
The dog was off-leash or roaming in violation of county ordinances
In Gwinnett County, leash laws require that dogs be restrained in public. A Gwinnett dog bite lawyer will investigate whether the owner violated this rule — and whether there are prior complaints or animal control reports that prove the dog was known to be aggressive.
Want a Step-by-Step Guide on What to Do After a Dog Bite?
Read this article: What to Do If a Dog Bites You
It outlines exactly what to do right after a dog attack — including medical steps, reporting, and documentation tips.
Have You Been Bitten in Gwinnett County? We Can Help.
Dog bite cases in Gwinnett are not simple. There are unique laws, defenses, and local ordinances that can affect whether or not you get compensated. That is why having a local Gwinnett dog bite lawyer matters.
We have helped clients in Lawrenceville, Snellville, Dacula, and throughout Gwinnett recover money for:
Medical bills
Emergency room visits
Plastic surgery
Pain and suffering
Lost wages
Permanent scarring
Not sure what your case is worth? Use our injury settlement calculator for a general estimate.
