A Georgia girl practicing her basketball skills with friends in front of her home was attacked by two pit-bulls in March 2010. She suffered severe injuries outside her suburban Atlanta home, including the loss of one arm below the elbow and now has only limited use of her other hand.

This attack is the result of a negligent dog owner. The woman who owned the two dogs is now facing jail time for reckless conduct, not having the dogs immunized for rabies, and violating a vicious dog ordinance. Because of the woman's alleged negligence, a young girl has faced a long recovery and will likely deal with more surgeries and rehabilitation throughout her life.

The girl has already had 10 surgeries, had to relearn many things such as eating, walking and writing. She spent a month in a Georgia intensive care units and a month in a hospital rehabilitation unit.

Not only did this girl suffer severe pain and loss of function to play basketball, the sport she loved the most, but her family most likely endured great emotional and financial stress. Extended stays in hospitals can cause large hospital bills and a great future expense for continuing rehab and future surgeries.

The victim and her family might be entitled to compensation because of her injuries. Compensation can be for pain and suffering, as well as hospital bills. It would be wise if you ever suffer severe injuries to contact an Atlanta personal injury attorney to help understand your rights in your situation.

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Girl, who lost arm in DeKalb dog attack, saddled with nightmares," April Hunt, Jan. 5, 2012