Were you injured in a dog attack in Augusta, GA? You may be entitled to compensation if the dog’s owner failed to control the animal. An Augusta dog bite lawyer at Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys can help you pursue full compensation for what you’ve been through. Call (706) 750-8860 for a free consultation.
We’re leaders in representing dog bite victims and other injured clients in Georgia. Our legal team is ready to help you seek justice and get your life back on track. Reach out today to get started.
Why Choose Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys to Handle My Dog Bite Case in Augusta, GA?
Dog bite cases in Augusta, Georgia, are personal. Victims are often attacked in places where they have every right to be. An Augusta dog bite attorney can help you seek accountability.
Clients choose Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys because:
- We have over 40 years of combined legal experience representing injured people.
- We are known for standing up to the largest insurance companies and corporations in Georgia.
- We have been recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and other top organizations for our success.
The aftermath of a dog attack can feel overwhelming. Having an experienced Augusta personal injury lawyer on your side can help alleviate that stress. Contact us today to arrange a complimentary consultation.
Georgia’s Dog Bite Laws
Georgia’s dog bite laws don’t feature the usual strict liability principles seen in other states. A dog owner may be liable if they knew or should have known the dog had dangerous propensities and failed to properly control it. Liability may also arise when the owner violates an applicable leash law or animal control ordinance.
A victim may be able to prove liability by showing that:
- The dog had shown aggressive behavior before the incident.
- The owner knew the dog was dangerous.
- The owner violated a leash law or local animal control ordinance.
- The owner failed to properly secure, restrain, or control the dog.
Georgia law does not always require proof that the dog previously bit someone. Evidence of past aggressive behavior may help establish the owner’s responsibility.
What Is My Augusta Dog Bite Case Worth?
The value of a dog bite claim depends on the severity of the injuries and the long-term impact on the victim’s life. Some bites heal with minimal treatment. Others cause lasting limitations and trauma.
Factors that may affect the value of your case include:
- The cost of past and future medical care
- Whether the attack caused permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Whether the victim was a child
- Whether the injuries affect appearance or mobility
- Time missed from work
- Whether your earning ability has been reduced
- The emotional distress caused by the attack
- Available homeowner’s, renter’s, or other liability insurance coverage
Dog bite claims involving visible scarring can be especially serious, as they can affect a person’s sense of self. Children may require additional care as they grow, including scar revision or reconstructive procedures.
The best way to understand the value of your case is to speak with a dog bite attorney in Augusta who can evaluate the full scope of your damages.
What Damages Are Available in a Georgia Dog Bite Case?
A dog attack can create financial losses and personal harm that last well beyond the day of the incident. Georgia law allows such victims to pursue compensation for the personal and financial damages they suffered in the attack.
You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Emergency medical care
- Stitches and wound care
- Surgery
- Medication/antibiotics
- Physical therapy
- Mental health treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Dog attacks can be especially traumatic because they happen suddenly and violently. Many victims are left with fear, embarrassment, sleep problems, or anxiety in ordinary public spaces. Those non-economic damages should be included in your claim if they apply to you.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Many people put off speaking with a lawyer because they’re worried about the cost. At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you won’t pay anything upfront, and there are no hourly fees or out-of-pocket attorney’s fees.
Instead, our fee comes as a percentage of the compensation we recover for you through a settlement or court award. If we don’t recover compensation for your case, you won’t owe us any attorney’s fees.
This fee arrangement allows you to obtain experienced legal representation without adding to your financial stress during an already difficult time. It also means we’re invested in pursuing the best possible outcome for your case.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Dog Bite in Georgia?
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. That means you may still recover compensation if you were less than 50% responsible for the incident. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 50% or more responsible, you may be barred from recovering damages.
For example, if your damages are $100,000 and you are found 30% at fault, your recovery could be reduced to $70,000. If the insurance company can push your share of fault to 50% or more, it may avoid paying anything.
A lawyer can challenge unfair attempts to blame you for the dog owner’s failure to control the animal.
We Can Seek Compensation for All Your Dog Bite Injuries in Augusta, GA
Common dog bite injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Deep puncture wounds
- Severe cuts and torn skin
- Facial injuries
- Hand and wrist injuries
- Arm and leg injuries
- Nerve damage
- Muscle and tendon injuries
- Broken bones from being knocked down
- Eye injuries
- Infections
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
- Anxiety and emotional trauma
- Post-traumatic stress symptoms
Dog bites are often more serious than they first appear. Even a wound that looks manageable can become infected or leave lasting damage. Larger dogs can crush tissue and knock victims to the ground.
Children often suffer some of the most serious injuries because of their size and vulnerability. Adults can also face life-changing consequences, especially when their injuries interfere with work.
Common Sources of Compensation for Dog Bite Claims in Augusta
In many dog bite cases, compensation does not come directly from the dog owner’s personal bank account. Instead, payment may be available through insurance coverage.
Possible sources of compensation may include:
- Homeowner’s insurance: If the dog owner owns a home, their homeowner’s policy may provide liability coverage for dog bite injuries.
- Renter’s insurance: If the dog owner rents an apartment or house, renter’s insurance may apply.
- Landlord or property insurance: A landlord may be held responsible for an attack if they knew of a dangerous dog on the property and failed to take reasonable action.
- Business insurance: If the attack happened at a business, a commercial policy may provide coverage.
- Umbrella insurance: Some dog owners carry additional liability coverage beyond standard policy limits.
Insurance issues can become complicated. Some policies exclude certain breeds or dog-related claims altogether. Even when policies provide coverage, the insurance company may still blame you or dispute the seriousness of the injuries.
A personal injury attorney in Augusta can help identify every available policy and prevent the insurance company from controlling the process.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Georgia?
In most cases, Georgia gives injury victims two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Dog bite lawsuits generally fall under this deadline.
If you miss the statute of limitations, you may lose your right to seek compensation in court. However, there may be special rules in cases involving minors.
You should speak to a dog bite lawyer in Augusta as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.
Contact an Augusta Dog Bite Lawyer for a Free Consultation
A dog attack can be a painful experience and an equally painful memory. You deserve justice if a dog owner failed to restrain their dog, and it attacked you.
Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys can help you pursue accountability and fight for the compensation you deserve. With decades of experience, we have a proven track record of providing clients with the strong legal representation they deserve. Give our Augusta dog bite attorneys a call today to schedule a free consultation.
