One of the common personal injury accidents among neighbors is dog bites. Unfortunately, children are one of the common victims of dog attacks. When a neighbor’s dog becomes loose and attacks you or your loved one, you have the right to seek compensation from the dog’s owner.
A Rome personal injury lawyer from John Foy & Associates can answer all of your questions.
Dog Bite Injuries Can Be Serious
Injuries from dog bites can range from moderate to serious. The attacks can be so severe that children and other victims can lose their lives. To ensure that the dog owner is truly held responsible for their lack of accountability, you should consult with an experienced attorney.
A dog bite lawyer in Rome is well-experienced in proving the negligence of dog owners. We are here to make sure your lawsuit proceeds as smoothly as possible.
Why Should You Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Rome?
Many people have not engaged in personal injury lawsuits before a serious accident happens in their lives. You may be confused about proceeding with your lawsuit or what actions you should not do while your lawsuit is ongoing. We can assist you with investigating the factors of your accident and advise you on the proper actions to take while your lawsuit is pending.
Call John Foy & Associates for a free consultation if you want to determine the best way to resolve your case.
Holding Dog Owners Liable
When a dog owner fails to exercise control over their dog, they must be held liable for any injuries their dog causes. Dog bite injuries can cause you to experience severe pain – so severe that you may have to request time off from work. We take these accidents seriously and do not stop until you receive the compensation.
There is a reason we are known as “The Strong Arm” in Georgia. We do not stop until we get the results our clients desire.
Explaining Your Rights After a Dog Attack
A dog bite attorney in Rome can help explain your legal rights after being attacked by a dog. For example, Georgia holds dog owners strictly liable for their dog’s attacks if the owner was aware that their dog could bite someone. An experienced dog bite lawyer knows how to gather the right evidence to prove how the dog owner was negligent in preventing their dog from causing injuries.
Rome dog bite attorneys are aware of a dog owner’s legal responsibilities to the general public. Dog bite lawyers are also familiar with how dog owners attempt to persuade you to drop the lawsuit and settle the matter differently. An attorney will guide you in the right direction to take your dog bite lawsuit.
How Dogs Are Classified Under Georgia Law
One of the ways that a dog owner’s liability is determined is by the dog’s classification. If the dog who injured you or your loved one was classified as a dangerous dog, it would be easier to determine liability for your lawsuit. Georgia law considers a dangerous dog as:
- A dog that creates a significant puncture within a person’s skin using their teeth
- A dog that aggressively attacks someone in a manner that would lead the person to believe that the dog is a looming threat
- A dog that kills another animal while off the dog owner’s property.
Dog owners who have dangerous dogs are not allowed to take their dogs off their property without restraint like a leash or a crate. Dog owners with dangerous dogs are also required to register their dogs with the state.
Atlanta Roots, Nationwide Reach.
Distance is no obstacle. We work with clients across the country and make sure every one of them feels taken care of, no matter how far the call travels.
How Georgia Law Defines Serious Injury in a Dog Bite Accident
Not all dog bite injuries qualify as serious injuries in a dog bite accident. Georgia law defines a serious injury as a physical injury that can lead to the following results:
- Death
- The risk of death
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Dislocated bones
- Serious punctures
- A serious impairment of health
- Disfigurement
Proving a Dog Owner’s Liability in a Dog Bite Accident
Dog owners can be held liable for their dog’s attacks through a legal concept known as premises liability. Premises liability helps to hold property owners accountable for the injuries that another person experiences on their property. Whether a property owner’s dog attacks another person on or off of their property, the property owner will be legally responsible for the dog’s attack.
Proving Negligence in a Dog Bite Case
A dog’s predisposition to bite someone is not enough to prove the dog owner’s negligence. In some states, dog owners will not automatically be held liable for their dog’s injuries if the dog bites someone for the first time. In a dog bite case, the dog has to exhibit vicious behavior for the owner to be held liable.
For negligence to be proven in a dog bite accident, four elements must be met:
- Duty. The dog owner must have a legal obligation to exhibit an amount of care to another party.
- Breach. The dog owner’s negligent action or lack of action must have caused a breach of that duty.
- Causation. The dog owner’s breach of duty must directly correlate with the victim’s injuries.
- Damages. The victim of the dog’s attack must show how the dog’s attack caused the victim to experience damage.
All four of these elements must be proven for negligence to be proven in a dog bite accident. If not, the dog owner may not be liable for your injuries.
Contact a Rome Dog Bite Lawyer at John Foy & Associates
Nothing is more tragic than being attacked by a wild animal. While many people love their dogs, dog owners must understand that their dogs must be controlled. If not, you or your loved one can suffer the consequences of another person’s negligence.
When another person’s dog has attacked you or a loved one, you need to consult with an attorney. The Rome dog bite attorneys at John Foy & Associates are dedicated and ready to help you fight for your fair compensation. We are here for you and can help you file a claim to seek the justice you deserve.
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