By Pierce Blitch
Dogs and other pets can be great companions, but not all are well-trained or responsibly cared for. If you’ve been attacked by a dog, you could face injuries ranging from scratches to nerve damage, broken bones, and even lasting psychological trauma. Physical scars might heal, but emotional wounds often linger. This traumatic experience can leave you financially strained with mounting medical bills and lost wages, along with ongoing pain and suffering.
Seeking Help After a Dog Bite
Whether you’re a child, adult, or senior, a dog bite can have devastating effects on your health and daily life. It can make you fearful of animals, sometimes even altering your relationships with other pet owners.
Georgia’s Dog Bite Laws
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7), dog owners are liable if their animal is known to be dangerous or vicious or if the owner has been careless in managing their pet. The “one bite rule” imposes strict liability if the owner knows or should have known their dog had a tendency to cause harm. In Steagald v. Eason, the Georgia Supreme Court reiterated that the “first bite rule” does not literally mean only after a first bite. 300 Ga. 717 (2017).
A dog bite victim must prove two elements for liability: that the animal was vicious or dangerous, and that the owner allowed it to roam freely, in violation of local leash laws. Landlords can also be liable under Georgia’s premises liability statute (O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1). In Webb v. Danforth (1998), the court determined the injured party must show evidence of the dog’s viciousness, which the property owner had greater knowledge of.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites
- Physical pain
- Broken bones, fractures
- Contusions
- Permanent scars
- Infections
- Amputations
- Emotional and psychological scars
- Loss of income
- Medical expenses
- Plastic surgery
- Anxiety and fear of dogs (cynophobia)
Dog owners and others responsible for these attacks should be held accountable and provide compensation to their victims. If you’ve suffered from a dog bite, you deserve help to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
CALL THE Blitch Law Firm ATTORNEYS AT LAW TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CASE
We fight for you, and we don’t back down. Every personal injury case has potentially life-altering consequences. We don’t hold back on providing our clients the best possible representation. At The Blitch Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a personal injury case can take. If you, a family member, or a close friend has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact The Blitch Law Firm today at 706-434-8770 or visit us at 7004 Evans Town Center Blvd., Third Floor, Evans, Georgia 30809 to discuss your unique case and our dedicated personal injury strategies with one of our compassionate and experienced attorneys.
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Categories: Dog Bite Injuries