Does Premises Liability Cover Animal Attacks?

Premises liability law does cover animal attacks. These can include attacks from domesticated animals, such as dogs, as well as attacks by wild animals.

As a general concept, any person who invites another onto their land has an obligation to keep them safe. A failure to provide this protection leaves property owners liable for any resulting damage. If their negligence led to an animal attack and you were injured, that owner may have to provide you with fair compensation.

State Law Allows the Victims of Dog Bites to Demand Compensation

Dog owners in Atlanta and around the state have an obligation to keep their animals under control. This includes when the animal is on the owner’s property. If that owner invites a guest onto their land, they must take every reasonable step to protect those guests from dangerous dogs.

OCGA §51-2-7 is the state’s law concerning liability for dog bites. It states that an owner is liable when they keep a vicious or dangerous animal and that animal attacks another person.

However, if an animal attacks an invited guest, this does not automatically mean that the owner is liable. You may have to gather evidence to show that you were injured and that a property owner’s negligence directly led to your attack. To support your case, you may also need to show that:

• The animal was not on a leash when it should have been at the time of your attack.
• The animal was known to be dangerous and attacked previously.
• The owner failed to otherwise restrain the animal on their own property.

We could help to investigate the evidence required to build a compelling case for compensation after an animal attack.

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Premises Liability FAQs

What About Attacks By Wild Animals?

Dog attacks fall under the umbrella of the state’s law concerning domesticated animals. However, it may also be possible to hold a property owner responsible for an attack by a wild animal using traditional concepts of premises liability. These cases tend to be more complex.

In wild animal attack cases, you will need to prove that the landowner failed to take reasonable steps to ensure that the premises were safe. You may also need to demonstrate that you did not trespass on the property at the time of the attack.

Using this concept of the law, a property owner may be liable for attacks due to:

• Hornets or wasps
• Snakes
• Bears
• Livestock

Our dog bite attorneys in Atlanta can provide more information about the concept of premises liability cases that arise because of wild animal attacks.

Which Parties are Liable Following an Attack?

The owner of a property could be liable for the events that occur on their property. For example, if a dog bite occurs when visiting a neighbor’s house, that neighbor could be liable for the resulting injuries. Similarly, if an attack occurs due to wild animals on a friend’s farm, that owner could also be responsible for your losses.

You may be able to pursue both individuals and commercial property owners for negligence.

• For an individual property owner, you may be seeking compensation through the negligent property owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. Depending on their policy coverage, that insurance company may be a source of compensation.

• Other situations involve commercial property owners. A tenant who suffers an allergic reaction after a wasp attack may be able to hold the landlord of an apartment building liable if that landowner did not take proper steps to clear out a nest.

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How Long do I Have to Seek Out Compensation?

Regardless of whether you were attacked by a wild animal or a pet, there is a time limit to demand compensation.

OCGA §9-3-33 is the state’s law called the statute of limitations. In short, this law says that injured people have no more than two years from the date of the incident to demand compensation in court. Acting quickly can help your case, as you may want to keep your legal options open. Also, it is typically ideal to gather witness testimony and other evidence early on.

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We Can Help You Pursue Compensation After an Animal Attack

Premises liability covers animal attacks. All property owners in Atlanta and around the state must take care to protect invited guests on their land. This includes understanding potential threats from wild animals and taking appropriate steps to prevent attacks.

We can help you:

• Put a value on your losses, including your medical costs and income losses
• Fight for your fair compensation
• Negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf
• Take the case to court if needed

If you suffered an injury because of a property owner’s negligence, Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help you. We can work with you to explain the concept of premises liability as it applies to animal attacks and to seek out the compensation that you deserve. 

Give us a call today at (404) 888-8888 for your free consultation.

Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form