The Athens Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bite injuries can encompass the full spectrum of imaginable injuries, up to and including death. According to recent statistics from the Insurance Information Institute, almost 78 million dogs are owned as pets in the United States. 

While most family dogs are man’s best friend, a shocking 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year, as estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of these victims, about 885,000 require medical attention for their injuries. Another disturbing statistic from the CDC indicates that in 2012, more than 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs

Call The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC today at (706) 760-9220 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our dog bite attorney in Athens!

Understanding Dog Bite Claims

Georgia ranked within the top-10 states for dog bites in 2015, with 381 reported claims and an average cost of $37,000 per claim. Adequate legal representation is crucial in dog-bite claims, as the medical costs associated with these injuries have risen in the past decade and compensation may be hard to obtain. Fortunately for the victims, the average cost per claim and awards given to plaintiffs by judges and juries has been increasing across the country as well.

Troublingly, nearly half of patients treated for dog bite injuries are children. The CDC also reports that about 20% of dog bites become infected, requiring extensive treatment and costly medical bills. With such high statistics, an American has about a one in 50 chance of being bitten by a dog every year. In 2015, dog bites and other related injuries cost more than $570 million nationwide, accounting for more than a third of all money paid out in homeowners insurance liability claims.

What Is Georgia's Dog Bite Law?

Under Georgia's dog bite statute O.C.G.A. 51-2-7, owners of dangerous dogs and their insurance companies can be held responsible for any injuries and damages that their dogs cause as a result of carelessness. According to Georgia law, dog owners must pay damages to victims if they knew or should have known that their dog had a tendency to bite.

To prove that a dog owner is liable, injured persons must be able to show:

• The animal is vicious or dangerous
• The owner was careless with the animal or let it "go at liberty," and
• The injured person did not provoke the animal in any way

Common Injuries From Dog Bites

Dog bite injuries can vary in severity; even minor bites can pose serious health risks. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Puncture wounds: Deep injuries can lead to infections if improper treatment.
• Lacerations: Cuts or tears in the skin that may require stitches and can leave permanent scars.
• Nerve damage: Bites that penetrate deep enough to damage nerves, potentially causing loss of sensation or movement.
• Facial trauma: Often requiring reconstructive surgery, particularly in cases involving children.
• Fractures: Severe bites can cause broken bones, especially in the hands or face.
• Amputations: In extreme cases, bites can lead to the loss of fingers, toes, or other extremities.

Children are especially vulnerable to dog bites on the face and neck, often requiring specialized medical care. Additionally, the emotional trauma from these attacks can be as significant as the physical injuries, sometimes resulting in long-term psychological conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Dog Bite Claim?

Victims of dog bite incidents can pursue various damages based on the nature and severity of their injuries. Potential compensation may include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes immediate medical costs such as emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, and follow-up care. It can also cover long-term medical needs, including physical therapy, reconstructive surgeries, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: If the victim cannot work due to injuries from the dog bite, they may be entitled to compensation for lost income during recovery. In more severe cases, if the injuries lead to permanent disability, victims may recover not only for the lost wages during recovery but also for the potential future lost wages, providing a sense of security.
• Pain and Suffering: Beyond physical injuries, victims often endure emotional trauma and psychological distress, including anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compensation can be awarded for these intangible harms as well.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: If a dog bite leaves the victim with permanent scarring or disfigurement, additional compensation may be awarded to cover these lasting injuries' physical and emotional impact.
• Property Damage: If personal belongings, such as clothing or devices, were damaged during the attack, compensation for repair or replacement may also be pursued.

An experienced attorney can help assess which damages apply to your case and ensure you are fully compensated for all losses.

What Is The Statue of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Georgia?

Georgia's statute of limitations for dog bite lawsuits is two years from the bite date. In other words, you have until the second anniversary of a dog's attack to bring a case against the owner in court.

If you file a claim after this deadline, the courts will almost certainly refuse to hear your case, and you will be permanently barred from pursuing legal recourse. For this reason, you must, after a dog bite and, contact a skilled attorney to ensure you protect your rights. 

Contact The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC today to schedule a meeting with our dog bite lawyer in Athens!