Decatur Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

A dog bite can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. If a dog has attacked you, you may wonder if you have the right to pursue legal action and what kind of compensation you could receive for your injuries.

In Georgia, the owner of a dog is liable for any injury or damages caused by the pet. This means that if a dog bites an individual, the victim has the right to seek compensation from the owner of that animal.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of dog bites occur annually across the US, with children as the most common victims. Additionally, one in five people bitten by a dog requires medical treatment.

Most dog owners have insurance that covers dog bites. However, dog bites may qualify as personal injury cases, so it can be a good idea to hire an experienced Decatur dog bite attorney. 

Just like a car accident lawyer or a pedestrian accident lawyer negotiates compensation with the insurer, a dog bite lawyer can also make sure you get the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery. In addition, if the insurer refuses to agree on a reasonable settlement, the case may go to trial. If that occurs, a Decatur dog bite lawyer can fight for compensation while protecting your rights. 

Dog owners are required to keep their dogs under control and adequately train them. Under Georgia code O.C.G.A. §51-2-7, the animal owner is always liable for any damages caused by the pet’s actions. If the attack occurred, the owner failed to fulfill their duties.

There are a few exceptions, however. For example, if the dog bite victim was committing a crime on someone else’s property when attacked by the dog, the dog’s owner might not be liable for the suffered injuries. In addition, if the victim provoked the dog, they may not be eligible for compensation. If these scenarios apply to your case, hiring a Decatur dog bite lawyer will be beneficial.

Dog owners may refuse to answer questions after their dog has bitten someone. However, a skilled dog bite attorney can track down all the necessary information for your claim, such as where the dog owner lives, the dog’s immunization history, and whether the dog has bitten anyone before.

Dog owners may also blame victims for the attack or make different excuses as to why the attack occurred.

How Much Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Georgia?

The amount of compensation obtained depends on the severity of the injuries and whether the attack resulted in the need for the dog attack victim to undergo counseling or therapy. However, the rule of thumb suggests that compensation should cover medical bills, potentially lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses. The bottom line is the more severe the injuries, the more significant the compensation.

What Is the Statute Of Limitations for a Dog Bite in Georgia?

The statute of limitations for a dog attack in Georgia is two years. In other words, injury victims have to file a personal injury claim against the dog owner within two years of the date of the attack. If you miss the deadline, you will likely be barred from filing the claim and recovering any compensation for dog bite injuries.

Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in Georgia?

Dog bite victims can sue or file a claim against the dog owner if they were attacked but did nothing to provoke the dog attack. In addition, victims can sue for dog attacks that did not involve actual biting. For instance, they can sue the pet owner if the dog knocked them over or if they sustained injuries while trying to avoid getting bitten.

However, victims have to prove that the owner had prior knowledge that their dog was aggressive and that they did not take reasonable precautions or restrain the dog properly. A knowledgeable Decatur dog bite lawyer can investigate the attack and help victims file their claims.