It’s common knowledge that dogs make excellent companion animals, and they’re often referred to as “man’s best friend.” While Atlantans usually approve of canines, it’s crucial to keep in mind that even friendly dogs may become aggressive and attack people without provocation. Attacks by dogs and dog bite is preventable in many cases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4.5 million Americans are attacked by dogs annually (CDC). Victims of ferocious dog bites may need extensive medical attention after sustaining injuries such as severe scars or even amputations.
Details to Remember
Victims of dog attacks or bites in Georgia may file a claim for damages against negligent dog owners or caregivers. The same holds true if a dog’s owner or keeper knows of the dog’s aggressive tendencies but does nothing to correct them. Likewise, if a dog is carelessly allowed to go free, the victim may file a claim for damages.
- In the event of a dog attack or bite in the state of Georgia, the victim may file a civil lawsuit against the irresponsible dog’s owner or keeper for damages.
- If the owner can be shown to have been aware of the dog’s dangerous tendencies, or if the owner broke local leash or restraint rules by failing to properly secure the dog, then the owner may be held accountable for any injuries caused by the dog. The injured person must also be able to prove that they were not the one who provoked the dog.
- Dogs are generally considered to be good citizens under Georgia law until proven differently. This means you can’t win your case by pointing to the dog’s breed as proof.
- To back up your allegation, you will gather evidence and testimonials from witnesses such as nearby residents, the animal control department, and the local government. If the dog’s owner broke any local or state regulations, it will be looked into as well.
- Dog owners have the right and responsibility to protect the safety of others from their pets.
“First Bite” Rule
Georgia is one of several jurisdictions that uses the “one bite rule” to determine who is at blame in dog bite cases. This school of thinking holds that unless shown otherwise, a dog owner receives the benefit of the doubt that their pet is not dangerous.
When the owner of a dog has cause to suspect that the dog constitutes a threat to others, he or she must take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of others around the dog. In spite of the fact that the “one bite rule” says that a dog owner is not liable for an unexpected first bite, it might be argued that the dog demonstrated other behavior (such as growling) that should have warned the victim of the fact that the dog was dangerous.
Dog attack victims who attempt to sue their neighbors, acquaintances, or family frequently experience extreme embarrassment and remorse. Many dog attacks are covered by the homeowner’s insurance policies of irresponsible dog owners, and a personal injury attorney in Atlanta will know how to negotiate with insurers to make sure victims get the money they need to pay for their medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Rules for Careless Management
The legislation makes it plain that a dog bite victim must prove that the dog’s owner or custodian “carelessly handled” a dog by allowing it to “go at liberty,” in addition to establishing that the dog was violent or dangerous. Finally, the injured party must show that he or she did not start a fight with the dog. As you can see, the burden is put on the victim to show culpability for a dog bite injury.
Rules for Dangerous or Aggressive Dogs
A dog owner has legal recourse when their pet attacks a human, but only under certain conditions. First, the dog must be regarded as “vicious” or “dangerous” by a reasonable person in order for the owner to be held accountable, as the legislation implies. If the dog in question has a history of biting people or is mandated to be on a leash by local law, the injured party will have enough evidence to prove the dog was dangerous.
Regulations for the Registration of Dogs in Certain Breeds
Any dog that has been identified as dangerous or possibly hazardous must be registered with the state.
Proving a Dog Bite Case in Georgia
In Georgia, a dog bite victim has to establish the following to get compensation:
- There is a threat posed by the dog.
- This business’s owner was reckless.
- The injured person did nothing to provoke the dog.
Douglasville Dog Bite Lawyer – Sherrod & Bernard, P.C.
It is to your best advantage to get legal representation as quickly as you can if you or a loved one in Douglasville, GA experienced significant injuries as a consequence of a dog attack.
Sherrod & Bernard P.C, Douglasville Dog Bite Lawyer, can handle all of your legal matters so you may concentrate on getting well. Get in touch with Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. personal injury lawyers at 678-905-5478 right now to schedule your free first consultation.
