Albany, GA Dog Bite Injuries Attorney
Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Serving Albany, GA and Surrounding Communities
Dog owners have a responsibility and duty of care under Georgia law to protect others from injuries their dogs might inflict. Dog bites can be an extremely traumatic injury physically and emotionally. Over 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs every single year. Although not all attacks are particularly serious, dog bites do result in a huge amount of emergency room visits each year. As a matter of fact, some attacks cause considerably serious or even fatal injuries. While a dangerous dog attack can happen to people of any age, children are often the most susceptible to these brutal tragedies. This is when you would need an experienced Albany dog bite injuries attorney.
Georgia Dog Bite Law
Dog bites are serious matters. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that with as many as 70 million dogs in the U.S. in 2011, there were 4.5 million dog bites, 27,000 of which required reconstructive surgery and 1 in 5 requiring some medical attention. The state of Georgia rewrote its laws in 2012 to enact the Georgia Responsible Dog Owner Act. This law distinctly states that owners may only own one dog that is deemed a dangerous breed. And these dog owners must maintain $50,000 in liability insurance. To prove liability in a dog bite or dog attack case, it must be shown that the dog owner was aware of prior attacks or dangerous behavior or that the owner failed to properly secure their dog against leash or restraint laws. It must also be proven that the injured victim did not provoke the dog.
In addition to the traditional dog bite law, Georgia also follows the general premises liability laws, which present another avenue for recovery for victims of dog bite injuries. The owner of a property can also be responsible for dog bite injuries that occur on their property, due to failure to sustain a safe environment for visitors onto the property. Even a trespasser is entitled to a duty of care to protect against certain hidden dangers (including a dangerous dog).
Dog Bites and Personal Liability Claims
If you or your child suffered a serious dog bite injury, speak to our Albany dog bite injury firm right away. If the injury occurred on someone’s property, our Albany, GA premises liability lawyer will be able to assist. It is possible if you have been bitten by a dog you might think “I am not hurt too badly.” However, not all pet owners ensure that their animals have received their shots, and dogs can carry multiple types of diseases that can be harmful or even deadly to humans. You are entitled to bring a claim for damages against the dog owner, regardless of the prior actions of the dog. When you are bitten by a dog, there are a host of different things that run through your mind, but you should always make sure the attack is well documented. This is generally accomplished by doing the following:
- Taking photos of your injury and the dog, if possible
- Calling the police and filing a police report
- Obtaining the owner’s name and contact information
- Get evaluated and tested for diseases by a doctor
- Consult with a dog bite attorney
A skilled Albany dog bite injuries attorney will be able to assist you in dissecting the accident and facts of your individual case. A claim for damages may include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future earnings
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
A dog bite injury can come with years of recovery, both physical and emotional. For a child, a dog bite injury can leave a lasting impact on their development and aptitude for dogs, and animals in general.
Contact An Albany Dog Bite Injury Attorney At The Rodd Firm Today
The Rodd Firm‘s Albany dog bite injuries attorney understands the effect a negligent injury can have on your life, but you don’t have to face this stressful situation alone. Our personal injury lawyers will explain the rights that are afforded to you by law, evaluate your claim, gather evidence and testimony on your behalf, and aggressively seek the appropriate resolution to your case that you deserve. Call our office today for a free consultation and find out how some of South Georgia’s best personal injury attorneys can help you.