A dog bite or attack by any animal can leave you seriously injured. It can also have long- and short-term financial consequences. A personal injury lawyer in your area can explain how premises liability covers animal attacks in Georgia and help you pursue the at-fault property owner for financial compensation.
Premises liability laws can help you recover the costs of your medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. The property owner may not be automatically liable, and proving their responsibility can be challenging and complicated. Your lawyer can clarify Georgia law, your rights, and the property and animal owner’s legal and financial responsibilities.
Georgia Law Supports Your Right to Financial Compensation
Dog ownership is a pleasure — it is also a responsibility, and the state requires dog owners to safeguard the public from harm. If you are an invited guest on someone else’s property, they have an obligation to protect you, especially if their pet had previously shown to be dangerous or vicious, according to OCGA § 51-2-7.
Your lawyer can help you obtain and organize evidence that proves your right to recover damages via premises liability. Your evidence file can include:
- Proof the animal was off leash
- Animal control records
- Proof of failure to restrain the dog
- Supporting photos and video footage
- Statements from eyewitnesses
Let your lawyer handle the details of proving your case. They will communicate on your behalf, explain complicated legal language, and keep you updated on the progress of your case. Your lawyer will also negotiate a favorable settlement or take your case to court if necessary.
Types of Animal Attacks Premises Liability Covers
Injury cases involving animal attacks are typically assumed to be dog bites. In such cases, the dog’s owner could be held liable for your costs if their animal was unleashed, unprovoked, and not under the owner’s control. They could also be responsible if the dog was known to be vicious. Your lawyer can explain how the state makes these determinations.
Additional animal attacks that can lead to compensation include:
- Farm animals and livestock
- Hornets or wasps
- Snakes and bears
The lawyer who handles your case will ensure you understand state law and how it applies to your case. They will gather evidence proving you were not a trespasser. The evidence they collect for you will also prove the negligent property owner failed to adequately secure either their animal, their property, or both.
Let a Premises Liability Lawyer Handle Your Case
Recovering from an animal attack can mean physical and emotional recovery. While you concentrate on getting better, your lawyer can concentrate on putting your case together. They will:
- Investigate your attack
- Identify the animal
- Identify the owner
- Assess your damages
- Collect compelling evidence
- Negotiate a settlement
Your lawyer will fight hard to ensure you recoup the costs of your injuries and protect your right to go to court if an agreeable settlement is not forthcoming. A review of your case is usually free of cost and obligation and provides an opportunity for your attorney to delve into your case.
For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888
Recoverable Economic and Non-Economic Damages
An animal attack could lead to serious injuries because of the attack itself, including animal bites, stings, and other injuries and actions you might take to protect yourself, including falls while running.
You can recover damages for physical and disfiguring injuries, including medical care, cosmetic and restorative surgery, and physical therapy and rehab. You can also recover:
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your attorney will collect your medical records and bills, written prognosis, and income records to prove the financial value of your case.
Act Quickly to Preserve Your Right to Recover Damages
An animal owner’s negligence entitles you to financial compensation. Your right to recover damages is generally limited to two years from the date of the attack, according to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. This may seem like a long time, but there is plenty to accomplish before filing a lawsuit. You want to ensure a lawyer has ample time to build a strong case.
Failing to file your lawsuit on time could prohibit you from seeking compensation at all. Your lawyer can ensure you understand the filing deadline and any factors of your case — such as an injured child — that might alter the statute of limitations. While you cope with your injuries and recovery, your lawyer can work on your case and ensure it is filed within the allotted timeline.
Call For Your Free Consultation Today
If you were attacked by an animal, you can hold the owner financially responsible. Our premises liability lawyer in Georgia can help you recover financial compensation for your injuries and related expenses. Find out how by contacting one of our consultation team members at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
