Hapeville Dog Bite Lawyer
From the date that they were first domesticated up to 40,000 years ago, dogs have played an important role in human history. The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that almost 70 percent of American households have a canine member of the family, for a total of 77 million dogs in the US. Considering the sheer volume, you can probably guess that dog bites are a serious problem. Fortunately, Georgia is one of 29 states that has a law on the books holding owners liable when their own misconduct leads to injuries.
Our team at Zagoria Law is knowledgeable about state dog bite laws and skilled at developing legal strategies to protect victims. We are prepared to guide you through the legal process, from dealing with insurance companies to pursuing at-fault parties in court. Please contact us today to set up a no-cost consultation with a Hapeville dog bite lawyer. Some background information may also help you understand the basics.
Guide to Georgia Dog Bite Laws
The first thing to note is that Georgia lawmakers have enacted a statute covering dog bites and animal attacks, and the law is a mix in terms of liability. Some of the key points include:
- The statute encompasses a provision akin to the “one-bite” rule. A dog’s owner can be held accountable for carelessly managing the dog if it had attacked in the past.
- Owners of vicious dogs are also liable for injuries to victims. The statute provides that one way of proving vicious propensities is evidence that the dog was not on a leash as required by local ordinance.
- Victims may be barred from recovering compensation if their own misconduct was a factor. You cannot seek monetary damages if you were trespassing or provoking the dog into biting.
Tips for Handling a Dog Bite Claim
You can trust our Hapeville dog bite attorneys at Zagoria Law to handle all essential tasks to get the compensation you deserve. Our first steps will be conducting an investigation and filing an insurance claim. We will advocate on your behalf during settlement negotiations, but we are equally prepared to take your case to court.
Plus, by following a few tips on what to do after a dog bite, you can support our efforts:
- Get proper medical attention right away. Delays send the message that you were not hurt badly.
- Do not discuss the details of the attack with an insurance company. The information you provide could give the agent grounds to deny your claim.
- Never sign a release or other documentation provided by an insurer. You could give up important rights.
Contact a Hapeville Dog Bite Lawyer to Discuss Your Remedies
One of the most important takeaways from this overview is that legal representation is essential for pursuing your legal remedies. To learn more about them, please call Zagoria Law at 404.653.0023 or check us out online. We are happy to schedule a free case review with one of our Hapeville dog bite attorneys who can evaluate your situation and explain what to expect.
