Dog Bite

Unexpected bite? Don’t suffer in silence. We help dog bite victims recover medical costs and emotional distress. Get back on your feet with peace of mind.

DOG BITE LAWYERS LOCATED IN
AUSTELL, GEORGIA

Dogs of all breeds can cause devastating and sometimes even catastrophic and fatal injuries. Children are especially susceptible to serious injuries from a dog.

Dog bite claims in Georgia can present some unique challenges and it is important to hire a lawyer who has experience handling dog bite cases and knows the laws in Georgia and what you are required to prove in order to successfully bring a claim.

WHAT IS LEGALLY REQUIRED TO BRING A CLAIM FOR A DOG BITE?

Costs and expenses in a dog bite case can add up quickly and you may often find yourself facing large medical bills.

Georgia law, O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7, states the following:

“A person who owns or keeps a vicious or dangerous animal of any kind and who, by careless management or by allowing the animal to go at liberty, causes injury to another person who does not provoke the injury by his own act may be liable in damages to the person so injured. In proving vicious propensity, it shall be sufficient to show that the animal was required to be at heel or on a leash by an ordinance of a city, county, or consolidated government, and the said animal was at the time of the occurrence not at heel or on a leash. The foregoing sentence shall not apply to domesticated fowl including roosters with spurs. The foregoing sentence shall not apply to domesticated livestock.”

In addition to the statute above, under Georgia law, in order for a dog bite claim to be successful, the victim must also show that either the owner of the dog knew of the dog’s vicious propensities prior the attack, or that they failed to comply with an applicable leash law by keeping their animal under proper control.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU OR A FAMILY MEMBER SUFFERS A DOG BITE?

If you or a family member was bitten by someone else’s dog, there are certain steps you can take to help make sure that you protect and preserve evidence for a claim:

WHAT TYPE OF COMPENSATION CAN I RECOVER IN A DOG BITE CLAIM?

In Georgia, you are entitled to recover for both special and general damages.

Costs and expenses in a dog bite case can add up quickly and you may often find yourself facing large medical bills. In addition, dog bites can be extremely painful and can often require a long time to heal.

Your damages from a dog bite might include:

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO BRING A CLAIM FOR A DOG BITE?

Every claim in Georgia has a set time limit in which it can be brought. This time limit is referred to as the statute of limitations. This is essentially the time limit in which you have to file a claim or lawsuit. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for dog bite claims is typically two years from the date of the injury.

There are situations where your time to bring a claim may be longer or shorter depending upon certain facts. It is important that you consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.

Not only do you want to protect your right to bring a claim, but time is the enemy of all evidence. A lawyer can help you preserve evidence by:

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW IF YOU CAN BRING A CLAIM FOR A DOG BITE CASE, CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.

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Dog bites can leave more than just physical scars.

At Starrett & Harris Injury Law, we understand the emotional and financial impact these incidents can have on your life. Our experienced team is dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve, ensuring your path to recovery is smooth and just.

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FAQ

Insurance companies prioritize their bottom line, not your well-being. Their initial offer might seem tempting, but it likely won’t cover the full extent of your damages, both current and future. An experienced lawyer will ensure your rights are protected and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

The sooner, the better. Evidence can fade over time, and witness accounts become less reliable. A lawyer can start building your case immediately, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.

Beyond immediate medical bills, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, rehabilitation costs, and future medical expenses. A thorough investigation conducted by your lawyer will uncover the full scope of your damages.

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The complexity of your case, severity of injuries, and cooperation of involved parties all play a role. However, we’ll work diligently to resolve your case as quickly and efficiently as possible, while ensuring a fair outcome.

Everything matters! Keep copies of police reports, medical bills, receipts for related expenses, photographs of the accident scene and your injuries, and any witness statements you can gather. This documentation will be crucial when building your case.

Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront, and our fees are only collected if we win your case.