Buckhead Dog Bite Lawyer
Dogs are a part of the family for households across America, and statistics indicate that these four-legged friends are growing in popularity. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), 70 percent US households have a dog, an increase of 56 percent from 1988. This rise in ownership also impacts the frequency of dog bites. Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year and, though just 1 in 5 require medical attention, there are still 940 visits to the emergency room every day.
Dog bite victims sustain significant emotional and financial losses in addition to the physical pain. Fortunately, Georgia law provides legal options if you were hurt or lost a loved one. Zagoria Law is committed to helping clients recover compensation and get their lives back after a brutal attack. Please contact us to set up a free case evaluation with a Buckhead dog bite lawyer who can explain the process. A summary of the laws is also useful.
Things to Know About Georgia Dog Bite Cases
At the outset, you should note that Georgia has a statute on dangerous dogs. The law incorporates a form of liability you may know as the “one-bite” rule: Owners are liable when they know or should know that the dog is dangerous, and they are careless in managing the animal. A prior bite or attack would put the owner on notice about the risks.
However, the statute also covers situations where the dog did not show aggression in the past. Owners can be held accountable for vicious dogs; not having the dog on a leash as required by local ordinance is proof of vicious propensities.
In addition, keep in mind that:
- Your own conduct could impact your rights. If you were trespassing at the time or provoked the dog into attacking, you are barred from recovering compensation.
- Georgia’s statute of limitations applies to dog bite claims. You have two years to sue in court, and the clock starts ticking the date of the attack.
How You Can Support Your Claim
You can rely on Zagoria Law to handle the legal process, which starts by filing an insurance claim under the owner’s policy. If the company refuses to pay a fair amount, our Buckhead dog bite attorneys will file a lawsuit in court within the two-year deadline. Still, there are some tasks you can take on to support our efforts:
- Seek medical care right away, either at an emergency room, urgent care center, or your own physician.
- Do not discuss the details of the incident with an insurance agent.
- Never sign a release or other document provided by the insurance company.
Consult with a Buckhead Dog Bite Lawyer About Your Remedies
These tips on what to do after an animal attack are useful, but the most important takeaway is retaining qualified legal help. Our team at Zagoria Law has three decades of combined experience representing victims, so please call 404.653.0023 or go online to schedule a no-cost consultation. A Buckhead dog bite attorney can advise you after assessing your circumstances.
