An attack from even a small dog can leave lasting injuries and scars, and prompt medical care is essential after a dog bite. But can you be compensated for your medical expenses and other costs?
In many cases, the answer is yes. However, the intricacies of the applicable laws mean that seeking advice from an attorney is your best path forward in your pursuit of appropriate compensation. Georgia law clearly delineates what constitutes liability on the part of the owner if their dog is involved in an attack or biting incident.
Unfortunately, some dog owners refuse responsibility and will not offer reasonable compensation for your injuries unless they are legally compelled to do so. In these cases, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you prove liability and get you to recover your losses after a dog bite or attack.
Georgia law acknowledges several key facts about dog attacks and dog bites. Most importantly, these incidents are considered to be absolutely preventable. Owner or handler liability is typically based on either the Responsible Dog Ownership Law (O.C.G.A. 4-8-1 to 4-8-33) or O.C.G.A. 51-2-7.
The Responsible Dog Ownership Law, codified in O.C.G.A. 4-8-1 through 4-8-33, regulates the ownership and care of dogs in the state of Georgia. These statutes delineate the minimum standards for dog owners and ensure that county and city governments can choose to enact more stringent laws locally. This is why the specifics of the case often require the expertise of a personal injury attorney as the location and exact details of what happened to play a huge role in the final results of any legal action.
In O.C.G.A. 51-2-7, the law indicates that dog owners or handlers are liable for injuries sustained by another person who did not provoke the dog and that the animal in question was “vicious or dangerous.” This section of the law also clarifies that in order to demonstrate the “vicious propensity” of an animal, it is sufficient to prove that the dog’s owner violated local, county, or state leash laws at the time of the attack. Thus, showing that the owner breached applicable leash laws or local regulations is enough to prove liability in a dog bite case. Evidence that the attack was unprovoked may also be sufficient to demonstrate liability.
We always offer a free consultation on our case, so if you have been injured and are unsure of your rights, contact us right away. There is typically a 2-year statute of limitations for dog bite injuries. Speak to us promptly to ensure that your case has the best chance of success. We look forward to getting you the compensation you deserve.
