Zagoria Neely Injury Attorneys has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2021, with David Zagoria listed in the area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Recognition through Best Lawyers is based on peer review within the legal profession and reflects respect from fellow attorneys in the same practice area and region.
The firm has also been included in Best Law Firms rankings for its personal injury practice. These rankings are based on an established research and evaluation process that considers client feedback, peer review, and professional achievements.
Helping people recover after serious injuries
Zagoria Neely Injury Attorneys is a metro Atlanta personal injury law firm representing individuals and families injured in dog attacks, car wrecks, unsafe property conditions, workplace accidents, and wrongful death matters. The firm works to hold negligent parties accountable and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from an injury.
Firm founder David Zagoria previously served as a prosecutor in Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Fulton counties, including as Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney for Fulton County. His courtroom background includes handling misdemeanor and felony cases throughout Georgia. Today, he brings that trial experience to representing injury victims alongside law partner Brooks Neely and the firm’s legal team.
Representation for Dog Bite Injury Claims
Dog bite cases involve unique legal and factual issues under Georgia law. David Zagoria handles a large volume of dog bite injury claims each year, including cases that proceed to trial. He has also written and taught on Georgia dog bite law for other attorneys.
Unlike many personal injury cases, dog bite claims often involve specific issues related to leash laws, prior incidents, animal control records, and local ordinances. The firm investigates these matters thoroughly to build strong claims on behalf of injured clients.
What To Do After a Dog Bite
- Seek medical attention immediately and follow your treatment plan.
- Report the attack to animal control or local law enforcement.
- Take photographs of injuries, clothing, and the scene.
- Preserve evidence and gather witness information if possible.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies.
- Speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer.
Georgia Dog Bite Law
Under Georgia law, an injured person may recover damages if a dog owner knew or should have known the dog posed a danger, or if the owner violated a leash or restraint ordinance that contributed to the attack. Local laws in Atlanta and surrounding communities often play an important role in these claims.
Building a Dog Bite Case
The firm gathers animal control reports, prior complaints, witness statements, medical documentation, surveillance footage, and ordinance records when investigating a claim. Cases involving scarring, infections, nerve injuries, or emotional trauma may also involve consultations with medical professionals and other qualified witnesses.
Claims Involving Children
Children injured in dog attacks may face lasting physical and emotional effects. The firm works with families to address medical care, scarring, trauma treatment, and future financial needs connected to the injury.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
In most Georgia injury cases, lawsuits must be filed within two years of the incident. Different deadlines can apply in claims involving government entities or minors. Early investigation can help preserve important evidence.
Comparative Fault
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Compensation may be reduced if the injured person is found partially responsible for the incident. Recovery is generally barred if a person is 50 percent or more at fault.
Potentially Liable Parties
Depending on the facts of the case, responsibility may extend beyond the dog owner to property owners, landlords, handlers, businesses, or management companies that failed to address known dangers.
Compensation in Dog Bite Cases
Damages may include medical costs, future treatment expenses, lost wages, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages may be available in limited situations involving reckless conduct.
A Broad Personal Injury Practice
In addition to dog bite claims, Zagoria Neely Injury Attorneys handles a wide range of personal injury matters throughout Georgia.
Car Wrecks
The firm represents people injured in car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents involving distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, unsafe lane changes, and other negligent conduct.
Premises Liability
The firm handles slip and fall claims, negligent security cases, and other injuries caused by unsafe property conditions at stores, restaurants, apartment complexes, and commercial properties.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers injured on the job may be entitled to medical treatment and wage benefits under Georgia workers’ compensation laws. The firm assists workers with denied, delayed, or disputed claims.
Wrongful Death
The firm represents families pursuing wrongful death claims after losing a loved one due to negligent or wrongful conduct. Georgia law allows surviving family members to seek compensation for the full value of the deceased person’s life and related losses.
Why Clients Choose Our Firm
Zagoria Neely Injury Attorneys focuses on serious injury litigation and prepares each case with attention to detail and trial readiness. The firm keeps clients informed throughout the legal process while handling communications with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and preparing claims for negotiation or trial when necessary.
Dog Bite & Personal Injury FAQs
How do I prove liability in a Georgia dog bite case?
Evidence may include leash law violations, prior complaints, witness statements, and animal control records showing the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous.
Can I recover compensation if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. Liability may still exist if the owner violated a leash ordinance or failed to control the animal.
What if the attack happened at an apartment complex?
Property owners or management companies may share responsibility if they ignored known safety concerns involving the dog.
What damages are available in a dog bite claim?
Compensation may include medical bills, future treatment, lost income, scarring, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
Should I speak with the insurance company?
It is generally wise to speak with an attorney before providing recorded statements or accepting a settlement offer.
Contact Zagoria Neely Injury Attorneys
If you were injured in a dog attack, car wreck, workplace accident, or another personal injury incident, or if you lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, contact Zagoria Neely Injury Attorneys at 404-653-0023 for a free consultation. The firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney’s fees are collected only if compensation is recovered. Se habla español.
