Dogs are our friends and companions, but when their owners fail to control them and they attack, their strong jaws and sharp teeth can cause severe damage. A dog bite can leave permanent scarring and loss of functionality, as well as create emotional trauma.
If you have a dog bite injury, contact Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A., today. Treatment for dog bites can be expensive, and mental scarring can last long past the immediate aftermath of the incident. You deserve a personal injury attorney who will fight for your interests and pursue the at-fault owner for financial compensation. Contact our office online or call today to schedule a free case consultation with a dog bite lawyer in Augusta, GA.
Introduction to Dog Bite Law in Augusta, GA
Georgia’s dog bite laws differ from those of many other states. Victims must be aware of these rules and how they could affect a personal injury claim.
Brief Overview of Georgia’s Dog Bite Laws
Unlike many other states, dog owners in Georgia are not strictly liable for dog bites. Owners are only liable if three things are true:
- The dog is a dangerous animal
- The owner was careless in managing the dog
- The injured person did not provoke the attack
Georgia law defines a dangerous dog as one that has previously seriously injured someone and displays aggressive behaviors that constitute an immediate risk. The law further clarifies that the injuries must be severe and that growling and barking alone do not constitute aggressive behavior.
The Importance of Seeking Legal Representation
Georgia puts a relatively high bar on bite victims to prove the owner’s fault compared to other states. If a case is not airtight, the owner may be able to argue innocence, which could complicate recovering compensation for your injuries. An experienced dog bite attorney understands how these dog bite laws apply to your case and will argue for the owner’s guilt.
Identifying the Responsible Parties in a Dog Bite Case
In most cases, the person who owns or keeps a dog is responsible for bites. Dog keepers are usually the owners but, depending on the circumstances, may also include dog walkers, trainers, or groomers.
Dog Owner Liability and Negligence
Many states have a one-bite rule stating that owners must previously know about their dog’s aggressive behavior to be liable. Georgia’s law is different – owners must both know about their dog’s aggressive disposition and be negligent in containing or controlling them. Negligence is the crucial element you need to demonstrate owner liability. For instance, a dog owner would be negligent if they knew their dog had a tendency to knock people over and did not leash them.
Landlord Liability for Tenant’s Dogs
Some other states may hold landlords liable for dog bites if they knew about the dog and did not take steps to remove them, but this standard generally does not apply in Georgia. State law generally frees landlords from liability in torts involving illegal or negligent uses of their properties. As such, a landlord is typically not liable for their tenant’s dog’s actions.
Legal Steps Following a Dog Bite Injury in Augusta, GA
It’s important to take specific steps after a dog bite injury to maximize your chances of a successful claim.
What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite Incident
After a dog bite, the first thing to do is get medical attention. Dog bites can cause severe and life-threatening injuries, so prioritize your health and see a doctor right away. Once there, gather as much medical documentation about your injuries as possible, including imaging, X-rays, lab reports, and hospital bills.
Reporting the Incident: Whom to Contact
You should also report the case to the police. The police can generate an accident report you can refer to when making an insurance claim. You can also contact animal control to report the dog and see if the dog has had a previous incident or has been designated a dangerous dog.
Gathering and Preserving Evidence for Your Claim
The strength of your claim depends on the strength of the evidence you present. Typical evidence in a dog bite case includes photos, videos, animal control reports, and testimony of the animal’s previous behavior and the owner’s knowledge.
Navigating Insurance Claims Versus Filing a Lawsuit
Typically, you will file a liability claim with the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance. If the insurance company denies your claim or won’t provide adequate compensation, we can file a formal lawsuit to recover your money.
Understanding Compensation in Dog Bite Cases
Compensation you can recover after a dog bite is proportional to the scope and severity of your injuries. Our strategy is to pursue the maximum compensation to recover as much of your losses as possible.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
Financial compensation for a dog bite can be divided into tangible or economic losses and intangible or non-economic losses:
- Medical Expenses and Rehabilitative Costs – A settlement can cover your emergency medical bills, surgery costs, rehabilitative costs, and continuing medical expenses.
- Lost Income and Loss of Earning Capacity – If your injury prevents you from working, compensation can include lost earnings from missing work. You can also recover compensation for lost future income if you have to change jobs or can no longer work at full capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – You can also recover money for the conscious physical pain and suffering that you suffered as a result of your injuries.
- Punitive Damages in Severe Cases – Georgia law allows courts to levy punitive damages if the owner displayed willful malice or wanton recklessness.
Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A., to Help with Your Dog Bite Claim
The attorneys at Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A., are dedicated to pursuing justice for those injured in dog bite incidents. Dog owners should not get away with their irresponsible behavior, and we can hold them accountable under the law. We believe that the law should protect the vulnerable and will do everything in our power to help you recover your losses after a dog bite injury. Contact Us online or call today to see how our personal injury lawyers in Augusta, GA, can help your case.
