Georgia Dog Bite Lawyers

Dogs are not always man’s best friend. Sometimes dogs have not been raised right, have been abused, or are just territorial. When you come into contact with an aggressive dog, you can get seriously hurt. If you are reading this page, you have likely been severely injured after being attacked by a dog. We are sorry that you have had to deal with this, and we will do everything in our power to get you the best possible result for compensation. After you read about your dog bite case below, please do not hesitate to call our office and set up a free initial case review to discuss what your legal options are.

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How Dog Bite Compensation Works in Georgia

You may feel reluctant to bring a dog bite case if you know the owner of the animal personally. There is a common misconception that, when you bring a dog bite case, you are suing the dog owner out of their own pocket. That is not how compensation works. When someone has a dog, typically they have homeowners insurance that also covers the dog that lives there. When things go wrong, insurance comes in and does its job to cover damages, including those caused by dog bites. Again, it does not come from the owner’s pocket. We strongly encourage you to bring your dog bite claim, regardless of who owned the dog that harmed you.

After it is determined that you will be bringing the claim, compensation will be decided upon. There are certain factors that go into how much you will be compensated. All of your medical bills, both past and future, lost wages now and into the future, and your pain and suffering will be the biggest factors that determine what your compensation will be. You will also be compensated for any expenses that are related to your dog bite. That could include physical therapy, counseling, and more.

The best way to ensure that you are going to get full and fair compensation is to follow some guidelines about evidence collection. It is important that you get animal control or police on the scene to take a report about what happened. Animal control will be able to get more information about the dog, including the vaccination status of the animal. You should also take photos and videos of everything that is significant, including the dog, your injuries, and the scene around you. You may also be able to get contact information from any witnesses.

Take this information to a Georgia dog bite lawyer as soon as possible so that they can get to work for your case right away. You only get two years from the date of your dog bite to bring your case, so you do not want to wait to hire a lawyer.

Common Types of Georgia Dog Bite Injuries

When you have been bitten by a dog, there are a number of different types of injuries that you could have suffered from. The most common types of dog bite injuries include:

• Scarring and disfigurement
• Cuts and lacerations
• Broken bones or fractures
• Dislocations
• Infections
• Trauma

Trauma is a particularly prevalent symptom when it comes to children who have been attacked by dogs. When a young person is attacked by a dog, they could suffer from a lifelong fear of dogs, a situation which can truly negatively impact their future.

Remember, while all of your injuries will be compensated for by the liable party’s insurance company, you need to have them cared for. The insurance company will be looking to see how severely you have been injured and how much they are responsible for it. If you decide not to get immediate medical treatment, you run the risk of not only worsening your condition, but having the insurance company look at your gap in medical treatment and try to reduce or eliminate your claim altogether. They might say that you lied about how severe your injuries were if you do not get treatment right away, or they may say that you lied about how you got your injuries, which would absolve them of responsibility.

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For more information, read about the emotional impact of dog bite accidents and punitive damages in Georgia dog bite lawsuits.

Georgia’s Dog Bite Law

O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7 addresses injuries caused by a vicious or dangerous animal when an owner or keeper carelessly manages it or allows it to go at liberty. The person injured must not have provoked the injury by their own act. The law also says that, for purposes of proving a dangerous propensity, an animal required by a local ordinance to be at heel or on a leash but not so restrained at the time of the event can be significant. The applicable city or county rule and what the owner knew remain important facts.

Georgia dog bite cases are not decided simply by showing that a bite occurred. An investigation may ask whether the dog had attacked, charged, or shown similar behavior before; what the owner or keeper knew; whether the dog was restrained; and what happened immediately before the bite. A leash-law violation does not automatically prove every element of a claim. The location of the attack and the animal’s history also matter. Preserve witness names, animal-control records, photographs, and messages about earlier incidents if available.

Some attacks occur without a single obvious bite, such as when a dog knocks someone down. The medical injury, dog behavior, and duty to control the animal still need evaluation. If you are unsure who owned or kept the dog, record the address, names, and any identifying information without putting yourself at risk. Our attorneys can assess which legal theory fits the facts rather than assuming every animal attack follows the same rule.

Injuries to Children

Children can suffer serious physical and emotional effects from an animal attack. Their height and size may make the face, head, or hands vulnerable. Prompt medical assessment is important for wounds, infection concerns, and possible scarring. Follow the treating clinician’s instructions and keep records of follow-up care, photographs over time, and any school or activity changes. If a child has persistent fear or distress, discuss that with a qualified health professional and document the treatment recommended.

An adult can help preserve details a child may not be able to record: where the dog came from, who was present, whether a gate or leash was involved, and what the child did before the incident. Avoid repeatedly asking leading questions about the event. A child’s claim may involve additional procedural and deadline issues, so parents or guardians should obtain case-specific advice promptly. The purpose of a claim is to address documented harm, not to assume every child will need the same care or have the same outcome.

What a Dog Bite Claim Is Worth

The value of a claim depends on the severity and permanence of the injuries, medical expenses, lost income, future treatment, scarring, and the effect on daily life, as well as proof of liability and available insurance. Photographs at different stages can show how a wound healed. Medical opinions may be needed to assess long-term effects. A small initial bill does not necessarily describe the full impact, but a severe-looking injury alone does not establish a particular dollar amount.

Some cases raise questions about punitive damages. These require a separate legal analysis and are not available simply because the attack was upsetting. Our article on punitive damages in Georgia dog bite lawsuits discusses that issue. A free consultation can focus on the actual medical record, the dog’s history, and the available coverage. We do not treat another person’s settlement or verdict as a prediction for a new case.

Homeowner’s and Renter’s Insurance

A dog owner may have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance that could respond to a covered animal-injury claim. Coverage is not automatic: policies can contain exclusions, conditions, limits, or restrictions relating to a particular dog or event. The policyholder’s relationship to the property and the person handling the dog may also matter. Ask for insurance information and preserve any correspondence from the carrier, but do not assume the owner will pay personally or that a policy must cover the loss.

If an insurer calls, note the representative’s name, company, claim number, and what information is requested. You may need to provide basic facts, but be cautious about a recorded statement or a broad medical authorization before you understand the claim and its scope. An attorney can help identify the appropriate insurer, obtain the relevant policy information, and present medical and liability evidence. If there are multiple owners or keepers, their roles should be investigated separately.

How We Investigate a Dog Bite Case

Our review starts with the event itself: who handled the dog, where it was kept, whether a leash or enclosure was used, and what witnesses saw. We look for photographs, animal-control reports, veterinary or ownership records when obtainable, and prior complaints that may show what the owner knew. We compare the facts with the ordinance in force at that exact location. A rule in one city may differ from a rule in another, so the address matters.

We also examine the medical record and any dispute over causation or the extent of injury. The insurer may question whether the claimant provoked the animal, whether the dog was dangerous before, or whether a policy applies. These questions are answered with evidence, not assumptions. Early investigation can preserve video, identify witnesses, and prevent confusion about which dog was involved. If the owner is someone you know, an attorney can explain the role of insurance and the choices available to you.

What to Do After an Attack

Move to safety and seek medical care. A clinician can evaluate wounds, infection risk, and whether additional treatment is needed. Report the incident to the appropriate animal-control authority and ask how to obtain a copy of the report. Record the dog’s description, location, owner or handler, and contact information for witnesses. Photograph injuries, torn clothing, and the scene when it is safe to do so.

Keep discharge instructions, bills, prescriptions, work absence records, and all insurer letters. Note any prior statements from neighbors or others about the dog’s behavior and preserve the original messages if possible. Our contact page lists both offices for a free consultation. Early documentation helps an attorney evaluate the statutory requirements, applicable local ordinance, medical loss, and insurance coverage.

Call Our Georgia Dog Bite Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation

Dog bites can have a serious negative effect on your life and we are truly sorry to hear that you have been harmed by an aggressive dog. We are more than willing to help you get through this case and make it as successful as possible. Please call our office today to set up your free initial consultation with our experienced and supportive Georgia dog bite lawyers. We will safeguard you and fight hard to make sure that the liable party’s insurance company is held responsible for your injuries and damages and that you get full and fair compensation.