Multi-Million Dollar Dog Bite Verdict Highlights Serious Risks For Owners In Georgia And Florida
Dog bite injuries are often dismissed as minor or unavoidable accidents. However, recent high-value verdicts prove that courts are beginning to take dog attacks more seriously. This is particularly true when the owners of dogs with known dangerous propensities do not exercise adequate control over their pets.
In one highly publicized Georgia case, a schoolteacher was awarded over $5 million by a jury after being permanently injured by a neighbor’s dog. The victim suffered severe damage to her arm that required surgery and rehabilitation. The jury decided that the owner of the dog had not exercised adequate control, and this, in turn, justified a large award for the victim.
Why dog bite injuries are often more serious than people realize
The consequences of a dog attack are often not limited to mere lacerations. They can also include:
- Deep puncture wounds that can become infected
- Damage to nerves
- Permanent scarring
- Fractured bones or torn ligaments
- Emotional trauma that can lead to PTSD
The treatment process can involve emergency care, surgical procedures, physical therapy, as well as plastic and reconstructive surgery. In addition, if the victim is a working adult, they might lose income from being out of commission.
Dog bite liability in Georgia
Georgia law does not hold dog owners strictly liable for their dog’s actions, like some other states. In other words, victims often have to prove that the owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies or that they violated Georgia’s leash law.
Evidence that often comes into play during dog bite suits includes reports that other people have complained about the dog’s behavior, witness statements, reports from local animal control services, and that the dog was roaming freely or improperly restrained. If these factors are present, and someone sustains an injury, a jury can deliver a large plaintiff’s verdict, as evidenced by the aforementioned lawsuit.
Florida’s dog bite law is even tougher on owners
Florida has a different approach to holding owners liable. According to Florida 767.04, the owner of a dog is strictly liable for injuries caused by the animal, regardless of whether the animal has bitten anyone before. The liability of the owner is not dependent on the history of the animal.
The strict liability of the owner makes it easier to file a dog bite lawsuit against an owner.
Homeowner’s insurance and dog bite claims
The majority of dog bite cases are paid out through homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies rather than directly out of the dog owner’s pocket. Insurers often resist paying injured parties their due compensation by raising issues such as provocation, trespass, and comparative negligence. A large verdict sends a message to insurers that they should not undervalue dog bite cases because they can be quite costly at trial.
Talk to a Jacksonville, FL, Dog Bite Attorney Today
Gillette Law represents the interests of injured plaintiffs in dog bite lawsuits filed against negligent owners. Call our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin investigating your situation today.
