Although dogs often make great pets, some animals may bite or attack, causing severe harm. After suffering a dog bite or attack, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your losses. If a dog has a history of aggression, state legislation holds its owner liable for all damages in attacks. However, proving the owner knew of the dog’s aggressive nature can be difficult.
A hardworking Macon dog bite lawyer could complete a thorough investigation to find evidence of the owner’s negligence. Call the Gunn Law Group to schedule a consultation with a seasoned attorney about your case.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries can significantly range in severity. Children often suffer the most severe injuries, as the animal may be able to reach their face in an attack.
Canine attack injuries and bite wounds can affect various body parts. Some of the more common injuries include:
- Face and eye injuries
- Tissue damage
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Head and neck injuries
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Broken or fractured bones
A hardworking Macon attorney could help recover compensation for quality medical care and follow-up treatment after a dog bite.
The Liability of Owners of Vicious Animals
Once an animal shows vicious or aggressive behavior, the law requires the owner to always keep it on a secure leash or behind a fence to ensure the safety of others. Per the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-2-7, if the owner of a dangerous animal carelessly allows the dog to attack others through no fault of their own, the owner is liable for damages.
Renter or homeowner insurance policies usually cover dog bite damages. However, if the claim for damages exceeds the maximum policy amounts, the pet owner is responsible for paying the rest of the costs. An experienced dog bite lawyer in Macon could investigate previous cases and collect evidence to establish the owner’s liability.
Recovering Compensation after a Dog Bite in Macon
Once a dog bite victim and their attorney establish the owner’s liability for an accident, they can collect compensation for damages. The court will award damages for dog bite injuries under two categories.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover calculatable losses, including medical bills and lost wages from missing time at work. Economic damages could also cover transportation to necessary medical appointments or renovations to the plaintiff’s home to accommodate a new disability.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover subjective losses such as pain and suffering or psychological trauma. Animal attacks often leave the victim traumatized, especially in the case of children. The dog bite attorneys at our firm could help recover from these losses.
Call a Seasoned Dog Bite Attorney in Macon
Dog owners must be responsible for their pets and ensure they do not attack, bite, or cause harm to innocent people. When they fail to guarantee the safety of others, the court may hold them financially accountable.
An award for damages could cover medical costs and expenses while you focus on resting and recovering. Contact a seasoned Macon dog bite lawyer at the Gunn Law Group for help with your claim.