Vinings Dog Bite Lawyer
Bites from dogs of any size and breed can cause serious injuries. Larger animals may break bones and cause deep cuts when they attack, but even bites from smaller dogs can result in severe infections and scarring. While Georgia’s laws concerning dog bites are complex, a professional Vinings dog bite lawyer could help you navigate the legal system, determine if a dog’s owner is liable for their animal’s actions, and pursue the appropriate compensation. Read on to learn more about what a skilled injury attorney could do for you.
When are Dog Owners Liable?
A dog owner in Vinings, Georgia whose dog bites someone may be considered either strictly liable or negligent in the eyes of the law depending upon the facts of one’s injury case. Georgia’s strict liability statute states that any individual who keeps a vicious or dangerous animal and allows it to roam free is responsible for any damages caused by that animal. If a plaintiff can prove that the owner knew their dog was dangerous, the law assumes that the owner is responsible. A dog can be considered dangerous if the bite occurs in public and the dog was not on a leash when the law required it.
Determining Negligence
The plaintiff in a Vinings dog bite case can also argue that the dog’s owner was negligent in their control of the animal. This has nothing to do with the dog’s propensity for violence but instead examines the owner’s actions prior to the bite. If the dog was improperly restrained, a negligence claim may be a more effective means to recover damages. In addition to proving the case, a plaintiff must also satisfy the statute of limitations that determines when a lawsuit must be filed. According to GA Code 9-3-33, all claims for personal injury must be filed no more than two years from the date of the injury. If this time limit passes, a plaintiff will be unable to recover anything from the dog owner.
Recoverable Damages
In many situations, dog bites can be unexpectedly serious. Dogs’ mouths are often filled with millions of bacteria, which means bites have a strong chance to become infected. Furthermore, a bite may leave permanent scarring. More serious attacks can leave individuals with more immediate concerns, which may include:
- Deep cuts
- Loss of blood
- Broken bones
- Contusions
- Separated joints
- Severed tendons
Such severe injuries from an attack can result in not just immediate medical concerns, but may also require the injured plaintiff to miss time at work. In addition, severe attacks may result in emotional trauma that affects someone’s quality of life. Know that a professional Vinings dog bite lawyer can help those who have suffered these injuries through aggressive legal representation in court.
How a Vinings Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
Any dog bite is a serious matter. The owners of the dog may know their dog had a violent past and have done nothing to prevent an attack, but even if the dog had no history of aggression, the owner may still be negligent in their handling of the animal. An experienced Vinings dog bite lawyer may be able to identify the legal theory that gives your dog bite case the best chances of success. Reach out to a weathered injury attorney today to schedule a consultation and get started on your case.
