Being attacked by a dog can be a terrifying and traumatic experience. Unfortunately, it is far too common for many people. It is estimated that 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year. To make matters worse, over half of those dog bite victims are children. Dog bites are rarely the result of a random attack. People most often suffer attacks by dogs they know, such as a neighbor’s or family friend’s dog.
Dog bites are usually accompanied by mounting medical bills and may take months or years for recovery. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, filing a claim against the responsible party may be necessary. Before filing a claim, however, you should understand the different circumstances that can affect a dog bite claim.
Dog Bites
Dog bites happen for many different reasons throughout the United States, and Atlanta is no exception. Often, dog bites are the result of negligence on the part of the owner. Unfortunately, many owners know their dog is dangerous but fail to take steps to prevent an attack on others. Many dog owners in Atlanta also fail to adhere to the city’s leash laws, which can qualify as negligence.
However, sometimes dog bites happen even when the owner is not negligent. Dogs can also attack out of fear or because they are protecting something valuable to them. The circumstances of a dog bite will determine whether you have a valid legal claim. An experienced personal injury and dog bite lawyer can determine if you have a case. Contact Greathouse Trial Law, LLC today for a free consultation. We will help you determine if you have a valid claim and the appropriate next step for you.
What You Need to Know About Dog Bite Claims
Typically, after a dog bite, the owner’s insurance company will investigate what happened. In Georgia, there are multiple defenses available to dog owners in these situations. Typically, a dog owner or their insurance company will use one of the following defenses:
- Provocation
- Trespassing
- Negligence on the part of the victim
An experienced dog bite attorney will investigate the circumstances of your dog bite and determine if the owner or insurance company has a valid defense.
You don’t have to file a lawsuit after consulting with a dog bite attorney. But your attorney may be able to negotiate a favorable settlement without going to court. The owner or insurance company will likely try to use one of the available defenses in Georgia to attempt to dismiss the case or to justify a much lower settlement than you deserve.
Do You Have a Case?
If you or someone you know has suffered a dog bite injury, you may have a valid case against the owner or their insurance company. Depending on the circumstances, you might be able to file a successful claim based on negligence on the part of the owner or premises liability.
It is essential to know that you must file the claim before the statute of limitations has expired; otherwise, you will not be able to receive any compensation. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years. Dog bites share this two-year statute of limitations. Regardless, act swiftly after a dog bite. Over time, it becomes more difficult to compile all pertinent evidence and make a compelling argument. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate the claim and evidence and any additional circumstances to determine if you have a valid and robust case.
How Much Is Your Case Worth?
The short answer is, it depends. Each claim is different, and the particular circumstances will determine the result. In a successful claim, compensation will be based primarily on the verifiable losses you suffered, the specific circumstances of the dog bite, and potential additional factors. At Greathouse Trial Law, LLC, our attorneys will explain all factors affecting your claim during your free consultation. You don’t have to figure out complicated Georgia law on your own. We will help you through every step of the process. We have a successful record representing dog bite victims and can help you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
We serve clients throughout the Greater Atlanta, Georgia area, and we look forward to working with you. Contact our Greathouse Trial Law team today by calling us at (678) 310-2827 to schedule your consultation with a member of our competent attorney team. You can also fill out our online contact form located here.
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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Greathouse Trial Law, LLC
260 Peachtree Street NW
Suite 803
Atlanta, GA 30303
(678) 310-2827
https://atltriallaw.com/
