Fulton County Dog Bite Lawyer
While most domesticated animals are not inherently vicious, they still have to be trained to act reasonably around other people. Untrained or out of control dogs can be a danger to strangers, their owners, and themselves. Georgia holds a dog’s owner legally responsible for his dog’s bite if an injured party can prove that the dog owner knew or should have known of the dog’s propensity to bite.
This is often done by showing that the dog has bitten another individual through the one-bite rule. If you or your child was attacked and received an unprovoked dog bite in Georgia, you should consider contacting a Fulton County dog bite lawyer for a consultation to learn about your legal options. Read on to learn more about how a skilled injury attorney could offer you their assistance today.
When is a Dog Owner Liable for an Attack?
A dog’s owner can be liable for injuries caused by a dog attack or bite, so long as the dog is considered dangerous and the dog owner’s negligence ultimately resulted in the dog not being controlled. A dog’s owner can also be held liable if an ordinance that required the dog to be at heel or on a leash was violated and the dog was not at heel or on a leash at the time that it attacked. The Fulton County Ordinance Code section 34-205 provides that dogs cannot leave their owner’s premises without a leash that extends more than six feet and without being under the control of a competent individual.
However, provocation for the bite can alter a dog owner’s liability after his or her dog has bitten someone. An injured individual is not entitled to recover damages if she or he provoked the attack that led to the bite. When there are issues surrounding whether an individual provoked an attack and/or whether the owner had control at the time of the bite, it is necessary to contact an experienced Fulton County dog bite lawyer. Reach out to a qualified injury attorney today to learn more.
What is the Statute of Limitations in Dog Bite Cases?
The statute of limitations is the time limit, after an incident occurred, which gives rise to a personal injury claim, that the victim has to file a claim in court. When claims are not filed within the established time limit, they are likely going to be dismissed as untimely if and/or when they are filed in court. In Georgia dog bite cases, an injured victim has two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit. The only instances in which the statute of limitations may, essentially, be paused is when the injured victim is a minor or the individual has been deemed incompetent by the court at the time of the incident.
Reach Out to a Fulton County Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to an attack by a dog, do not hesitate to talk to a dedicated Fulton County dog bite lawyer who can examine all of the aspects of your case, advise you on your best legal options going forward, and fight for the compensation you deserve.