Dalton Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been bitten seriously but a dog, it may be advisable to speak with a Dalton dog bite lawyer to determine whether a claim may be brought against the dog’s owner.

Our experienced attorneys can analyze the specific circumstances that lead to the dog bite including information about your actions, the owner’s actions, and the dog’s history. Together, we can sort through the important facts that may have a bearing on your case.

Dog Owner’s Negligence

Georgia, like several other states, generally absolves a dog owner of liability for the first biting incident, as long as the owner had no reason to believe the dog had a propensity to bite. Georgia codified this rule in Ga. Code Ann. 51-2-7 (2010), which mandates that, for an owner to be held liable, the owner must know that the dog was vicious or dangerous, and nevertheless allowed the dog to go at liberty.

While this may seem difficult to establish, the statute created an alternative means to prove liability by showing that the dog was required by local ordinance to be at heel or on a leash. Therefore, if the dog was required to be on a leash and was not, this fact may be sufficient to satisfy the criteria for liability under Georgia law. A Dalton dog bite injury attorney may help determine whether a cause of action against the owner may be maintained under the facts presented.

Comparative Negligence

The statute also states that an injured party may not recover if he or she provokes the injury through his or her actions. Thus, a person teasing or otherwise causing a dog to bite may be barred from recovery. However, Georgia also employs a comparative negligence rule that may allow the person to recover compensation for his or her injuries so long as he or she is not more than 50 percent at fault.

Therefore, if an owner may otherwise be liable under the statute, such liability may be excused if the injured claimant was at least as much at fault as the owner for the injury. A Dalton dog bite injury lawyer might be useful in helping determine whether a claim may go forward considering the facts as a whole.

Statute of Limitations

Georgia requires that an action based on the negligence of a dog owner begin within two years of the incident. It is easy to lose track of time after a serious injury, but consulting with a Dalton dog bite lawyer can help ensure the case proceeds in a timely manner.

Recoverable Damages in Dalton

Some dog bites are nothing more than a minor pain and inconvenience. Others can lead to serious injury or infection and in rare cases even death. A dog bite attorney in Dalton may be able to help recover losses associated with a dog bite, including:

• Medical expenses
• Damages for pain and suffering
• Lost present and future wages due to injury

Contact a Dalton Dog Bite Attorney Today

Although dogs are lovingly referred to as man’s best friend, we all know that is not always the case. Dog bites can be scary, painful, and cause permanent scarring or injury.

To ensure that your rights after a dog bite are protected, you may want to speak with a Dalton dog bite injury lawyer as soon as possible. Call today to set up a free consultation.