College Park Dog Bite Lawyer
There are almost 90 million dogs living in American households, and the figures reveal a gradual rising trend in the number of canines kept as pets in the US. However, even when they are treated as members of the family, it is always important to remember that dogs are animals that can be unpredictable. Statistics reveal that there are 4.5 million people bitten by dogs every year, and 885,000 of them will require medical treatment for their injuries. Sadly, children are disproportionately affected. More than 40 percent of all dog bite victims are children, and 26 percent of all dog bite fatalities are infants and toddlers.
At Zagoria Law, our attorneys are committed to fighting for victims in Georgia personal injury cases, including dog bites and animal attacks. We have more than 25 years of combined experience and in-depth knowledge of the laws, so we can develop a solid legal strategy for pursuing at-fault parties. Please contact us to schedule a no-cost consultation with a College Park dog bite lawyer, and read on for some general information.
Proving a Georgia Dog Bite Case
The relevant laws vary by state, but Georgia’s approach to dog bite claims is a variation on the “one-bite” rule that may be familiar to you. Owner can be liable if they knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous. This knowledge may stem from a prior bite or attack, but there may be other factors for proving that the dog was vicious and/or dangerous.
In addition, Georgia’s dog bite law also provides that you can recover monetary damages if the owner was careless in managing a vicious animal or allowing it to go at liberty. The statute specifically states that failure to be on a leash in violation of a local ordinance is sufficient to meet this standard.
Keep in mind that the conduct of victims is also relevant in a dog bite claim: If you were trespassing or provoked the dog, you may not recover any monetary damages.
Determining Liability After a Dog Bite
While dog owners are often the primary parties responsible when their dog bites someone, other parties may also be held liable. For example, if a landlord knew of a tenant’s aggressive dog and didn’t take measures to restrain the dog, the landlord could also be held accountable. By filing a claim against both the dog owner and other liable parties, you can increase your chances of receiving full compensation to cover your injury-related expenses.
Injuries Sustained During a Dog Bite
Dog bite injuries can range from broken bones and traumatic brain injuries, common in many personal injury cases, to more specific injuries like permanent scarring and disfigurement. Such injuries can have a lasting emotional impact on victims, leading to feelings of embarrassment or distress. You can claim compensation for both your physical and emotional injuries.
Types of Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Damages in any personal injury matter are intended to compensate victims for their losses, which may be specific and quantifiable in nature. Other losses are based upon how dog bite injuries affect your quality of life, so they are more personal and subjective. It is the goal of Zagoria Law to ensure you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve by law. Our College Park dog bite attorneys will fight to obtain:
- Costs of medical care, including hospitalization, cosmetic and corrective surgery, and pain medications;
- Lost wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Scarring and disfigurement; and
- Losses based upon how your dog bite injuries affect your personal relationships.
Talk to a College Park Dog Bite Lawyer About Your Legal Options
For more information about your rights and remedies, please contact Zagoria Law at 404.653.0023 or via our website. We are happy to set up a free case evaluation with a College Park dog bite attorney who will advise you on the legal process.
