How Long After a Dog Bite Can You Sue in Georgia?
Approximately 1,000 Americans are admitted to hospitals each day for emergency treatment related to dog bite injuries, according to DogsBite.org. It’s likely that these numbers are actually underreported because many people are afraid of getting the dog owners they know in trouble. Nevertheless, dog bite injuries are serious medical problems that often require costly medical care.
It’s important to understand that you have a right to file an insurance claim or even a lawsuit for dog bite injuries in Georgia if someone else’s dog attacked you without provocation. However, you must bring your case before the deadline passes.
Contact the Georgia dog bite attorneys of R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, now for a free case review to learn more.
Contents
- 1 How Long Does the Statute of Limitations Give You to Sue for a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Georgia?
- 2 Why Is It Best to Talk to a Lawyer as Soon as You Can After a Dog Bite?
- 3 What Happens After a Dog Bite is Reported in Georgia?
- 4 Does Georgia Have a One-Bite Rule?
- 5 Talk to Our Animal Attack Law Firm, Today
How Long Does the Statute of Limitations Give You to Sue for a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Georgia?
The statute of limitations is a special law that defines the amount of time you have to take certain types of legal action, such as filing a dog bite lawsuit. The statute of limitations protects the rights of the accused, prevents the court systems from getting bogged down by excessive lawsuits, and ensures cases are reviewed before evidence goes missing.
When it comes to dog bite lawsuits, Georgia law gives victims two years to file a claim in civil court. This two-year time limit begins on the date when the dog bite occurred, which means that as soon as you sustained your injuries, the clock started ticking on your time to file a lawsuit.
Only a few narrow circumstances could extend the time to file a dog bite lawsuit in Georgia. Otherwise, your ability to bring a claim for your dog attack injuries will be lost once two years have passed.
Why Is It Best to Talk to a Lawyer as Soon as You Can After a Dog Bite?
Given that you have only two years after a dog bite incident to file a lawsuit, it’s in your best interest to discuss your situation with a lawyer as soon as possible, even if you aren’t sure you want to sue yet. The lawyers of R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, provide free case reviews so you can voice your concerns and learn more about your options before you make any big decisions.
If you decide you want to sue, it’s important to remember that there is a lot your attorney will need to do before they can actually file a lawsuit on your behalf. They will likely need to investigate your claim, gather evidence, and engage in one or more rounds of negotiation with the dog owner’s insurance company before it’s time to file.
If your lawsuit is not filed before the two-year deadline expires, the court will likely dismiss your case. If this occurs, you will lose your right to demand compensation for your losses, even if you have a solid underlying case. What is the average settlement for dog bite cases in Georgia?
What Happens After a Dog Bite is Reported in Georgia?
Sometimes, dog bite victims don’t want to file reports because they know the dog owner and don’t want to get a family member, friend, or neighbor in trouble. However, it’s always important to report dog bite incidents to protect others from potential future attacks and provide supporting evidence for your dog bite claim.
Keep in mind, too, that your friend, relative, or neighbor likely has homeowners’ insurance or renters’ insurance that could provide coverage for your claim. That means you don’t have to worry about taking money out of the dog owner’s pocket.
After you file a dog bite report in Georgia, the owner may receive a citation. This does not mean their insurance policy will automatically pay for your claim or that any lawsuits you file will be successful.
If the dog bite resulted in open wounds, the owner might also be required to quarantine their dog for at least 10 days. If this was not the first time the dog attacked a person, the owner might owe the victim punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the negligent owner and discourage similar behavior in the future.
Does Georgia Have a One-Bite Rule?
Some state laws include a “one-bite” rule that says dog owners are generally only liable for dog bite injuries if their dog has bitten someone else in the past or if they knew or should have known the dog was likely to be dangerous. Georgia courts do not follow the one-bite rule.
In Georgia, dog owners are only liable for dog bite injuries if bite victims can prove:
- The owner knew or should have known their dog was dangerous and likely to bite someone.
- The owner was careless in keeping their dog properly leashed or restrained as required by local ordinances.
- The victim did nothing to provoke the dog or encourage it to attack.
Talk to Our Animal Attack Law Firm, Today
Dog bite injuries can cause severe injuries with long-lasting and expensive consequences. If you were bitten through no fault of your own, you shouldn’t be responsible for the costs of your recovery.
The experienced dog bite attorneys at R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, can help you navigate the legal process of filing your claim and negotiate aggressively for the money you deserve. Contact us today to discuss the details of your Georgia dog bite accident case in a free initial consultation.
An Athens resident Alan Cleveland grew up in Rockdale County. As a founding partner of the personal injury law firm of R. Alan Cleveland, LLC he proudly serves his community and provides skilled representation to injury victims and their families all around Georgia. Alan earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and went on to graduate, summa cum laude, from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. He is also a graduate of Gerry Spence’s renowned Trial Lawyers College (TLC) in Wyoming. In his free time, Alan frequently speaks at continuing legal education seminars. He also volunteered as a youth baseball coach and assists with Georgia’s high school moot court competition held annually. Alan serves as a Trustee of Historic Athens and is a member of the Development Authority of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County.
