Decatur Dog Bite Lawyer
While you can probably guess that dogs are among the most popular pets in American households, statistics are a good source of facts and trends. The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that around 70 percent of US families own a dog, which is approximately 90 million homes. This figure is up from 67 percent in 2019 and represents a 14 percent increase over the number of canine-owning households in 1988. Not surprisingly, the number of dog bites has also been steadily rising. Recent data indicates that more than 4.5 million people are bitten every year in the US.
The physical, financial, and emotional implications of a dog bite can be devastating, so it is a comfort to know that Georgia personal injury laws protect your interests. Compensation is available for injured victims, and Zagoria Law will assist with the legal process. Please contact our firm to set up a complimentary case review with a Decatur dog bite lawyer who can explain details. Some background information is also helpful.
Things to Know About Dog Bite Claims in Georgia
These cases fall under state personal injury laws, so many of the same concepts apply to dog bite claims. For instance, the statute of limitations for these matters is two years. You must file a lawsuit in court before the deadline expires, or you lose your right to sue the dog’s owner.
Some details about Georgia dog bite laws should highlight other key points:
- You may have grounds to pursue a claim if you suffered dog bite injuries while the animal was running freely or not on a leash in violation of local ordinances.
- If the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous, you may qualify to recover damages. This aspect of the law is similar to what you might know as the “one-bite” rule.
- Your claim will be barred if you were trespassing when the dog bit you, or if you provoked the animal into attacking.
Compensation for Injured Victims
Monetary damages in a Georgia dog bite claim are based upon your losses and how your injuries have impacted your life. In most cases, your first step will be filing a claim with the owner’s insurance company. Our Decatur dog bite attorneys are prepared to handle the process, including settlement negotiations. If the insurance company refuses to pay fair compensation, we will file a lawsuit.
It is our objective at Zagoria Law to recover the full range of monetary damages available in a dog bite claim, whether we are dealing with an insurer or fighting on your behalf in court. You may be eligible for:
- Medical expenses;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional anguish; and
- Scarring and disfigurement.
Set Up a Consultation with a Decatur Dog Bite Lawyer Today
An overview about Georgia laws is useful, but it is wise to retain experienced legal counsel for assistance with specific tasks. For more information, please contact Zagoria Law at 404.653.0023 or via our website. We can schedule a no-cost consultation with a Decatur dog bite attorney who can advise you on next steps.
