Gainesville Dog Bite Lawyer
Every Gainesville dog owner has a responsibility to keep their animal under control. When dog owners fail to fulfill this duty, they could face civil liability for any injuries their animal causes.
If you or a loved one was harmed by an aggressive canine, you could benefit from speaking with a seasoned personal injury attorney. A Gainesville dog bite lawyer from our firm might be able to hold the animal’s owner accountable in court by seeking compensation through a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
Gainesville Dog Bite Laws
Every jurisdiction takes a differing approach to determining liability for a dog bite injury. In Gainesville, plaintiffs must establish a dog owner’s negligence by proving that they failed to properly restrain their pet. Official Code of Georgia Annotate §51-2-7 sets the standard for establishing liability in a dog bite case. This statute applies not only to dogs but any attack by most domesticated animals.
To prevail in a dog bite lawsuit, an injured claimant must prove that the canine involved in the attack was dangerous or vicious. The most commonly cited evidence of a dog’s vicious demeanor is its history of aggression and any past attacks. This is commonly known as the “one-bite rule.” A pet owner would only be liable for injuries caused by their dog if they knew or should have known that it was dangerous.
Additionally, a Gainesville attorney must show that the dog owner failed to exercise proper care over their pet. In other words, the owner could be liable for damages if they were careless in restraining their dog or allowed it to roam freely despite its dangerous nature. A plaintiff must also prove that they were not trespassing on the dog owner’s property at the time of the attack.
Time Limit to File Suit
When seeking compensation after a dog bite, it is imperative for an individual to file their claim within the legal timeframe. Known as the statute of limitations, this deadline determines the amount of time a plaintiff has to file a claim. The courts strictly enforce this statute and are likely to bar any lawsuits which are filed after the deadline expires.
For canine bite injury claims, a plaintiff has two years from the date of the attack to file a suit. While there are limited exceptions to this deadline, the best course of action is to ensure a lawsuit is filed promptly. A skilled Gainesville dog bite attorney could help an injury victim comply with this important legal deadline.
Call a Gainesville Dog Bite Attorney Today
Following an attack by a vicious canine, you could be facing serious physical and emotional pain, in addition to unplanned financial burdens. You may have the legal right to seek monetary compensation for your losses. A skilled attorney from our firm could work to hold the owner of the dog accountable for your injuries.
A Gainesville dog bite lawyer could work closely with you to investigate every aspect of your claim. To discuss your options, schedule a consultation right away.