Dogs are wonderful companions, but they also have the potential to cause tremendous harm. Dog attacks can cause disfiguring physical injuries and life-long emotional scars.
When dog owners fail to control their animals, they can be held liable for injuries that result from an attack. If you or a loved one were injured in an animal attack, do not hesitate to contact a skilled personal injury attorney. A Dekalb County dog bite lawyer at Robert James Trial Attorneys could help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Dog bites can leave people with catastrophic and even fatal injuries, depending on the nature of the attack. Some common injuries sustained in dog attacks include:
The physical injuries only tell half the story. Dog attacks can have a traumatic psychological impact that could last a lifetime. Attorney Robert James understands how devastating these situations can be, and could work to ensure that a DeKalb County dog owner provides full and fair compensation after an attack.
Under Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-2-7, dog owners are liable in the event of an attack when they know their dog is vicious. The dog does not need to have bitten someone before for the owner to know it is “vicious.”
Aggressive behavior is a sufficient indication that a dog is dangerous, even before it bites someone. A dog that snarls, growls, charges, or shows other evidence of aggression could be a vicious dog. In addition, the law states that a dog is considered vicious when its owner violates a law or ordinance requiring the dog to be restrained.
DeKalb County Ordinances 5-4 and 5-5 require dog owners to keep their animals on a leash while off their property and forbid owners from allowing dogs to run free. If you were attacked by a dog running loose, the fact that the dog was unleashed could serve as proof of viciousness in a civil case. This law does not apply when an injured person provokes the attack, so it is important to consult with a DeKalb County dog bite attorney who can explain liability laws in more detail before pursuing a claim.
When a dog owner is found to be legally liable for an attack, they are on the hook for the injured person’s losses, or “damages.” Damages include all economic and non-economic losses resulting from an attack. In many cases, a DeKalb County dog bite attorney can help an injured person pursue compensation for both.
Negligent dog owners are liable for medical expenses, including psychological treatment to cope with the trauma and its lingering effects. If you lost time at work because of the attack, damages should compensate for your reduced income. The owner is liable for any damage the dog inflicted on your clothing or other property.
Dog owners can also be held accountable for the non-economic effects of an attack. With the help of a compassionate local animal attack lawyer, you could pursue compensation for physical and emotional pain, PTSD, disability, lost enjoyment of life, and the other impacts the attack had on your quality of life.
It only takes one irresponsible pet owner to alter your life forever. When an aggressive animal hurts you or a loved one, turn to a DeKalb County dog bite lawyer.
As a former elected District Attorney, Robert James is no stranger to the legal system. He has extensive experience handling cases like these and is prepared to fight for you, so call today to get started.
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