If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Savannah, GA, make sure to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney today to successfully navigate the complex legal process.
At Deming Parker, we have been providing comprehensive legal support to individuals affected by personal injuries since 1974. Our team of dog bite attorneys brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Georgia’s laws to each case, as well as a commitment to ensure every victim receives the justice and compensation they deserve.
Need expert legal advice? Our experienced team of injury attorneys are here to help. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Georgia at (404) 636-4900 or contact us online.
Savannah Dog Bite Lawyer – How can we help you receive compensation?
If you’ve been involved in a dog bite attack in Savannah, the help of a personal injury lawyer becomes invaluable. In fact, attorneys with expertise in personal injury law work to understand every aspect of your situation, from the specifics of the incident to the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. This thorough understanding is crucial in building a strong compensation claim, as it allows the attorney to effectively advocate for your needs and rights.
But a Savannah dog bite attorney’s assistance extends beyond just legal advice. They also engage in critical tasks such as negotiating with insurance companies, representing you in court, filing paperwork, and fighting for your rights and the compensation you rightfully deserve.
At Deming Parker, our goal is to ensure your legal journey towards compensation is as smooth and stress-free as possible. To achieve this, we provide comprehensive support and guidance throughout the entire process, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we take care of all the legal details.
Determining Fault in Dog Bites Cases – What Triggers Attacks?
Determining fault in a dog bite incident is a critical step to kickstart the legal process because it directly affects the ability to claim compensation. In fact, identifying the responsible party is key to establishing a legal basis for holding them accountable for the injuries and damages caused.
This process involves not only identifying the dog owner but also understanding the circumstances of the incident to prove that the owner’s wrongdoing or negligence contributed to the event.
In Georgia, there are specific regulations regarding dog ownership and responsibilities, but overall, dog owners are responsible for damages caused by their pets. According to the Georgia Code § 4-8-29, the owner is liable for damages if their dog bites or attacks another person, unless the person was trespassing or committing a criminal offense at the time of the incident.
For instance, if a dog was not properly restrained or if the owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies and failed to take appropriate precautions, this could be grounds for establishing their liability.
Is Georgia a One-Bite Rule State?
In Georgia, dog bite incidents are governed by specific state laws rather than the common “one-bite rule” found in some states. According to the law, a dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog if they knew or should have known about the dog’s aggressive behavior.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
We’ve seen how dog bites can result in various injuries, some of which are serious and can significantly change a person’s life, requiring both urgent medical response and ongoing treatment. Common injuries sustained in our dog bites include:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Lacerations and cuts
- Infections and rabies exposure
- Broken bones
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
Our team is committed to fully evaluating your injuries in order to advocate for compensation that considers all your healthcare costs. We are dedicated to providing you with the certainty you need to navigate your claim and begin your road to recuperation, and our history shows that we’ve achieved million-dollar settlements for our clients.
Liability for a Dog Bite or Attack
Proving liability in a dog bite or attack case involves demonstrating that the dog’s owner failed to manage the pet responsibly. According to the law, owners of dangerous dogs can be held liable if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent the dog from causing harm. This means that if an owner is aware of their dog’s aggressive behavior and does not take adequate precautions, such as proper fencing, leashing, or warning others, they can be held accountable for any resulting injuries.
To build your case, your dog bite lawyer in Savannah will need to prove the dog’s dangerous disposition, establish that the other party is the dog’s owner, and demonstrate that the owner failed to properly manage the dog even though they were aware of its aggressive tendencies.
What is a Dangerous Dog?
A dangerous dog, as defined by Georgia Code § 4-8-21, is one that has a history of aggressive behavior or has caused injury to a person or another animal. Establishing that a dog is dangerous involves reviewing past incidents and behavior patterns, which can significantly impact the outcome of a liability case. Evidence might include previous bite reports, testimonies from neighbors or witnesses who have observed the dog’s aggressive tendencies, and any official warnings or citations received by the owner.
What is Careless Management of a Dangerous Dog?
Careless management refers to the failure of a dog owner to properly control or restrain a known dangerous dog. It could also mean not providing proper fencing, not supervising the dog, or not using a muzzle when it’s needed.
Our primary role is to establish instances of the pet owner’s negligent management meticulously. This involves gathering evidence, such as neglecting to use a leash in public spaces, lacking appropriate fencing, and ignoring prior warnings about the dog’s aggressive behavior. Moving forward, our Savannah dog bite lawyer will work tirelessly to pursue justice for victims by holding careless dog owners accountable and advocating for adequate compensation for the damages incurred.
Claiming Compensation After a Dog Bite Incident in Savannah
In personal injury law, compensation refers to the financial restitution awarded to victims for losses and suffering caused by an incident, such as a dog bite. This compensation is intrinsically linked to the concept of negligence.
In the context of dog bite attacks, if a dog owner’s negligence (such as failing to properly restrain or control their pet) leads to an injury, they can be held legally responsible for the resulting damages. This is where the role of a skilled Savannah dog bite attorney becomes crucial.
Our team at Deming Parker understands the nuances of personal injury law and how it applies to dog bite accidents in Savannah. Our commitment to victims is to ensure they receive fair compensation, so they don’t have to shoulder the costs of someone else’s negligence. Recovering compensation starts with, as we already covered, a detailed assessment of the incident to establish negligence. We then proceed to calculate your damages to ensure every aspect of your suffering is accounted for.
Damages in Savannah Dog Bite Cases
In dog bite cases, victims can claim various types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
Our role is to meticulously calculate these damages, gather evidence, file a claim, and negotiate with the responsible party or their insurance provider to secure a fair and just settlement.
Legal Options Following a Dog Bite Attack in Savannah
After experiencing a dog attack incident in Savannah, your legal journey typically involves two primary avenues: negotiating a settlement or pursuing litigation. About 90% of cases tend to get settled through negations, which is why it’s important to find a dog bite attorney in Savannah who handles these cases.
Negotiating a settlement is usually the initial step, where your attorney engages in discussions with the responsible party or their insurance provider to reach an agreement on the compensation amount. This process requires a deep understanding of the law and strong negotiation skills to ensure the settlement reflects the full extent of your suffering.
However, when it’s not possible to achieve a fair settlement, the next option is litigation. This involves taking your case to court, where a judge or jury examines the evidence and makes a final decision on liability and compensation. Litigation can be a more complex and time-consuming process, but it’s often necessary to fully address your damages and losses.
Acting promptly is crucial in either scenario, as the Georgia Code § 9-3-33 sets explicit time frames of two years from the day of the accident for filing a claim, and failing to meet them will result in the loss of your right to recover compensation. At Deming Parker, we can help you decide on what is the best course of action for your case depending on your specific circumstances.
Legal Process of Pursuing a Dog Bite Claim in Savannah
If you have suffered injuries caused by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation from the pet’s owner. Here are the steps you can expect in the process of pursuing a claim to cover all your damages:
Step 1: Case Evaluation and Investigation
We start by thoroughly evaluating and investigating your case, gathering evidence, and consulting with experts to irrefutably prove negligence. This is a crucial step in building a strong foundation for your claim.
Step 2: Determining Liability and Damages
Next, we focus on identifying liable parties and calculating the full extent of your damages. We consider both economic and non-economic losses to file a compensation claim that thoroughly addresses the impact the dog bite had on your life.
Step 3: Negotiation and Litigation
The final step involves solving your case by negotiating with the other party’s insurance company and, if necessary, litigating your case in court to secure fair compensation.
Need expert legal advice? Our experienced team of injury attorneys are here to help. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Georgia at (404) 636-4900 or contact us online.
Why You Need a Savannah Dog Bite Attorney
A dog bite case involves many legal complexities, from understanding local animal control laws to navigating the specifics of personal injury claims in Georgia. So, after a dog bite in Savannah, a lawyer is instrumental in providing a fair legal process and outcome. You don’t have to navigate this process alone. At Deming Parker, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog bite can take on your life, and our commitment is to advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
Please don’t hesitate to discuss your case with one of our Savannah dog bite attorney to learn how we can assist you during this challenging time. Just contact us today to schedule a free consultation!
Savannah Office
22 Barnard Street, Suite 240 Savannah, Georgia 31401
Phone: 912-527-2000