A graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law, Brittany was heavily involved in the school’s advocacy program. She was a finalist in the England Competition for Mock Trial and the Beaird Competition for Closing Argument. She was awarded the Weinberg, Wheeler, Hudgins, Gunn and Dial, LLC Award for Outstanding Mock Trial Advocate. While in law school, Brittany clerked for the Georgia Attorney General’s Office in their General Litigation Department and an Atlanta plaintiff’s medical malpractice firm. She also spent time with the Gwinnett County Solicitor General’s Office where she tried multiple cases both in front of judges and jury.
Jay F. Hirsch
Dog Bite Lawyer
Jay Hirsch graduated from Tulane University in 1983 and from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1986. Mr. Hirsch joined Pope McGlamry (originally Pope, Kellogg, McGlamry, Kilpatrick & Morrison) in August 1986 and practices primarily in the areas of personal/financial injury and wrongful death arising from negligence, product liability and fraud.
Hirsch’s current practice involves:
- Product liability – including auto, household and medical products
- Business litigation
- Class action litigation
- Whistleblower (qui tam) actions
- Consumer protection
- Pharmaceutical litigation
Mr. Hirsch and the Firm’s representation of Plaintiffs have resulted in verdicts and settlements approaching a billion dollars. Many of these cases were the first such cases in the nation and involved ground-breaking legal strategies. Mr. Hirsch and his partners have long been recognized in Georgia and nationally as a go-to firm that will take on the most challenging cases and opposition. Mr. Hirsch is AV rated by his peers in Martindale-Hubbell, and is on The Board of Directors of Pope McGlamry P.C.
Mr. Hirsch and his wife Ellen have three boys, Ben, Joe and Charlie. Mr. Hirsch and his family are active members of The Temple and Mr. Hirsch serves as Secretary on the Board of Friends of Bitsy Grant Tennis Center, plays tennis Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA), and has served on the board of his neighborhood association.
Darren Tobin
Dog Bite Lawyer
Growing up in South Africa during the Apartheid era, I witnessed firsthand a serious injustice: one race of people had inferior legal rights because of the color of their skin. At an early age, I learned that just because the legal system is one way, it doesn’t mean the system is always right. Sometimes, I learned, you have to fight.
I also learned the value of hard work at a young age. My first job was dismantling heavy yogurt machines at TCBY and cleaning those machines at night, long after customers left. I was 15 years of age, earning minimum wage, and learning the meaning of hard work.
Hard work and attention to detail is what earned me an academic scholarship to the University of Georgia. When I wasn’t studying or playing sports in college, I worked nights and weekends tutoring the University’s student-athletes, many of whom went on to play in the NFL. After I graduated magna cum laude with a double major, I attended the University of Georgia School of Law as I knew I wanted to practice law here in Georgia. There’s a saying, “It’s not what you know. It’s who you know.” To the advantage of my clients, I offer both: I know the law, and I know the lawyers I go up against and the judges who decide those cases. After all, I studied the law with those lawyers and judges, and played sports with them for many years when we were students at UGA.
Brittany Partridge
Dog Bite Lawyer
Brittany long ago devoted her legal career to helping people and families. She works for individuals and families who have been injured or killed because of someone else’s negligence. Brittany represents clients in personal injury and wrongful death contexts like car wrecks, tractor-trailer wrecks, pedestrian collisions, and premises liability.
Brittany strives to give clients the respect and results they deserve. In 2022, she was part of a trial team that obtained a $22 million verdict in a wrongful death case in Greene County, Georgia. She has also helped recover millions for her clients in the form of settlements.
James
Dog Bite Lawyer
My junior year of high school, a Doctor prescribed me a painkiller for my recovery after surgery for a wrestling injury. In a year, I went from a kid who took his first painkiller to a kid who would do painkillers before school to a kid who would always have a bag of painkillers to a kid who showed up high at senior prom on a bunch of painkillers and an ecstasy pill.
I’m considered “cool and edgy” because of drugs, and I’m the President of the Class, the guy on stage announcing the prom king and queen, good friends of mine. I actually had pride in my lifestyle even though I was hiding it from my parents. (A little context, it was 2010, and it was the middle of the opioid epidemic. Everybody on my football team had tried painkillers, and so had lots of my friends).
Danielle Griffith, Esq.
Dog Bite Lawyer
Raised in Atlanta from a young age, Danielle Griffith, Esq. is well versed in Atlanta and Georgians alike. She earned a BA from the College of Charleston and her law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, the latter in December 2001. Danielle has focused on litigation matters her entire career, on both the defense and plaintiff’s side. In her first years as a litigator, she became a trial attorney managing complex cases from inception to resolution and second chaired two seven figure bench trials while preparing numerous others for trial – truly a trial by fire start to her career. She quickly earned a reputation as the “go-to” attorney for the most complex and high value cases and a reputation for always going the extra mile for her clients, a well-earned reputation that continues today. The partner Danielle did the bulk of her work for during her first 10 years of practice says she was the best attorney he ever trained and other peers have said that if they ever got into any trouble, Danielle would be their first call. After working for other litigation firms, Danielle opened her own law firm in San Diego in 2014 representing a diverse group of clients on both the plaintiff and defense side, from a Fortune 500 company to commercial real estate developers, business owners, and individuals. Danielle has always been intimately involved in initial case work-ups and analysis, preparation and response to discovery, motions and oppositions, taking of and defending depositions, document review and analysis, evaluation of insurance coverage and potentially additional coverage, all matters associated with mediation, alternative dispute resolution, trial preparation and trial.
Danielle’s excellence has earned her the highest possible “AV Preeminent” rating by Martindale Hubbell’s peer & client review rating system, a recognition she’s maintained for over ten years. In addition to being awarded the San Diego Super Lawyers – Rising Star recognition, she has also repeatedly received awards for Top Lawyer in San Diego Magazine, & Top Attorney in the San Diego Daily Transcript. Danielle was a panel speaker at the West Coast Casualty Construction Defect conference. She served on the board of directors as a board member/Treasurer for San Diego Defense Lawyers Association & as Co-chair of the Construction Section of the San Diego County Bar Association. Danielle served on the Board of Directors for the United Services Organization (“USO”) in San Diego. More recently she served as President on the Board of Directors for The Vox Artium Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia.
Judy Blackwell
Dog Bite Lawyer
Judy Blackwell graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1981 from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Cum Laude in 1984 with a Juris Doctor. While in law school at the University of Georgia, she served as the Secretary and the Vice-President of the Student Bar Association.
Judy has been specializing in workplace and personal injury since 1984. She began her career in Albany, Georgia, and moved to Atlanta in 1986. She practiced workers’ compensation defense and was later appointed as an Administrative Law Judge with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation in 1995, a position that she held for six years. Judy presided over 500 workers’ compensation cases as a judge. Her experience as an Administrative Law Judge gives Judy unique insight into the thoughts of a judge and how the judge might rule in a particular case.
In 2000, Judy became Partner in a large Atlanta law firm, where she headed the Workers’ Compensation practice group. Judy also served as an Assistant General Counsel in Atlanta Public Schools where she continued to emphasize workers’ compensation for the school system.
Eight years ago, Judy joined Stephen Hasner at Hasner Law, representing injured workers. Judy’s background and extensive knowledge of the law drives her passion for her clients. She strives tirelessly on their behalf to get the best possible outcome in their cases.
Wynn B. Sowersby, Esq.
Dog Bite Lawyer
Wynn B. Sowersby is a wrongful death and catastrophic injury attorney with more than 30 years of experience—not only as a private attorney—but as a Staff Attorney in Georgia’s court system.
She has worked for judges in both the Superior and State Courts in DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties, handling cases of every variety and deciding legal issues on every aspect of the law. Over the course of her legal career, Wynn has reviewed and written opinions in more than 10,000 cases. Her legal work has also led to a number of precedent-setting legal decisions.
In addition to her work with the courts, Wynn has been a speaker at many state-wide Institute of Continuing Judicial Education seminars for law clerks and at several other CLE programs.
Wynn attended Davidson College, in Davidson, North Carolina, graduating magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She then earned her law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law, attending as a Bryan T. Castellow scholar. She graduated cum laude and was nominated into the Order of Barristers, which is a recognition reserved for the top ten students who demonstrate the highest skills in argument and advocacy for that graduating class.
Laura Johnson Bailey
Dog Bite Lawyer
Laura Johnson Bailey, Mabra Law’s director of litigation, began her legal career working for insurance companies, private corporations and state agencies. During her 12 years with the “big guys,” she defended cases ranging from workers’ compensation, employment discrimination, premises liability and automobile wrecks, to catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. She gained valuable insights and expertise into all facets of civil litigation, as well as an insider’s knowledge of how those organizations defend and evaluate such cases. She taught continuing education for both attorneys and claims professionals in the areas of insurance coverage and defense, tort claims, civil practice and trial practice.
In 2017, Laura switched sides, joining one of the nation’s largest plaintiff’s personal injury law firms to represent individuals injured by the negligence of others. In 2020, attracted to this firm’s culture and dedication to treat clients as family, she joined Mabra Law. Her practice focuses on civil litigation. She has tried more than 70 jury trials throughout her career, and has secured six published appellate opinions, including matters of first impression in the State of Georgia.
Laura grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. She earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Alabama, where she served as the president of Alpha Phi Sigma and was a member of Sigma Delta Pi. She was awarded the Criminal Justice Chairperson’s Award of Merit for her efforts in organizing the campus-wide Criminal Justice Career Fair. Laura earned her Juris Doctor from the Florida State University College of Law, where she was awarded the Certificate for Distinguished Pro Bono Service as a pro bono law clerk to the Honorable Judge Kathleen F. Dekker of the Felony Division for the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida. While in law school, Laura also earned her Certificate of Comparative International Law from Oxford University in the United Kingdom.
What to Do Immediately After Being Bitten by a Dog?
Experiencing a dog bite can be a traumatic event, leading to physical injuries and emotional distress. Knowing how to respond immediately after the incident and understanding the legal implications, including whether you need a lawyer and the possibility of suing for damages, is crucial. This article will guide you through the necessary steps to take after being bitten by a dog, the role of a lawyer in these cases, and the specifics of dog bite laws in Georgia.
What to Do Immediately After Being Bitten by a Dog
1. Ensure Safety
The first step after a dog bite is to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Move away from the dog to prevent further attacks. If the dog appears aggressive or is still nearby, seek shelter in a safe location.
2. Assess Your Injuries
Check yourself for injuries. If you have been bitten, look for any wounds, bleeding, or signs of infection. Even minor bites can lead to serious infections if not treated promptly.
3. Seek Medical Attention
Regardless of the severity of the bite, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A healthcare professional can properly clean and dress the wound, provide necessary vaccinations (such as tetanus or rabies), and assess any potential complications. Documenting your injuries with medical records will also be crucial if you decide to pursue legal action later.
4. Report the Incident
Notify local authorities about the dog bite incident. This may include animal control or the police, depending on your location and the circumstances surrounding the bite. Reporting the incident creates an official record and may help prevent future attacks by the same dog.
5. Gather Information
Collect information about the dog owner and any witnesses present during the incident. Obtain contact details from witnesses who can corroborate your account of what happened. Additionally, take photos of your injuries and the location where the incident occurred.
6. Avoid Discussing Fault
While it’s important to gather information, avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be interpreted as admitting blame at this stage. Stick to factual accounts of what occurred when speaking with authorities or witnesses.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite?
Engaging a lawyer after a dog bite can significantly impact your ability to secure compensation for your injuries and damages. Here are several reasons why hiring an attorney may be beneficial:
Expertise in Dog Bite Laws
Dog bite laws vary significantly by state, and an experienced attorney will understand these nuances. They can help determine if you have a valid claim based on Georgia’s specific laws regarding dog bites.
Evaluation of Your Case
A lawyer can evaluate your case’s merits and advise you on potential compensation. They can help assess medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages that may apply.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. A skilled attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries without being pressured into accepting low offers.
Legal Representation
If your case goes to trial, having an attorney who specializes in personal injury law can be invaluable. They will represent your interests in court, presenting evidence and arguments effectively.
Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Georgia?
In Georgia, victims of dog bites may pursue legal action against dog owners under certain conditions:
Strict Liability Laws
Georgia follows a “one-bite” rule, which means that dog owners are generally held liable for injuries caused by their dogs if they knew or should have known that their dog had dangerous tendencies. However, if you were trespassing or provoking the dog at the time of the attack, it could affect your ability to recover damages.
Proving Negligence
To succeed in a dog bite lawsuit in Georgia, you must demonstrate that:
- The owner had knowledge of their dog’s aggressive behavior.
- The owner failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent an attack.
- You were lawfully present (not trespassing) when bitten.
Potential Damages
If you successfully prove your case, you may be entitled to various types of damages:
- Medical Expenses: Costs related to treating your injuries.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm.
Conclusion
Being bitten by a dog can lead to significant physical and emotional consequences. Knowing how to respond immediately after an incident is crucial for ensuring your safety and health. Seeking medical attention promptly, reporting the incident, gathering evidence, and considering legal representation are all essential steps in navigating this challenging situation.If you’re contemplating legal action following a dog bite in Georgia, consulting with an experienced attorney can provide clarity on your rights and options. They will guide you through the complexities of state laws regarding dog bites and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries.Understanding both immediate actions and legal implications empowers victims of dog bites to take control of their situations while seeking justice for their suffering.