If you or someone close to you has sustained severe injuries due to a dog bite in Georgia, then you know the physical, emotional, and financial toll it can take during and after the recovery.
Luckily, under Georgia’s tort law (O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7), victims can pursue compensation for these damages. While the amount you may be able to recover will depend on the specifics of your incident, here’s how dog bite cases are typically calculated.
What Can Be Covered in a Dog Bite Legal Claim?
An experienced dog bite lawyer will review all costs and expenses caused by a dog bite, ensuring nothing is overlooked. This includes not only the standard expenses often claimed in such cases but also unique or uncommon costs that might arise in specific circumstances.
The goal in recovering compensation a dog bite case is to ensure the victim is fully covered for all direct and indirect financial impacts due to the incident.
Here are several expenses that can be recovered in a dog bite case:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses play a vital role in determining damages. Compensation for medical care can encompass the costs of initial medical attention, subsequent care, surgical procedures, medications, and rehabilitation. However, these costs can also extend to routine check-ups, continued therapy, and specialist consultations. To support your claims, it’s crucial to retain all medical documentation.
Lost Wage or Job Expenses
If the dog bite injury prevents you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you have lost or will lose as a result.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages may be awarded for the physical and emotional distress caused by the dog bite incident. While it is challenging to put a monetary value on pain and suffering, your legal team will consider the severity of your injury, the impact on the your life, and the duration and extent of pain and emotional suffering.
Wrongful Death
In wrongful death cases, damages may be awarded to compensate the victim’s family for the loss of their future enjoyment of life. A victim’s estate may recover damages for pain and suffering, medical, and final expenses.
In the case of the loss of a spouse, Georgia law may also allow damages for the loss of their companionship, guidance, and support. These damages are known as loss of consortium.
Punitive Damages
In extreme cases, such as when the dog has a history of previously attacking humans, punitive damages may also be recovered.
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How Are All of the Expenses Calculated?
It’s important to keep in mind that the insurance industry may try to downplay the damages victims are entitled to. Insurance adjusters often attempt to settle cases quickly and for as little as possible. This is why it is crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced dog bite attorney by your side to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation.
By consulting with us at The Millar Law Firm, you can be confident in our expertise in Georgia personal injury law. We understand the intricacies of calculating damages in dog bite cases and will tirelessly advocate for your rights.
Please contact us directly with any questions you may have so that we can provide you with the answers you need. We offer a complimentary initial consultation so you can learn your rights and make a decision on how to proceed.
Yes, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries if you were bitten by a dog in Georgia.
Damages in a dog bite case are calculated based on factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, scars and emotional distress. In the case of wrongful death, compensation for the loss of future life and earnings are also considered.
Your claims may include medical expenses, treatment, medication, rehabilitation, surgeries and scar revisions, past and future medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Yes, you can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased family member who suffered a fatal dog attack.
Not necessarily. Many dog bite cases are settled out of court, but there are no guarantees that filing a lawsuit will not be necessary. In dog bite and attack cases, it is not uncommon for the dog’s owner to deny fault or hide their homeowners insurance information, or for the insurance company to try to downplay the severity of your injuries. If this happens, a Georgia dog bite attorney, such as The Millar Law Firm can advise you whether filing a lawsuit is the best thing to do.
