Animal attacks can be vicious and cause serious permanent injuries. The damages caused by animal attacks include physical and emotional damage as well as many hidden costs to communities. Animal attacks can cause disfigurement, infection, permanent disability and may even be life-threatening.
The American Veterinary Medical Association has shown that approximately 4.5 million people are bitten each year by dogs. In addition 334,000 people are admitted to emergency rooms each year due to dog bites. Half of the dog bite victims are children under the age of 12. The Center for Disease Control found that in 1997-1998, 27 people died from dog bites, and that 19 of them were children under 15 years of age.
If you or someone you know has been attacked by an animal you should contact an attorney with experience in these types of claims. Our attorneys at Link & Smith, P.C. have handled many claims involving vicious animals and we are ready to speak to you about your claim.
Annual estimates are that homeowners claims for animal attacks exceed 1 billion dollars. In addition an estimated $102.4 million dollars in hospital expenses are incurred for dog bite-related emergency visits each year. The law in Georgia states that a dog owner will be liable for injuries and property damage caused by a dog if the attack was not provoked if any of the following exist:
The dog was vicious or dangerous and the owner was negligent (guilty of “careless management”);
—or —
The dog was vicious or dangerous and the owner let the dog run loose (“go at liberty”).
In determining “careless management,” Georgia court opinions place weight on the dog owner’s superior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous temperament. A dog is considered vicious if it had previously injured a person in a manner similar to the attack in question. Also a dog may be considered vicious under the law if the dog was required by law to be on a leash, but was not at the time of the attack.
After an animal attack you should obtain the owner’s name, address and telephone number and immediately seek medical attention. A skilled attorney will want to speak with any witnesses and obtain the dog’s history from the local animal control agency, thus you should try to obtain the dog’s license information. Over time your cuts and abrasions will heal therefore you should take pictures of the injuries (bruises, cuts, scrapes, stitches or scars).
There are many complex legal issues involved in an animal attack claim, therefore you should seek an attorney with experience in handling animal attack cases. Our attorneys at Link & Smith, P.C. have many years of personal injury litigation experience and we have the skill and knowledge to successfully represent your in your animal attack claim. For a free consultation with one of our attorneys contact us toll free at 888-315-8840.
