The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that each year, over 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by a dog. Dog bite injuries and complications from these injuries such as infections and permanent scarring can cause severe physical and emotional pain and suffering.
If you have been bitten by a dog in Georgia, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages. Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner is often the best way to recover damages. Before filing your claim, you should:
- Seek medical care: Even minor injuries can become a serious problem if not properly treated. You should immediately seek medical attention so that the doctor can document your injuries and offer treatment.
- Report the incident to law enforcement or animal control: These officials will file a report detailing what happened. This report will be a critical part of your claim.
- Collect evidence: Take photos/videos of the injuries and the site of the incident and gather information about the dog and its owner.
Under Georgia’s animal injury laws, a dog owner may be liable for injuries caused by their dog if:
- The dog owner was aware that the dog was vicious or dangerous and failed to take steps to prevent the incident
- The dog owner violated local leash or restraint laws by failing to secure the dog
- The victim of the incident did not provoke the dog
No two dog bite incidents are the same so it is important to learn about how the law may apply to the unique circumstances of your case.
