D
og Bites
YOUR TRUSTED ATTORNEY IN GEORGIA WITH
THE COURAGE TO FIGHT FOR YOU
The ATTORNEY in Georgia that you can trust
If you have been injured in a dog bite incident, hiring Dalton personal injury lawyer Joshua Smith is smart. He will work to get you the ample compensation you need.
By enlisting our expertise, you will have a dedicated legal professional by your side and a legal support staff fighting for your best interests. Don’t let the burden of a dog bite fall solely on your shoulders – seek the legal representation you deserve.
Which Dog Breeds are Most Likely to Bite?
Any dog, regardless of breed, can bite if they feel threatened or scared. While some breeds may have a higher risk than others, any dog may bite if you do not understand their body language and signals. If a dog has prior incidences of biting than there is a chance they may be prone to biting, snapping, or other aggressive behaviors. An owner who knows that their dog could bite must be responsible enough to take actions to avoid confrontations and protect others.
Statistics have shown that certain breeds have more incidents of biting than others due to more natural aggression. For example, Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, and Rottweilers are more likely than other breeds to bite people or other animals. Even though these breeds can make excellent companions when properly trained and socialized, if they do bite, they can pose a greater risk for serious injury. Breeds like this must have experienced owners familiar with the breed, canine behavior and how to handle aggressive tendencies.
Who is Legally Responsible for the Dog Bite?
If someone is bitten by a dog, then the owner of the dog may be held legally responsible for any damages incurred as a result of the bite. Under Georgia law (GA Code § 51-2-7 (2022), if a person who owns or keeps “a vicious or dangerous animal of any kind” – which means also a dog – and who “recklessly or negligently allows the dog to bite (injure) someone”, may be liable in damages to the injured person. If you can show that you were attacked through no fault of your own, then you can pursue a claim against the owner.
Attorney Smith can help you determine who is legally responsible for your dog bite incident. On your behalf we can seek compensation for your injuries such as medical bills, disfigurement, rehabilitation, and other possible losses.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding an individual’s case, multiple parties may be held liable for their injuries. For example, if an animal control officer failed to properly secure a dangerous animal or adequately warn others of its risk, then they may also be held accountable in addition to the owner of that animal.
What Damages Can I Win in a Dog Bite Claim?
Any person who has suffered an injury due to a bite from a dog is eligible to file a claim against the owner of the animal for any damages that have resulted from the incident. Dog bites can range in severity and depending on how serious the bite injuries are, victims may need financial compensation.
The primary purpose of filing a dog bite claim is to recover damages related to injury to the human being such as a child, or passerby, or a delivery person. Premises liability can come into play if a visitor to your home/property is attacked and you failed to warn them of the danger that could be encountered.
Damages include medical expenses such as doctor visits and treatments, hospitalization, medications, future medical care, and therapy.
Additionally, victims may receive money for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering payouts are calculated based on how much your injuries have affected you as in the impact on your lifestyle and work, as well as any continued future effects. If there is permanent disfigurement or disability, you can imagine the negative effect this could have on a person’s life. Emotional trauma such as persistent distress or fear of dogs caused by the bite attack can also be part of compensation calculations.
Victims can also receive compensation for lost wages if they have missed work due to their injury.
Contact Dalton Personal Injury Attorney Joshua J. Smith
If you have been injured in a dog bite incident in Dalton or areas we serve, you may be wondering what your legal options are and how to seek compensation. Dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of a dog bite can be stressful and overwhelming. That’s where our law firm – Joshua J. Smith Attorney At Law – can help. We understand personal injury law and can fight for you to get fair compensation for damages you have suffered.
Do not talk with or settle with an insurance company representatives until you have discussed your case with us.
Contact Joshua J. Smith Attorney at Law by calling us at (706) 217-2095 or filling out our contact form to speak with a member of our team.
Contact Attorney Smith Today
We are located at 207 West King St, Dalton, GA 30720. Please call (706) 217-2095 for an appointment or contact us here on our website. If necessary, we can arrange to visit you at your home.