Milledgeville Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been a dog bite victim in Milledgeville, Sessions & Fleischman would like to help you recover from your injuries. Most dogs are “man’s best friend” and, without question, are considered to be America’s favorite pets. With the exception of certain breeds, dogs can be wonderful companions. However, certain owners can result in these animals being dangerous. Certain breeds of dogs, in combination and bad/irresponsible owners, can result in catastrophic consequences.

Can I get compensation for a dog bite?

As with any personal injury in Georgia, the person responsible for the accident is liable for all damages. As a victim, you can seek financial recovery for the costs of your dog bite.

The costs you may be able to recover include:

• Medical bills and doctor visits
• Prescription medications
• Ongoing costs like surgeries or physical therapy
• Lost wages from time having to miss work (and loss of future earning potential)
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish, such as depression or anxiety
• Permanent disabilities

The total cost of these expenses can add up quickly. Thankfully, Georgia law is on your side. With the help of a dog bite lawyer, you can make an insurance claim against the dog’s owner for your damages.

Why you need a dog bite lawyer?

The average dog bite settlement in Georgia totals tens of thousands of dollars—and depending on your situation, a good attorney may be able to get you that or more. Never try to navigate the legal process alone after a dog bite or animal attack. You have rights, and you can seek recovery for what you lost.

When Is the Owner of A Dog Liable for A Bite in Georgia?

Some states in America follow what is called the “one free bite rule”. Contrary to what many people think, Georgia does not follow this rule, and the owner of a dog may be liable to the victim of a dog bite even if the dog has not bitten someone previously.

Under Georgia law, dog owners are legally responsible for their dogs actions if they have notice that their dog has a propensity to be dangers – to bite. If the owner has knowledge that their dog is a threat to others, they must take action to maintain tight control over their animal or have it put down. Dogs are well known in American culture, but nonetheless, they are still animals and can be unpredictable. If you have been hurt in a dog attack, the key question is do you have a valid case against the owner?

Two avenues for a dog bite case to be successful:

• 1) The dog that attacked you was outside a fence or off a leash in a Georgia County or City with fencing and/or leash laws.
• 2) The dog that attacked you has a provable history of aggressive behavior towards humans that the owner was aware of.

Currently, Georgia does not hold that there is strict liability for dog attacks. The dogs owner must be on notice that the dog is dangerous or must be breaking the law for them to be liable for their dogs actions. Under the Responsible Dog Owner Act, owners have increase criminal punishments and are required to get additional insurance following a dog attack. The law allows dogs to have “one free bite” before they are considered dangerous, thus putting the owner at risk for being responsible for subsequent attacks.

What is the Value of a Dog Bite Claim?

Associating a numerical value with a personal injury claim resulting from a dog bite can be very complicated. These calculations include evaluating the nature and extent of the injury, the recoverable economic losses, and the liability issues related to the dog attack. Insurance companies will always seek to pay out the least amount of compensation possible that is why it is critical you obtain competent legal counsel that knows how to institute litigation if necessary in order to help you and your family obtain the compensation you deserve.

Contact The Session Law Firm today for a Free Consultation with a Milledgeville Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack The Session Law Firm urges you to seek legal counsel while pursuing a claim. Dog bite cases can be tricky and insurance companies will always seek ways to escape a claim without paying you the full amount you deserve. At Sessions & Fleischman, we work hard every day to ensure you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.