Columbus Dog Bite Lawyer

Despite their reputation as man’s best friend, dog attacks result in countless emergency room visits each year. The injuries resulting from these bites can lead to scarring, disfigurement, and long-term health consequences.

When you are the victim of an attack, seek legal counsel immediately. A skilled personal injury attorney could review your case and advise you on your path to justice. Before you file a lawsuit on your own, consider speaking to a Columbus dog bite lawyer at Bence Law Firm, LLC.

When Is the Owner Liable?

The person who owns the dog that bit you could face civil liability for your injuries. However, a burden of proof must be met, just like any other injury case. To recover compensation, you will need to establish that the owner was negligent in allowing the attack to occur. An experienced Columbus dog bite attorney could help with meeting this burden.

While pet owners are not automatically liable for the actions of their dogs, they can face liability under specific circumstances. For example, if they know the animal to be vicious or dangerous, or when they are off a leash in violation of an ordinance.

There are some defenses to be aware of in these cases. For example, you are not entitled to a monetary award if you provoked the animal before it bit you. The same is true for trespassers who suffer bite injuries.

The Deadline to Sue the Dog Owner

In Columbus, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit is governed by Georgia Code § 9-3-33. Under this state law, dog bite injury victims have a two-year time frame to bring their case to court from the date of the incident.

Failure to file a lawsuit within the time window can lead to dire consequences. The court may dismiss these cases with prejudice. A dismissal with prejudice brings a lawsuit to an end and bars the plaintiff from ever filing it again.

There are some limited exemptions when it comes to the statute of limitations that could give you additional time to file a suit. However, it is risky to assume these exceptions apply to you. A qualified dog bite lawyer in Columbus could give you a clear picture of your deadline for filing a legal claim.

What Is the Average Dog Bite Settlement?

Many people injured in these attacks wonder what the average dog bite settlement is worth. Unfortunately, there is little in the way of publicly available information for average settlements. This is because these deals usually happen in private —often with a confidentiality agreement.

Thankfully, you can learn about the potential value of your case without needing to know what the average settlement value is. Bence Law Firm, LLC could advise you on the types of damages that could be available to you. Common examples include:

• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement

Call a Columbus Dog Bite Attorney Today

If you are living with the pain or scarring of a dog attack, you have the right to seek justice. A civil lawsuit could be your best option for holding the owner accountable for your injuries.

The right legal counsel could make or break your case. Before you consider a plea offer on your own, reach out to a Columbus dog bite lawyer at Bence Law Firm, LLC for more information.