Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term medical complications—especially for children and elderly victims. Georgia law allows dog bite victims to seek compensation when an owner fails to properly control or restrain a dangerous animal. If you or a loved one was bitten or attacked by a dog in [City], Georgia, The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation under Georgia law.
Georgia Dog Bite Law Explained
Georgia follows a fault-based dog bite system, meaning a dog owner may be held liable if:
- The dog was vicious or dangerous, and
- The owner knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous tendencies, and
- The owner failed to properly restrain or control the dog
Local leash laws and prior aggressive behavior can play a significant role in establishing liability.
Common Dog Bite and Animal Attack Scenarios
|
Location |
Examples |
|
Private Property |
Attacks in yards or homes |
|
Apartment Complexes |
Loose dogs in common areas |
|
Worksites |
Delivery or service worker attacks |
|
Public Spaces |
Parks, sidewalks, parking lots |
|
Commercial Property |
Stores or business premises |
Dog bite claims often involve both animal owner liability and premises liability.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Dog Bites
Dog attacks can result in serious injuries, including:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Infections and scarring
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones (especially in children)
- Facial injuries
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
- Rabies or other disease exposure
- Wrongful death (in severe cases)
Prompt medical treatment is critical after any animal bite.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Dog Bite Case?
Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to:
- Dog owners
- Property owners or landlords
- Property management companies
- Businesses allowing dogs on premises
Landlords may be liable if they knew of a dangerous dog and failed to act.
What Must Be Proven in a Georgia Dog Bite Claim
To pursue a dog bite claim in Georgia, an injured person generally must show:
- The dog had dangerous or vicious tendencies
- The owner knew or should have known of those tendencies
- The dog was not properly restrained or controlled
- The attack caused injury
- Actual damages resulted
Evidence such as prior incidents, leash law violations, or witness testimony can be critical.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Georgia
To protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical treatment
- Report the bite to animal control or local authorities
- Identify the dog owner and obtain contact information
- Document injuries and the scene
- Avoid discussing the incident with insurers without legal guidance
Medical documentation is especially important in dog bite cases.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Georgia
Dog bite injury claims in Georgia are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations. Claims involving minors or government-owned property may involve different deadlines.
Prompt legal review helps preserve your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Georgia have a “one-bite rule”?
Georgia law focuses on owner knowledge of dangerous tendencies, which may be shown by prior bites or aggressive behavior.
What if the dog never bit anyone before?
Other evidence of dangerous behavior may still establish liability.
Can children recover damages for dog bites?
Yes. Children often suffer severe injuries and may be entitled to significant compensation.
Why Choose The C. Paul Law Firm P.C.
- Experience handling Georgia dog bite and premises cases
- Knowledge of animal liability and landlord responsibility law
- Strategic investigation of owner and property liability
- Clear, professional communication
- Commitment to ethical, client-focused representation
We work to protect dog bite victims and hold negligent parties accountable.
Speak With a Dog Bite Lawyer in [City], Georgia
If you or a loved one was injured in a dog bite or animal attack in [City], Georgia, The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. is ready to help you understand your legal options. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation. The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. is located at 1870 The Exchange, Suite 200, #1387, Atlanta, GA 30339. You can reach us by phone at (212) 551-PAUL or visit www.cpaullawfirm.com. Reach out today to speak with a member of our team and begin your path toward recovery.