McDonough Dog Bite Lawyer
As much as some people regard dogs as part of the family or even as man’s best friend, they still have the potential to be dangerous and act in a manner harmful to others. When a dog owner forgets this and does not maintain control of their pet, significant injuries can result.
After a dog bite, it is imperative to seek medical attention. Also, you may want to consider seeking the assistance of a McDonough dog bite lawyer. A qualified personal injury attorney may be able to help you pursue compensation to pay for your medical bills as well as other damages you sustain.
Georgia Dog Ownership Laws
According to the Official Code of Georgia §51-2-7, dogs must be in sight of their owner and under voice control at all times, including in off-leash dog parks. Dogs displaying aggressive or concerning behavior should be controlled or removed from the area by their owner.
In some states, the dog’s owner is liable no matter what happened leading up to the dog bite. However, Georgia does not follow this strict liability rule. Although this statute places liability for dog bites or attacks on the owner or the keeper of the animal, the plaintiff in an ensuing civil case still must prove that:
- The dog was acting dangerous or malicious before the incident, or the owner should have reasonably known that it was
- The dog’s owner was negligent by not acting to control or remove the dog
- The plaintiff did not provoke the dog in any way
- The plaintiff sustained injury and damages
The same law applies if the dog causes injury to the plaintiff in other ways besides biting. For instance, if a dog jumps up on someone and knocks that person down, the plaintiff would still need to prove the previously mentioned points to win their civil case. A McDonough dog bite attorney may be of assistance in helping a victim prove these conditions in a civil lawsuit.
Damages a Dog Bite Plaintiff Could Claim
In a successful lawsuit, the plaintiff receives monetary compensation for their losses or damages. A dog bite lawyer in McDonough could help a plaintiff ascertain all the damages they suffered in relation to a dog bite incident.
Recoverable damages can be objective or subjective in nature. Some dog bite-related injuries require extensive medical care with stitches, plastic surgery, antibiotics, or even hospitalization, which result in hefty medical bills and lost wages from work. Likewise, dog bites can often be extremely painful, disfiguring, and even cause emotional trauma. In Georgia, there are no caps limiting either type of damages. Learn to more about recovering damages following a dog bite, consult with a knowledgeable lawyer.
Call a McDonough Dog Bite Attorney
Under Georgia law, plaintiffs in dog injury cases could be at a disadvantage. Case holders have the responsibility of proving that the defendant was liable for their dog’s behavior and therefore, the victim’s injuries. Doing so often takes the skill and experience of someone who has successfully litigated dog bite cases in the past.
As a dog bite victim, you may want to consider protecting your rights by retaining a seasoned McDonough dog bite lawyer. For a case evaluation after a dog bite, call an attorney today.
