Were you or a family member bitten by someone else’s dog in Nahunta, GA? An experienced Nahunta dog bite lawyer can help you fight to hold the dog’s owner and other liable parties responsible. Call Mayfield Law, LLC at 912-733-4651 today for a free consultation.
We understand that recovering from an injury is difficult. We’ve already recovered millions of dollars to help our injured clients move forward with their lives. Our Nahunta personal injury attorneys are ready to help you and your family recover and move on.
Are you wondering how to hold the responsible parties accountable for your losses? Call our law offices in Nahunta, Georgia, to arrange a time to talk today.
Why Choose Mayfield Law, LLC for Help Recovering Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Nahunta?
When you hire Mayfield Law, LLC, you’re hiring a team of passionate Nahunta dog bite attorneys who are dedicated to making a difference in our injured clients’ lives.
Most injury victims are forced to stand up to powerful insurance companies. We know that it can be tempting to back down. Instead, our Nahunta personal injury lawyers can step in and protect your rights. They’ve been recognized by organizations like Super Lawyers, Avvo, Best Lawyers, and more for their commitment to justice.
Dog owners assume certain responsibilities when they choose to own an animal. Even if you love dogs, you have the right to assume that the owner will take reasonable steps to prevent injuries. When they don’t, you can trust our firm to help you fight for justice.
If you were injured, start asserting your rights today. Call our law firm to schedule a free consultation.
What Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
No two dog bite injuries are exactly the same.
However, key factors that are relevant in nearly every personal injury case include:
- The victim’s medical treatment costs
- The value of the victim’s lost wages
- Whether the injuries are temporary or expected to cause long-term damage
- How the injury impacts the victim’s emotional well-being and physical capabilities
- Expected future costs
- Long-term impacts on the victim’s earnings
- Available insurance coverage
During your free case review, our Georgia dog bite lawyers will listen to your story and ask questions. This meeting will help us understand how the injury has impacted you, so we can offer greater insight into how much your dog bite injury case might be worth.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Dog Bite Injury Victims in Nahunta?
In Georgia, two primary forms of compensatory damages are available to personal injury victims: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover tangible financial costs, including:
- ER costs, doctors’ bills, surgeries, medications, and other medical expenses
- Projected future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Rehabilitation
- Mental health counseling
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages cover the intangible losses that stem from a traumatic event and subsequent injury, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent physical disfigurement and scarring
- Mental trauma and distress
- Fear and PTSD
- Depression
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of consortium
Injury victims in Georgia have the burden of identifying and documenting their damages. They’re also responsible for proving their value, which can be particularly tricky when it comes to non-financial losses and future costs.
When the insurance company is trying to downplay the value of your losses, turn to our lawyers in Nahunta for help proving your case value.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Georgia?
You can hire our Georgia dog bite attorneys without putting any money down. Rather than charging upfront fees or hourly rates, we work on contingency. Once your case is resolved, we take a percentage of the settlement or verdict we’ve won in your case.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Dog Bite Accident in Georgia?
Typically, shared fault is only relevant in cases based on negligence. Many dog bite injury claims fall under Georgia’s strict liability dog bite laws.
That said, when the owner can prove you did something to provoke the dog, we may be able to hold them liable based on their own negligence. Similarly, third-party defendants are only responsible when they were negligent.
In these cases, Georgia generally has a modified comparative negligence law with a 50% bar to recovery. Victims may lose their right to damages once their share of fault reaches 50%. If you were partly liable, but less than 50% responsible, your damages are typically reduced according to your share of fault.
Common Dog Bite Injuries in Nahunta, Georgia
Dog bites and animal attacks can leave victims struggling with a wide range of injuries, including:
- Deep puncture wounds and torn skin
- Eye and facial injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Dislocations
- Shoulder injuries
- Injuries to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons
- Serious nerve damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Serious infections, which can lead to traumatic amputations
- Paralysis, blindness, and catastrophic injuries in the most severe cases
Dog bite wounds can cause serious and permanent scarring and disfigurement. When dogs bite, they tend to tear the skin roughly, making it much more difficult to repair.
We represent clients in all types of dog bite injury cases. Contact us today to learn more about your options.
What Is the Legal Basis for a Dog Bite Injury Claim in Georgia?
Many personal injury claims are based on negligence. Dog bite cases are slightly different, and every state has adopted its own rules regarding dog bite injuries.
A strict liability standard applies in Georgia when establishing a dog owner’s liability.
To recover compensation for dog bite injuries under Georgia’s strict liability law, victims must prove:
- The defendant was the owner or keeper of the dog.
- The dog was dangerous or vicious.
- The dog owner was careless in managing the dog or allowed the dog to roam freely.
- The dog injured you, whether by biting you or attacking you.
- You did nothing to provoke the dog’s attack.
Initially, you may think this sounds like you can only recover damages if the owner knew the dog was vicious or dangerous.
Instead, the law clarifies that you can prove viciousness simply by showing that:
- A city, county, or other applicable law required the dog to be at heel or on a leash.
- The dog was not at heel or on a leash.
Thus, you are not required to prove the dog had bitten or harmed someone in the past. Violating Nahunta leash laws is sufficient to establish the danger posed by the dog.
Negligence Theories in Dog Bite Cases
You can also seek to hold negligent parties accountable. Someone is negligent when they fail to use the amount of caution that a reasonable person would use under the circumstances.
For example, if the owner allowed the dog to roam free or failed to keep the dog confined, they may be deemed negligent.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite Injury in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, most injury victims, including dog bite victims, typically have only two years to file a lawsuit. Wait any longer and you risk losing your right to damages entirely.
How Common Are Dog Bite Injuries in Georgia?
According to the most recent data, dogs bite approximately 10 million Americans each year. Nearly 1,000 Americans require emergency room care for dog bite wounds every day.
In 2024, Georgia rounded out the “top 10” list for dog bite insurance claims. Insurance companies paid dog bite victims in Georgia roughly $31.4 million that year.
Who Is Responsible for My Damages After a Dog Bite in Georgia?
Generally, your first course of action will be to pursue compensation from the dog’s owner. Georgia has adopted a dog bite statute that extends liability for dog bite injuries to the dog’s owner.
It’s also possible that someone other than the dog’s owner may be responsible.
Examples include:
- Dog walkers
- Pet sitters
- Groomers
- Property or business owners, if the bite occurred on someone else’s property
Under Georgia premises liability laws, property owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises free from unsafe conditions. That can include dogs.
A business owner may be responsible for your damages if:
- You were lawfully on their premises when the dog bit you.
- The owner knew, or reasonably should have known, about the risk of harm.
- The owner didn’t provide you with adequate warning.
- You were injured as a result.
Premises liability claims can be complicated. It’s important to enlist the help of an experienced attorney. Our team will carefully evaluate your situation so that we can identify all parties who may share legal responsibility for your injuries.
Call Our Nahunta Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were bitten by someone else’s dog, reach out to an experienced Nahunta dog bite lawyer. Dog bites can haunt the victim for years, especially in cases involving children. Our team at Mayfield Law, LLC is here to fight for you at every turn. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
