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Dog bite laws are considerably more lenient in the state of Georgia than they are elsewhere. For example, since the state believes dogs are inherently harmless, the burden of proof lies on the plaintiff, who must find a way to demonstrate how the owner’s actions, or lack thereof, were somehow responsible for the incident. This can make it challenging for dog bite victims to recover compensation for their losses. As long as you have grounds for a claim, though, you should be able to negotiate for a settlement. Here, the personal injury attorneys from Toccoa’s McClure, Ramsay, Dickerson & Escoe LLP explain what those grounds can be. 

When You Were Not Liable

In Georgia, dog owners are not liable for damages following a bite if the victim was trespassing on their property when the incident occurred. The victim can also be considered at fault and therefore ineligible for compensation if they provoked the animal in some way. 

When the Owner Was Negligent 

attorneyTo file a successful dog bite claim with an attorney, you must prove that the owner’s negligence somehow contributed to the incident. For example, if the owner knew the dog was aggressive but failed to supervise or contain it, that could constitute grounds for a suit. Letting the dog off the leash could also be considered negligent, even if it does not have a history of biting people. 

When the Deadline Has Not Passed

Dog bite victims have two years from the date of the incident to file a formal lawsuit against the liable party. If you let more than 24 months pass, the court will likely dismiss the case. For this reason, it is wise to call an attorney and start building your claim as soon as possible. 

If you want to file a dog bite claim in Georgia, turn to the strategic personal injury attorneys at McClure, Ramsay, Dickerson & Escoe LLP. Based in Toccoa, their team has considerable experience in criminal defense, estate planning, and real estate transactions. They are also proud to help accident victims throughout Northeast Georgia regain their financial footing by filing successful personal injury claims. Visit their website or call (706) 886-3178 to schedule an initial consultation. 

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