Thomasville Dog Bite Injury Attorney

Expert Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Serving Thomasville, GA

Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional harm, ranging from deep lacerations, nerve damage, and scarring to lasting psychological trauma such as anxiety and fear. In Georgia, dog owners are legally responsible for ensuring their pets do not harm others. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog in Thomasville, it is critical to seek legal guidance from an experienced dog bite injury attorney to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.

At The Rodd Firm, our Thomasville dog bite lawyers have extensive experience handling cases involving aggressive dogs, negligent owners, and dangerous property conditions. We help clients navigate the legal process, gather crucial evidence such as medical records and animal control reports, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve. Whether your injuries require emergency care, reconstructive surgery, or ongoing therapy, our team is committed to holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.

Georgia Dog Bite Law

Georgia follows the original English common law in terms of dog bites, known as the “one-bite” rule. An owner will, therefore, be liable for damages if he knew or should have known that the dog had a tendency to cause a bite. The state, therefore, follows what is called the strict liability doctrine. Even if the dog never previously bit another person, the owner will be held liable if the dog had a propensity to do so. For example, if the owner was aware that the dog lunged at people, or had the potential to harm a person, the dog owner should have taken reasonable efforts to contain the dog. The failure to do so can result in liability.

In addition to the traditional dog bite law, Georgia also follows the general premises liability laws, which provide another avenue for recovery for victims of dog bite injuries. The owner of a property can also be liable for dog bite injuries that occur on their property, due to failure to maintain 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 a loved one were bitten by a dog in the state of Georgia, you are entitled to bring a claim for damages against the dog owner, regardless of the prior actions of the dog.  Unfortunately, many of the victims of dog bites and dangerous dog attacks are children, for whom the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. It is therefore important to hold the dog owner responsible for these injuries.

Sometimes it might be difficult to know whether the dog owner knew or should have known that the dog had a propensity for this type of behavior. An experienced injury lawyer at The Rodd Firm 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 a Thomasville Dog Bite Injury Attorney at The Rodd Firm Today

If you have a loved one were involved in a dog bite incident, you are entitled to bring a claim for damages against the dog owner, or the property owner. Dangerous dogs need to be carefully restricted so as to not injure the general public. The failure to contain a dog who might have the propensity for aggression could lead to liability for resulting injuries. Contact our Thomasville, Georgia office today for your initial free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)