What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite Case?

After a dog bites you, you no doubt have negative effects to deal with. That can mean medical bills or emotional distress. When it comes to liability in your accident, you will want to know the statute of limitations for a dog bite case. That answer depends on where you live, but it is generally a few years of time. Most states allow at least two years after the day of the incident to file for damages.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of a dog bite, you can begin the process of filing a lawsuit anytime within the statute of limitations. You will need to prove that the dog’s owner is the one who was negligent and caused the accident.

The Statute of Limitations

There are some basic ground rules to follow when considering filing a personal injury case. First, you need to be sure that you have a case for the other party’s liability. You also need to file within the statute of limitations, or the time limit. Typically, the time frame begins the day your incident occurred. An exception to this would be if someone only found out later that their injury resulted from a particular incident.

Filing outside of the time limit could mean that your case gets dismissed right away. Any personal injury case comes with a statute of limitations, from a car accident to medical malpractice, and in your case, a dog bite. There can sometimes be exceptions to the statute of limitations. For instance, if a victim was incapacitated by their accident and unable to pursue a case, they could get an extension. The victim’s age can sometimes matter too.

The statute of limitations is state-specific and sometimes dependent on circumstances. The range in the United States is between one and six years. Most states allow two or three years. If the victim is attempting to file a lawsuit against their healthcare provider for medical malpractice or against a government entity, that can sometimes affect which statute of limitations is applicable. Wrongful death cases also have a statute of limitations, which does not always match with the personal injury statute.

Working with an Atlanta dog bite lawyer can help you figure out how the statute of limitations in your state applies to your case. It could be that you fall under one of the exceptions. If so, you may have additional time to file.

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Dog Bite FAQs

Dog Bite Injuries

Aside from being frightening and painful, a dog bite can require medical attention promptly. Depending on the severity of the injury, the victim’s health, and other factors, emergency attention may be necessary. According to the journal Heliyon, dog bites are among the most common non-fatal injuries treated in emergency rooms across the country.

An immediate concern when it comes to a dog bite is the risk of infection. According to the Cleveland Clinic, an infection can easily come from the bacteria introduced from a dog’s mouth. This can mean the victim needs to head to an emergency room if the bite is deep, especially dirty, or from a strange dog. Rabies and tetanus are other concerns.

Children are often bitten in the head and neck, which can be very serious. Aside from the obvious risks with a head or neck bite, there could be scarring. Proper medical attention is important to prevent scarring.

Liability in a Dog Bite Case

Besides meeting the statute of limitations, a case for liability on the dog owner’s part will be the most important aspect of your lawsuit. Heliyon cites that dog bite accidents cost an estimated $400 million per year. These accidents can be very serious, even fatal. It is the victim’s right to figure out who is liable and how to get compensation for the damages they have had to pay.

Dog owners have a responsibility to keep their dogs from attacking others. In some states, the owner is held liable even if they had no indication that the dog was capable of attacking someone. Other states maintain that the owner had to know that the attack was a possibility to find them liable.

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Call Our Team to Learn More

“What is the statute of limitations for a dog bite case?” is just one of the many questions that the team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can answer. We can also help you determine liability, the damages you can pursue, and an appropriate amount of money to seek. You can get help with your dog bite case with a simple call.

We offer a free consultation. You will not owe us anything unless we win your case. We are serving the Atlanta area, and we want to help you and your family. Give us a call today at (404) 888-8888.

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