Catoosa County Dog Bite Lawyer
Many people choose to keep dogs as pets because of their loyal nature. However, owners who fail to train or properly contain their dogs put those around them at risk. If you have been bitten by a dog, you may require serious medical intervention.
Dogs bite when they are feeling stressed, unwell, or threatened. However, it is the role of the owner to ensure that a dog is leashed, trained, or restrained so that it does not harm others. Regardless of how or why you were bitten, it is possible to seek justice. Those who have been injured may benefit from consulting an experienced Catoosa County dog bite lawyer. A dedicated injury attorney could help you to recover both physically and financially from your injuries.
Damages Caused by Catoosa County Dog Bites
Studies estimate that there are nearly 4.7 million dog attacks and bites per year, with approximately 20 percent resulting in medical intervention. In addition to damaged skin, broken bones, and expensive medical bills, dog bites can lead to:
- Infection
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term medical care
- Time taken from work
- Emotional distress
- Lifelong fear or trauma
Legally, the harm suffered due to an injury is known as damages. Those who have suffered damages are able to seek compensation in a legal claim. A compassionate Catoosa County dog bite lawyer may be able to help individuals understand compensable damages or legal options following a dog bite.
Statute of Limitations on Filing Claims
Anyone who has suffered a dog bite and wishes to pursue a civil claim has two years from the date of their injury to do so. This deadline, commonly known as the statute of limitations, is outlined in Georgia Code Section 9-3-33.
Failing to adhere to this deadline may be detrimental to those injured by dog bites. If a Catoosa County case related to a dog bite is filed after the two-year mark has passed, a defense attorney may move to have the case thrown out. This could result in a plaintiff being barred from seeking compensation for their injuries. For this reason, those who have been injured should connect with a dog bite lawyer relatively soon after the attack has occurred.
Who is Liable for a Dog Bite?
Georgia maintains a negligence standard for determining liability in dog attacks. This means a plaintiff, or their attorney, must demonstrate that an owner acted with negligence and that negligence resulted in a dog bite. Georgia Code § 51-2-7 states that injured people could hold the dog’s owner liable if:
- The dog was known to be dangerous or vicious
- The dog’s owner acted carelessly
- The dog was able to move “at liberty”
- The plaintiff did not provoke the dog
How a Catoosa County Dog Bite Attorney Can Help
It can difficult to determine whether the dog’s owner is liable for a bite, especially if the owner was not present or had taken safety precautions to prevent an attack from occurring. However, a detail-orientated Catoosa County dog bite lawyer could examine all the factors impacting a bite and help determine liability.
Retaining an attorney may be the first step to pursue justice and compensation for your injuries. In addition to providing emotional support, an attorney can ascertain how an injury happened and why. Answers to these questions could help your lawyer build a strong case to protect your legal interests. If you have been bitten by a dog, schedule a consultation and learn how the services of an experienced lawyer could benefit you.
