Riverdale Dog Bite Lawyer
Bringing a claim to court is difficult in of itself. However, and as it pertains to Georgia, dog bite personal injury claims are not easy to substantiate. Victims not only need to have suffered an injury, but they must also demonstrate negligence.
Because of this, you need to consider retaining a Riverdale dog bite lawyer to prove the negligence of the dog’s owner. Retaining the services of an accomplished personal injury attorney could give you the peace of mind that your legal interests are being appropriately cared for while you heal.
Negligence and Georgia’s Dog Bite Laws
Some states do not require victims to prove negligence on the part of the dog owner. Instead, the dog owner is strictly liable for any injuries the dog may cause. However, in Georgia, the victim of a dog bite must prove negligence on the part of the dog owner.
More specifically, they must prove that:
- The dog is dangerous or vicious
- The owner was careless with the dog or allowed it to roam “go at liberty” which lead to the plaintiff’s injury
- The plaintiff did not provoke the dog to bite
In places where there is leash ordinance enforcement, a dog simply being off leash could warrant negligence on the part of the dog owner. Because of this challenge, it may be best to retain the employ of a Riverdale dog bite lawyer.
Losses and Injuries Caused by Riverdale Dog Bites
For all claim holders, it is not enough to simply establish negligence in court when seeking compensation. Victims must also demonstrate damages—losses or injuries—to recover compensation. While negligence is wrong in and of itself, it generally does not warrant a lawsuit unless there are physical injuries for which a plaintiff could be compensated.
Plaintiffs often seek economic, or tangible and easily quantifiable, damages when bringing a claim to court. Medical expenses are one type of expense that defendants may be ordered to provide the plaintiff with compensation for. This might include an emergency room visit, hospitalization, or any generalized medical expense relating to the incident. Lost wages are another type of damage that dog bite victims could claim if they are missing work due to their injuries and recovery. A seasoned lawyer could fight for an injured victim’s right to damages.
In addition to the easily quantifiable damages, a dog bite victim may also claim non-economic damages. These are generally more difficult to prove and could include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Stress or changes in personal relationships
Is There a Limit to Recoverable Losses?
Some states mandate a limit on how much a plaintiff could ask a jury for or receive in a dog bite case. Fortunately, Georgia is not one of these states.
In 2010, the Georgia Supreme Court determined that damage caps breach the right to a jury trial established by the state constitution. Therefore, a jury cannot impose limits on the plaintiff for non-economic claims. The lack of damage caps could help the plaintiff receive a higher settlement if the case is settled out of court.
Reach Out to a Skilled Riverdale Dog Bite Attorney
Individuals who were bitten or otherwise injured due to a dog should consider reaching out to an experienced Riverdale dog bite lawyer. An attorney could provide case consultation and determine a favorable course of action for claim holders. Call today to get your dog bite case started.
