Best Dog Bite Lawyers in Augusta, GA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Augusta, Georgia?

  If you are in Augusta, the non-emergency contact number for the Richmond County Sheriff's Office is 706-821-1080.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Augusta, Georgia?

  You may get copies of police reports for incidents related to your case at the Records Bureau of the Richmond County Sheriff's Office, located at 400 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30901, and open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Visitors are encouraged to first call the Records Bureau at 706-821-1010.

• How common are Augusta dog bite claims?

  Dog bite cases in Augusta are fairly common, as Georgia ranked 10th nationwide in 2022. According to data published by the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm, the average cost per claim in the state is $61,082. In fact, insurers paid out a total of $29 million for dog bite claims in 2022.

• What is considered a dangerous dog in Augusta?

  In Augusta, dogs are considered dangerous if they have bitten people before or if they belong to breeds such as the rottweiler and pit bull, and fighting breeds like the dogo argentino. Any dog that has wolf blood is also considered dangerous. In dog bite cases, dogs that are considered dangerous may be put down.

• What responsibilities do Augusta owners of dangerous dogs have?

  Owners of dangerous dogs in Augusta are mandated to register their pets with the city and carry at least $50,000 in liability insurance. They also have a responsibility to confine the dog in a secure location, restrain and muzzle the dog, and post signs warning people of the dangerous dog.

• Can Augusta dog bite victims recover compensation if they were partially at fault?

  Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence laws, dog bite victims in Augusta may secure compensation even if they were partially at fault for the incident, so long as their assigned percentage of fault is less than 49%. Examples of such situations include entering a neighbor’s yard despite warning signs and petting a leashed dog.

• How long do Augusta dog bite victims have to pursue legal action?

  As per Georgia’s statute of limitations, victims of dog bites in Georgia have at most up to two years to file a lawsuit against the dog owner. Following the incident, victims are advised to report to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and Augusta Animal Services division. They may also reach out to an attorney so as not to miss any deadlines for recovering compensation.