Were you bitten by a dog in Brunswick, GA? Dog bites can leave victims with serious injuries, emotional scars, and lasting hardships. If someone else’s dog attacked you, you might be able to secure money for your medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured. An experienced Brunswick dog bite lawyer at Mayfield Law, LLC can help you every step of the way.
We have significant experience handling personal injury cases, including dog bite claims. We’ve achieved notable recoveries for our clients, and we’re willing to take any case to trial if that’s what it takes for fair compensation. Insurance companies or dog owners may try to minimize your injuries or deny liability, but our legal team can stand up for you.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dog, contact us today to schedule a free consultation at (912) 457-8557. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
How Mayfield Law, LLC Can Help You After a Dog Bite in Brunswick, GA
Facing the aftermath of a dog attack can be overwhelming, especially if you’re also dealing with medical treatments and emotional trauma. Instead of juggling phone calls with an insurance adjuster — who might be pushing a quick settlement — it can help to have an attorney handle these details on your behalf.
Here are some ways a Brunswick personal injury attorney can support you:
- In-Depth Investigation: We will collect records of the dog’s past behavior (including prior bites or aggression complaints), speak to witnesses, and review relevant medical or veterinary documents.
- Proving Liability: Georgia’s dog bite laws often require showing that the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous or that they violated local leash or control ordinances.
- Calculating Damages: A dog bite can result in more than medical bills. We also consider lost wages, emotional suffering, and other negative impacts on your life.
- Negotiating With Insurers: We’ll deal with the insurance company’s adjusters and legal team so that you don’t have to.
- Preparing for Trial: If the dog owner or insurer refuses to provide a fair settlement, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court.
By letting Mayfield Law, LLC handle the legal aspects of your dog bite claim, you can focus on healing and regaining your day-to-day life. Our familiarity with Georgia law and willingness to go to trial can make a difference in securing the compensation you need. Contact our law office in Brunswick, GA today for a free case review.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Brunswick?
Most personal injury lawyers in Georgia operate on a contingency fee basis for dog bite cases. This means:
- You pay no attorney’s fees unless your lawyer recovers compensation for you.
- If the case is successful, the lawyer typically takes a percentage (often around 33%) of the settlement or jury award.
- You might still be responsible for costs like filing fees or expert witnesses, depending on the agreement.
A contingency fee helps level the playing field by letting you hire an attorney without paying large hourly bills upfront. It also motivates your lawyer to obtain as much money as possible for your claim.
Georgia’s Dog Bite Laws
Some states follow a “one-bite rule,” where owners might be safe from liability if their dog never bit anyone before. Georgia, however, uses a modified version of the rule within its legal framework. State law can hold owners accountable if they have reason to know the dog is aggressive or has failed to follow local rules like leash laws. Generally, you must show one of the following:
- The owner or caretaker knew or should have known the dog might bite (for example, the dog had a history of snapping or lunging).
- The owner was negligent, such as ignoring leash requirements or letting a dog run free in a public space.
Georgia also mandates that owners exercise “ordinary care” to manage their pets. Even if the animal has never bitten before, you might still have a valid case depending on the facts and circumstances. Also important is whether the dog has been classified as “dangerous” or “vicious” under the state’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law – these classifications can impose further requirements on owners.
Proving Liability for a Dog Bite in Georgia
To succeed in a dog bite lawsuit, you generally need to show that:
- The Owner was Careless or Knew the Dog was Dangerous: If the dog has bitten someone before or shown aggressive behavior, that can prove owner awareness. Violating local leash rules can also establish negligence.
- Their Negligence Caused Your Injuries: You must connect your injuries directly to the lack of control or care on the owner’s part.
Gathering evidence might involve speaking with neighbors who’ve seen the dog act aggressively, obtaining official reports of prior incidents, or reviewing local ordinances the owner violated. Meanwhile, you’ll want to document the extent of your wounds and other losses. When these pieces come together, your case for compensation grows stronger.
What Are Common Types of Injuries Caused by Dog Bites?
There are numerous injuries that can be caused by dog bites, including:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Fractures
- Nerve damage
- Scarring
- Facial injuries
- Eye injuries
We’ll analyze the full extent of your injuries and fight for the full extent of compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Dog Bite in Brunswick?
A dog bite can result in both financial and personal losses. Under Georgia law, you may be entitled to:
Economic Damages
This category covers bills and other financial expenses tied directly to the attack. Examples include hospital stays, physical therapy, counseling, medication, and time missed from your job. If you have ongoing medical needs or can’t return to the same work, that can boost your case’s value.
Non-Economic Damages
Not every loss comes with a receipt. You might also face lingering pain, psychological trauma, or issues like disfigurement that affect your self-confidence. Non-economic damages help address these intangibles, and they can be especially significant if your injuries leave you with lasting physical or emotional harm from catastrophic injuries.
In rare cases, you might be eligible for punitive damages if the dog’s owner acted particularly recklessly, such as intentionally training the dog to attack people. These damages aim to punish the owner rather than simply compensate you.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Dog Bite in Brunswick?
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence standard with a 50% bar to recovery. That rule means you can’t recover any money if you’re at least 50% at fault for the incident. If you’re under 50% responsible, your compensation will be reduced based on your portion of the blame.
For instance, let’s say the court finds you 10% responsible because you were teasing the dog or entering a clearly marked private area. If your total damages equal $300,000, you’d receive $270,000. Insurance companies often attempt to push blame onto the victim to lower their payout, so having a lawyer can help fight these claims.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Georgia?
Georgia law typically gives you two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit in civil court. If you miss this statute of limitations, your case can be dismissed, and you’ll lose the chance to collect compensation. Some exceptions exist — like if the victim is a minor or if a governmental entity is involved — but these are rare.
Either way, waiting too long can harm your lawsuit. Evidence (like photos of injuries) might be lost, and witnesses can forget key details. Consulting a lawyer early ensures you meet all deadlines and preserve the proof you need to succeed.
Contact a Brunswick Dog Bite Attorney for a Free Consultation
A dog bite can lead to expensive medical care, emotional scars, and major life changes. You shouldn’t have to face these challenges alone or shoulder the costs if someone else was negligent. If you were attacked by a dog in Brunswick, getting legal advice may help you recover the money you need for your injuries, lost income, and personal hardships.
Mayfield Law, LLC offers significant experience in dog bite litigation and isn’t afraid to fight your case in court. We know how insurance companies operate and can stand up to them on your behalf. If you want to learn more about your options, call us for a free consultation.
During your meeting, we’ll discuss your incident, explain Georgia’s dog bite laws, and outline a strategy to protect your rights. By partnering with a skilled Brunswick dog bite attorney, you increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, pain, and emotional distress.