In many cases, the dog bite injury statute of limitations in Georgia is two years. This is established by O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, which sets the state’s general deadline for personal injury lawsuits.
If you wait too long and allow this statute of limitations to expire before you take legal action, it could mean that a judge dismisses your case, and you are unable to recover compensation via a lawsuit, even with strong evidence in your defense.
A law firm that handles dog bite cases may be able to give you more information, including details on what specific deadlines pertain to your case, during a free consultation.
The Severity of Dog Bites
Dog bites are a serious matter. They can lead to serious physical harm and may require expensive and extensive medical treatment.
Non-fatal dog bite attacks can lead to:
- Cuts and scratches
- Deep lacerations and puncture wounds
- Broken or fractured bones
- Traumatic brain injuries, especially by falling during a dog attack
- Facial disfigurement and/or scarring
- Substantial bleeding
- Viral or bacterial illnesses and rabies
- PTSD or mental/emotional trauma
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What to Do After a Dog Bite
Not all dog bites lead to clear injuries, but it is recommended that you undergo a thorough examination by a doctor after your dog attack to make sure you have not contracted any illnesses from the animal that you were attacked by. This is especially important if you bled during the attack, or if your skin was punctured or pierced by a dog bite.
Keep in mind that although the dog bite injury statute of limitations is generally two years, you should not wait to seek treatment in case your health deteriorates in the interim because of your injuries.
You may also have the option of filing a police report about the attack. Doctor’s notes regarding your treatment and any expenses accruing to you from your dog bite, along with a police report, can potentially be used as evidence of your injuries if you file a claim for compensation.
Seeking Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
There are a number of losses and damages that you may be able to recover compensation for after a dog bite. Depending on the specifics of your dog bite case, these may include:
- Any medical, treatment, therapy, or rehabilitation costs directly linked to the dog bite attack
- Medicine, testing, and assistive device costs
- Any property damage that occurred during the dog attack
- The income you lost as a result of being unable to work while recovering from the attack
- Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more
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Fault and Liability for Dog Bites
Before seeking compensation or filing a claim, you typically must identify the at-fault party responsible for the dog attack and the injuries that you were made to suffer. A dog bite attorney in Atlanta can help you identify the liable party and collect evidence to support your claim.
In many cases, the owner of the dog that attacked you may be held liable for your damages. This type of accident may be covered under the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. You may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner.
Evidence that may help establish liability in this type of case could include:
- Photos or videos from the scene of the accident or of your wounds
- Records of previous attacks by the dog
- Witness statements
- Medical reports
- And more
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Contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers for Assistance With Your Case
Bader Scott Injury Lawyers represents dog bite victims in the Atlanta area. If you were bit by another person’s dog, we may be able to help you:
- Identify the at-fault party responsible for your attack
- Investigate any previous complaints or the history of the dog that bit you
- Evaluate your losses and damages
- Interview eyewitnesses and gather proof of the attack
- Communicate with all parties on your behalf
- Negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurer
- Take your case to trial if necessary
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis with no up-front payments required. Our clients only pay us attorney fees if and when they recover compensation in a settlement offer or court awards.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, including information on what statute of limitations pertains to your dog bite injury, call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today at (404) 888-8888.
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