Roswell Dog Bite Lawyer
If you have been bitten by a dog, it is vital to understand your rights and options. A Roswell dog bite lawyer could help you hold a negligent owner liable if they knew or should have known that their animal had a propensity to bite people. If you have a viable claim, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney could bring a claim against the responsible party to help you get the compensation to which you are entitled.
Roswell Dog Bite Statutes
Code of Georgia §51-2-7 covers injuries caused by animals, including dog bites. Under the law, a negligent owner can be held liable for their animal’s actions. This means dog owners are not strictly liable for injuries inflicted by their animal, unless the injured person can prove that the owner knew that the animal was dangerous or vicious and did not act with reasonable care to restrain the dog and protect people from injuries.
Specifically, to establish that a dog owner is liable under this statute on behalf of a bite victim, a Roswell lawyer must show that:
- The animal is dangerous or vicious;
- The owner was careless with their dog or let it be at liberty, causing the injury; and
- The injured party did not provoke the dog.
Deadline to File a Lawsuit
The statute of limitations is the law that defines how long an injured person has to file a lawsuit with the civil courts after an injury takes place. In Roswell, individuals who were bitten by dogs have two years from the date of the incident to bring their case to court under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
Cases filed after the two-year time window has expired could be thrown out by the court. This makes it essential for an injured person to consult a dog bite attorney in Roswell who can explain the statutory deadline and make sure they file their lawsuit before the deadline arrives as soon as possible.
Compensatory Damages for Injured Individuals
Someone injured by a dog bite could seek financial recovery for the costs of their injuries from the negligent owner. Recovery could include the following types of economic and non-economic damages:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost income from time missed at work;
- Loss of future earning potential;
- Emotional anguish, such as anxiety or depression;
- Physical pain and suffering; and
- Permanent disabilities.
On rare occasions where the actions of the dog owner are considered egregious recklessness or negligence, the court may also award punitive damages above and beyond the other damages. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are meant to compensate the injured party, punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar actions in the future.
Speak with a Roswell Dog Bite Lawyer Now
To pursue financial recovery, you would need comprehensive evidence of the attack and the owner’s fault, medical evidence of the injuries you sustained, and a demand of payment based on your losses and damages. A Roswell dog bite lawyer could handle all aspects of your injury case, present the evidence, and fight zealously for your right to just compensation. Call now to arrange a case evaluation and learn what your options are.
