Dunwoody Dog Bite Lawyer
Experts estimate that dogs were domesticated up to 40,000 years ago, and they remain a big part of the American family due to loyalty and unconditional love. However far they may have descended from an evolutionary standpoint, canines can still be dangerous. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 344,000 people visit hospital emergency departments for dog bites every year. Plus, more than 70 percent of victims who suffered fatal injuries did not receive them from a family pet, revealing that the risks are all around you.
Georgia laws provide you with options if you were hurt from a dog bite or other animal attack, so you may qualify to recover compensation for your losses. You can best leverage your rights when you have an experienced Dunwoody dog bite lawyer to assist with the legal process. Please contact Zagoria Law today to schedule a free consultation. You can also learn more about your remedies by reviewing some background information.
5 Things to Know About Georgia Dog Bite Laws
The details are complicated, but some key points about these cases can help you understand liability for dog bites.
- Georgia’s statute holds owners accountable when a vicious, dangerous dog causes injuries.
- A dog is considered “vicious” if it was not on a leash in violation of city, county, or local ordinance.
- A prior bite or attack is also evidence of the dog’s vicious nature, so the owner can be liable for being careless in managing the animal.
- Misconduct by the victim is also a factor in a Georgia dog bite claim. You cannot recover compensation if you were trespassing when attacked, or if you provoked the animal.
- Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases applies to dog bite cases. You have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit in court.
Calculating Damages in a Dog Bite Case
Compensation in a personal injury matter is measured by your losses and how your injuries impact your quality of life. You may qualify to recover amounts for:
- Your medical costs, including surgery, cosmetic and corrective procedures, and hospitalization;
- Lost wages, if you missed work because of dog bite injuries;
- Pain and suffering;
- Scarring and disfigurement; and
- Emotional distress.
To recover monetary damages for these losses, you will typically file an insurance claim. Zagoria Law will deal with the insurer and attempt to settle out of court. If the insurer refuses to pay an amount sufficient to cover your losses, our Dunwoody dog bite attorneys will take your case to court.
Count on a Dunwoody Dog Bite Lawyer to Protect Your Rights
A summary of the laws is important, but this information should impress upon you the importance of retaining solid legal representation. At Zagoria Law, our team is experienced in pursuing owners and getting fair compensation for your losses. Please call 404.653.0023 or go online today to set up a no-cost case assessment with a Dunwoody dog bite attorney.
