Dog bites and attacks can happen unexpectedly, leaving victims with painful injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in the greater Atlanta metro area or anywhere else in Georgia, you may wonder about your legal options and timelines.
Understanding the time limits for filing a claim is crucial, as missing deadlines could bar you from recovering compensation. An experienced dog bite lawyer can guide you through this process and help protect your rights.
In Georgia, dog bite incidents are treated as personal injury cases. The statute of limitations—the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit—is two years from the date of the injury. This means you generally have two years from the day of the dog attack to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner.
This two-year window applies to most dog bite claims, whether the attack occurred on public property, private property, or elsewhere in the Atlanta area. Failing to file within this period typically results in the court dismissing your case, leaving you without recourse for damages.
While two years is the standard deadline, certain circumstances may extend or “toll” the statute of limitations:
Consulting a dog attack lawyer early ensures you don’t miss any applicable exceptions.
Even with a two-year window, delaying action can harm your case. Evidence like witness memories, photos of injuries, or medical records fades over time. Insurance companies may also become harder to negotiate with as details blur.
Prompt action strengthens your position and preserves key proof.
Georgia does not follow a strict liability rule for dog bites. Instead, victims must prove the owner knew (or should have known) of the dog’s dangerous tendencies, or that the owner violated leash laws or failed to control the animal.
A skilled dog bite lawyer can investigate prior incidents, local ordinances, and owner negligence to build a strong case.
If you’ve suffered a dog bite or attack in the greater Atlanta metro area, you typically have two years from the incident to file a claim. However, don’t wait—evidence deteriorates, and starting early maximizes your chances of fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
At Burmeister Law Firm, our experienced team understands the complexities of Georgia dog bite laws and fights aggressively for victims.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a dedicated dog attack lawyer. We’re here to help you navigate this challenging time and secure the justice you deserve.
.webp){kind=logo}