A Legal Perspective on Vicious or Aggressive Dogs
Animals can be cherished members of a household, but some of them are also capable of undesirable behavior, exhibiting aggression that poses a threat to others. In legal terms, there are statutes and regulations in place when it comes to defining a dog as vicious or dangerous.
A seasoned Atlanta dog bite lawyer can walk you through the liabilities associated with aggressive dogs. When you want to hold a dangerous dog owner accountable, it’s important to understand what constitutes a vicious or aggressive dog under the law, when an owner might be held liable, and what avenues are available when it comes to seeking financial relief.
Declaring an Animal Dangerous
In Georgia, statutes define a vicious or dangerous dog as one that has inflicted severe injury on a person without provocation or an animal that has been declared as such by a local governing authority. Additionally, a dog can be labeled as vicious if it presents a threat of severe injury due to its behavior. This broad definition encompasses various scenarios, from outright attacks to menacing behavior that suggests a potential danger.
Several factors come into play when determining liability after a dog attack. Firstly, owners are expected to exercise reasonable care in preventing their dogs from causing harm. If an owner knows or should have known about their dog’s aggressive tendencies and fails to take appropriate precautions, they may be held responsible for any resulting injuries. There are also city ordinances that mandate that a dog be leashed in public spaces, and if an owner violates this ordinance leading to an attack, it will strengthen the case against them.
A history of prior incidents also can significantly impact a case. If there is evidence that the dog has previously bitten someone or exhibited behaviors that clearly creates a risk for others, it fortifies an injured party’s argument that the owner was aware of the dog’s dangerous propensities. This history not only establishes a pattern of behavior but also underscores the owner’s negligence in adequately controlling the dog.
Expenses Related to Dog Attacks
Accessing financial relief is essential for many animal attack victims. They need the monetary funds to cope with medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. If this is true for you, there may be a path to pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner.
Establishing liability and proving the extent of damages is not easy, but an Atlanta dog bite lawyer has the expertise you need. An attorney will leverage their knowledge of relevant statutes and precedents in order to build a compelling case on your behalf. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies or representing clients in court, a lawyer serves as a dedicated advocate throughout the legal process.
Were you bit by a dog with a history of aggressive behavior? Understanding the distinctions of animal behaviors under Georgia law is essential for both dog owners and bite victims. Connect with attorneys at Zagoria Law to learn more. Contact us to discuss your case.
