What Does a Dog Bite Victim Need to Prove in Georgia?
According to Georgia’s dog bite statute O.C.G.A. 51-2-7, the victim of the dog bite must prove:
- The animal is vicious or dangerous;
- The owner was careless and let the animal “go at liberty,” causing the injury; and
- The injured person did not do anything to provoke the animal.
This statute covers damages caused by other animals, not only dogs. Also, animal bites are not the only injury covered.
For example, if a dog is loose and knocks you over and, as a result, you hit your head on the pavement, this injury would be covered by the statute.
For more information on Georgia dog bite laws, Call Pritchard Injury Firm today at (470) 577-8152 or contact us online to meet with our dog bite lawyer!
What Constitutes Negligence in a Georgia Personal Injury Case?
Georgia also has negligence laws that pertain to animal injuries. For a victim to prove liability, they must first prove that the animal’s owner had prior knowledge that the animal was vicious or dangerous.
They must also show that the owner acted negligently in not making an effort to restrain the animal.
It can be difficult to prove liability in dog bite cases. However, if you can prove that the owner let their dog roam freely without a leash in an area where an ordinance requires leashes, this would be enough to prove negligence.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite Case?
A statute of limitations is a law that imposes a time restriction for filing a lawsuit.
In Georgia, you have two years after the incident to file a lawsuit for your injuries.
Once the injury occurs, the time clock begins to run.
If you fail to file your lawsuit within two years, a judge will likely dismiss your case, and you will be unable to recover from your injuries.
Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you have experienced a dog bite, you should consult with an attorney. Dog bite cases can be challenging to navigate, and you may have difficulty proving the requirements under the statute. An experienced attorney can review the details of your case and give you legal advice. It would help if you kept the statute of limitations in mind to avoid losing your legal right to file a lawsuit.
The Pritchard Injury Firm, led by Zach Pritchard, is dedicated to helping the residents of Bartow County and North Georgia. Zach Pritchard is passionate about helping his clients through challenging times. He understands the process can be stressful and overwhelming, so he handles every case with care and compassion.
Contact Pritchard Injury Firm today to schedule a consultation and discuss the statute of limitations on dog bites in Georgia!