Fairburn Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bites may not be the leading cause of death and disability in the US, but statistics reveal that far too many victims suffer injuries every year. According to the Canine Journal, more than 344,000 people head to the emergency room annually for medical treatment from dog bite injuries, making the rate more than 940 patients per day. While the physical pain can be excruciating, victims often suffer psychological implications and develop a debilitating fear of dogs. Plus, the costs of medical care and financial impacts can be devastating.
Fortunately, Georgia dog bite laws provide you with legal remedies to recover compensation for these and other losses. The process can be complex, so count on Zagoria Law for assistance. Our team has more than 25 years of combined experience, and personal injury is our core practice area. Please contact our firm to set up a free case assessment with a Fairburn dog bite lawyer. You might also benefit from reviewing some basics.
Summary of Dog Bite Laws in Georgia
While other US states follow the “one-bite” rule for dog bite claims, Georgia’s approach encompasses multiple theories of liability. Lawmakers have enacted a statute covering these cases, so owners can be held accountable if:
- The dog was vicious or dangerous as defined by law;
- The owner was careless in managing the animal and/or allowing it to roam freely;
- The victim did not provoke the dog and was not trespassing when the incident occurred.
To prove a dog’s vicious propensity, it is sufficient to show that the dog was required by law to be on a leash and was not. You may also prevail in a dog bite claim with proof that the owner knew or should have known that the animal was dangerous, often with evidence of a prior attack.
Calculating Damages in a Dog Bite Claim
Under Georgia personal injury laws, your compensation is measured by your losses and the ways that your life was affected after being hurt. Our Fairburn dog bite attorneys at Zagoria Law can describe the two types of monetary damages that you may qualify to recover in a dog bite claim:
- Economic Damages: These are the losses that are quantifiable, usually because they are represented by a receipt, invoice, or other documentation. Medical costs, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses are examples.
- Noneconomic Damages: You sustain other, indeterminate losses as the victim of a dog bite and, though they may not be provable by paperwork, you most certainly endure hardship. Noneconomic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses that impact your quality of life.
Speak to a Fairburn Dog Bite Lawyer About Your Options
Even if you do qualify to recover these damages, there is still a complicated legal process for ensuring you receive fair compensation. Zagoria Law is ready to support your needs and advocate on your behalf, so please contact us to schedule a no-cost consultation. You can reach a Fairburn dog bite attorney by calling 404.653.0023 or checking us out online.
