Fort Oglethorpe Dog Bite Lawyer
Dogs may be man’s best friend but that does not mean they are always friendly. Even canines that are trained to not attack, fight, or defend a property can be violent and bite a guest or passerby under certain circumstances.
The Georgia Department of Public Health has deemed dog bites to be a demonstrated public health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.7 million people in the United States suffer dog bites each year, and of these, nearly one in five people require medical attention.
If you were injured by a dog, an experienced Fort Oglethorpe dog bite lawyer could help you recover damages. Our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys could provide legal guidance and help you seek financial compensation to recover from the attack.
Why a Dog Might Bite Someone
Dogs bites can occur in a number of situations, including innocent play. However, when a serious dog bite occurs that results in significant damages, it usually stems from a dog that is:
- Defending its owner’s property
- Protecting its possessions
- Provoked by the bite victim
- Sick or injured
Sometimes a dog may warn a victim before it bites through signs such as growling, baring its teeth, or more subtle actions such as raising the fur on its back. Other times, however, there may be no warning at all.
What are the Dog Bite Laws in Fort Oglethorpe?
Official Code of Georgia Annotated §51-2-7 specifies that owners of dogs with vicious propensities can be held liable for any injuries his or her pet causes if he or she is careless in his or her management of the dog or allow it to roam free.
Georgia has historically placed the burden of proving a dog owner knew his or her pet had a propensity for violence on claimants, often meaning he or she had to prove there was a previous bite incident. However, recent court rulings indicate that the question of whether an owner knew his or her pet was vicious may be subject to jury rule. For more information about dog bite laws, contact a Fort Oglethorpe doge bite attorney.
Damages in Dog Bite Cases
When someone is bitten by a dog, they may suffer a range of injuries and long-term effects, including pain, scarring, and nerve damage. If the bite gets infected, the victim could be at an additional risk of a serious illness or even death.
To compensate plaintiffs for their losses following a dog bite, a plaintiff can sue a defendant dog owner for compensatory damages. A seasoned lawyer has experience calculating damages for injured individuals. The two categories of compensatory damages under the law are:
- Economic damages, which can involve present and future bills for medical treatment and lost wages for time out of work
- Noneconomic damages, which can include pain and suffering, disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life
What is the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases?
For personal injuries like dog bites, Fort Oglethorpe courts allow plaintiffs two years after the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. After the statute of limitations has expired, a plaintiff could be barred from recovery. A Fort Oglethorpe dog bite lawyer could assist an injured individual with filing a claim within the statute of limitations.
Let a Fort Oglethorpe Dog Bite Attorney Help
If you were bitten by a dog, a seasoned Fort Oglethorpe dog bite lawyer could help you hold the owner responsible and secure compensation for the medical bills you incurred from a dog bite. Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to navigate this specific area of law.
Whether you need simple advice or need to build a civil case, our lawyers could work to understand the details of your situation, estimate your potential compensation, gather and file the proper evidence, and negotiate on your behalf.
