Attacked By A Dog? Don’t Let Irresponsible Dog Owners Get Away with It
You have rights if you are a victim of a dog attack.
Are you or a loved one hurt from a dog bite? Contact me today for a free consultation?
I, like many other people, enjoy the companionship associated with domesticated dogs and cats. However, there are many ill-trained pets and irresponsible pet owners out there. If you are attacked by a dog, you can be left with considerable injuries ranging from contusions, scratches, nerve damage, infections, broken bones, all the way to psychological trauma. Although some physical injuries do completely heal over time, many physical and mental scars can be permanent.
On top of that, you may be left with considerable financial burdens stemming from your medical expenses and lost wages. You may also have to deal with continuous pain and suffering.
Being bitten by a dog can be extremely traumatic, no matter what your age or size. It can leave you afraid of dogs and other animals. It could even affect your relationship with other people, especially if they are a pet owner.
I will review your dog bite or dog attack case at no charge. I have helped children, adults, and seniors recover for medical bills, puncture and tear wounds, pain and suffering and physical and emotional scars associated with dog bite injuries.
A dog bite or attack is a traumatic experience. You have to cope with the physical and mental trauma. The last thing you need is to add to your stress by worrying about how you will pay for your losses.
Dog Bite Statistics
Dog bites are a serious public safety issue and is a bigger problem than many people recognize until a dog attack affects them personally. A dog attack can leave physical and emotional scars. The following statistics illuminate the scope of the problem:
- Almost 20 percent of dog bite victims require medical attention according to the National Canine Research Council.
- Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the US according to the Centers for Disease Control.
- 31 dog bite related deaths occurred in 2016.
- According to the National Safety Council, you have a 1 in 112,400 chance of being killed by a dog attack or dog mauling.
- Dogs who are not spayed or neutered are involved in the most bite accidents.
- in 2014, over $530 million was paid by insurance companies on liability claims.
2016 Fatal Dog Attacks by Breed
Georgia Law Regarding Dog Bites and Dog Attacks
Traditionally under common law, liability for a dog bite fell under the so-called "one bite rule" (the "common law rule" or the "first bite free" doctrine). This "one bite rule" holds the owner of a dog liable for harm if he either knew or should have known that the dog had the tendency to cause such harm. The rule imposes strict liability, whether or not there was a prior bite, if the defendant knew or should have known that dog previously behaved in a way toward a human being that would alert a reasonable person that the dog had the desire or tendency to hurt someone. The Georgia Supreme Court reiterated in Steagald v. Eason (2017) __ Ga. __ (Ga. Sup. Ct.)(decided March 6, 2017) that the "first bite rule" does not literally require a first bite.
Georgia has its own dog bite statute, which can be found at O.C.G.A.§ 51-2-7. Georgia is one of the few states with a dog bite law that requires a dog bite victim to prove two separate elements to establish liability. The relevant language is as follows: "A person who owns or keeps a vicious or dangerous animal of any kind and who, by careless management or by allowing the animal to go at liberty, causes injury to another person who does not provoke the injury by his own act may be liable in damages to the person so injured. In proving vicious propensity, it shall be sufficient to show that the animal was required to be at heel or on a leash by an ordinance of a city, county, or consolidated government, and the said animal was at the time of the occurrence not at heel or on a leash."
Georgia also has a premises liability statute (O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, et seq.) where a dog bite victim could potentially have a claim against a landlord. See Webb v. Danforth, 234 Ga. App. 211 (1998). This case required the injured party to produce evidence of the vicious propensity of the dog in order to show the dangerous condition of which the premises owner had superior knowledge.
Georgia laws on dog bites means dog owners must take every precaution to prevent any attacks, especially after having witness their animal snap, bite, or aggressively lunge at a person. Dog attack victims should not have to suffer in silence and they are entitled to compensation.
Dog owners and any other responsible parties for a dog attack or bite need to be held accountable and compensate the victim. The liable parties must compensate the injured party for their damages, medical expenses, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.
Common Injuries Stemming from Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause numerous injuries. While, many of these are physical, there are also some that are psychological. The most common include:
- Physical pain
- Lacerations
- Broken bones and fractures
- Infections
- Contusions
- Rehab and physical therapy
- Head, neck, and facial scars
- Nerve injuries
- Permanent disfigurement
- Loss or impairment of limbs including hands, feet, arms, and legs
- Permanent scars
- Amputations
- Emotional scars
- Plastic surgery
- Psychological pain
- Mental suffering
- Fear or anxiety around dogs
- Cynophobia
- Loss of income
- Medical expenses
I am ready to assist you in your case and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. To learn more about how I can help you in your dog bite case, please give me a call or contact me online today or fill out the form below.