Augusta Dog Bites

Pet ownership increased during the pandemic to 70% of U.S. households, according to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). Dog owners account for 54% of pet owners throughout the nation. Any dog will bite under the right circumstances. With more dogs in private homes and public places today, both children and adults face a higher risk of dog bite injuries.

How Common Are Dog Attacks?

Every year in the U.S., more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs, as reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Over 800,000 people a year get medical attention for dog bite injuries – nearly one in five people bitten by a dog need medical treatment. At least half of the victims are children, and they are far more likely to suffer serious injuries. It is not the breed, but rather individual behavior and history, which determines whether a dog will bite.

How Serious Are Dog Bite Injuries?

Dogs can cause severe injuries, particularly when they attack small children. Common dog bite injuries include:

• Puncture wounds
• Eye injuries
• Fractured bones
• Facial scarring and disfigurement
• Nerve and tissue damage

In addition, dog bites that puncture the skin push bacteria deep into the tissue. This creates a risk of serious bacterial infections. There is also a risk of rabies, which can be fatal for humans, if the dog’s shots are not up to date.

Who Is Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Georgia?

Georgia dog bite law follows a modified one-bite rule. In states that use a one-bite rule, a dog owner is liable for damages caused by the animal if the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s vicious tendencies. This can be most easily proven if the dog has already bitten someone in the past. Once a dog attacks a person, the owner can be held 100% liable thereafter. In Georgia, the owner can also be held liable if the attack was unprovoked and if the owner was careless, for example, by not keeping the dog contained or on a leash.

What Types of Compensation Can You Recover for Dog Bites?

If you or your child has been bitten a dog, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the losses you have suffered if:

• The dog owner knew or should have known of the dog’s vicious tendencies; or
• The attack was unprovoked, and the owner was careless by allowing the animal to go at liberty to cause injury to another.

Damages you may be entitled to claim may include past and future medical expenses, lost wages or earnings, scarring and disfigurement, physical pain and suffering, emotional trauma, mental anguish, and other losses.

How Can Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys Help?

If you or your loved one has suffered serious dog bite injuries, your best chance of recovering full compensation is to have an experienced personal injury attorney by your side. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us no fees until we win a recovery for you. Our Augusta dog bite lawyers at Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys have the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively pursue the recovery you deserve. We can:

• Investigate the incident to determine liability
• Secure evidence to support your claim
• Build a strong case based on the facts
• Assess the full extent of your damages
• Negotiate skillfully with the insurance company on your behalf
• Fight for the compensation you deserve in court if necessary

Contact us today at (706) 719-7177 to schedule a free case review. We can tell you if you have a case against the dog owner and what damages you may be entitled to claim.