Posted on Friday, April 17th, 2020 at 5:32 am
Dog bite attacks can cause serious injuries, especially if the victim is a child. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, it is important that you understand the laws and liability for dog bite cases. The experienced personal injury team at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. has zealously represented the victims of dog bite attacks throughout Atlanta and is here to provide the legal guidance you need after an attack. Call the office or contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Georgia Dog Bite Law
Like many states, Georgia law requires negligence when it comes to liability fordog bite attacks and other injuries caused by animals. In order to hold an owner liable for the injuries caused by their pet, the victim must be able to show that the owner knew or should have known that the animal was vicious or dangerous and acted negligently to protect others from harm. Negligence can include walking a dog off leash when there is a leash ordinance, letting the dog go at liberty around a neighborhood, or not sequestering a known dangerous animal in another room when guests are over. Furthermore, the law requires proof that the injured person did not provoke the animal into attacking and causing harm.
When can You File a Dog Bite Claim?
Like most personal injury claims in Georgia, the victim of a dog bite attack has two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for compensation in court. Known as the statute of limitations, if the case is filed after the two year deadline it can be thrown out and the victim barred from collecting any compensation for their injuries. This is particularly important if the victim of the attack is a child because they will need substantial care now and into the future for their injuries.
Compensation for Dog Bite Attacks
A dog bite attack can cause severe injuries and require long-term care after an accident. Compensation for dog bite attacks can include damages for both economic and noneconomic losses incurred by the victim as a result of the attack. Economic damages include all out of pocket expenses like current and future medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and the loss of future income and benefits. Noneconomic damage compensates the victim for all disfigurement, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and emotional distress caused by the attack. In the worst cases, where a dog fatally attacks a person, the family of the deceased can also seek compensation for wrongful death.
Contact Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C.
At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., we take cases of dog bite attacks seriously and will zealously advocate for the compensation you deserve for your injuries. If you or someone you know has suffered injuries from a dog bite, call the office or contact us today to schedule a free evaluation of your case.