Dog attacks can be traumatic and lead to serious physical injuries. Georgia dog bite laws are designed to protect victims and hold dog owners accountable when their pets cause harm. Understanding these laws is critical if you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog. At Ross Moore Law, we are dedicated to helping dog bite victims in the Atlanta metro area and across Georgia.
Call our dog bite lawyers today for a free consultation.
Georgia Dog Bite Laws: Understanding Owner Liability
In Georgia, the law allows dog bite victims to pursue compensation under certain circumstances. However, proving liability can be complex. The state’s dog bite statute, outlined in O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7, states that an owner can be held liable for a dog bite if they knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous, or if the owner violated a local ordinance, such as a leash law.
The “One Bite” Rule
Georgia is commonly referred to as a “one-bite” state, though this term can be misleading. Under Georgia law, an owner may be held responsible for a dog bite if they knew the dog had a tendency to bite or act aggressively. This often requires showing that the dog had a history of dangerous behavior, such as biting someone in the past, or that the dog had displayed aggressive tendencies like growling or snapping at people.
If the dog has bitten someone before or shown signs of aggression, the owner is deemed to have had knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities, and they can be held liable for any subsequent bites or attacks.
Violation of Local Ordinances
Even if the dog has no history of dangerous behavior, an owner can still be held liable if they violate a local ordinance, such as leash laws or containment requirements. Many cities and counties in Georgia have laws requiring dogs to be restrained or kept on a leash when in public.
If the dog is allowed to roam freely despite leash laws, the owner may be liable regardless of the dog’s previous behavior.
Owner’s Negligence
In some cases, owners may also be held liable if their negligence contributed to the dog bite. This might include failing to secure a dog properly, not warning others about a dangerous dog, or allowing a dog to run loose in a neighborhood. Proving negligence typically requires demonstrating that the owner’s actions directly led to the dog bite and subsequent injuries.
The Responsible Dog Ownership Law in Georgia
Georgia also has a specific law known as the Responsible Dog Ownership Law, which further outlines the responsibilities of dog owners, especially those who own dangerous or vicious dogs. The law aims to reduce the number of dog attacks and ensure that dog owners properly control their pets.
Classification of Dogs as Dangerous or Vicious
Under the Responsible Dog Ownership Law, a dog can be classified as dangerous or vicious based on its behavior. A dangerous dog is defined as one that has:
- Caused a substantial puncture wound without inflicting serious injury
- Aggressively attacked in a manner that poses an imminent threat of serious injury (growling, barking, showing teeth alone is not sufficient)
- While off the owner’s property, killed a pet animal (some exceptions allowed but limited)
A vicious dog is a dog that has seriously injured a person. Once a dog is classified as dangerous or vicious, the owner is required to follow stricter guidelines to ensure the safety of others.
Requirements for Dangerous Dogs
Owners of dangerous dogs must take specific actions to control their pets, including:
- Registering the Dog: Owners must register their dangerous dog with local authorities and obtain a certificate of registration.
- Proper Enclosures: Dangerous dogs must be kept in a secure, enclosed area on the owner’s property to prevent the dog from escaping.
- Leash Requirements: A dangerous dog can only leave the owner’s property when controlled by a leash (maximum of six feet) or in a crate.
- Warning Sign: A clearly visible sign must be posted warning of the “Dangerous” Dog at all entrances to the premises.
Requirements for Vicious Dogs
The regulations for vicious dogs are even more stringent. In addition to the requirements for dangerous dogs, owners of vicious dogs must maintain a $50,000 liability insurance policy for bodily injury or property damage caused by the dog. Vicious dogs are not allowed off the owner’s property except when leashed and muzzled or in a locked cage or crate.
What Compensation Can Dog Bite Victims Recover?
Dog bites can result in serious injuries, ranging from deep puncture wounds and lacerations to nerve damage and emotional trauma. In some cases, dog bites can also lead to infections or permanent scarring. Victims of dog bites in Georgia are entitled to seek compensation for their injuries, which can include:
Medical Expenses
Victims can recover compensation for the cost of medical treatment related to the dog bite. This may include hospital bills, emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, and follow-up care, such as physical therapy or counseling.
Lost Wages
If a dog bite injury prevents you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for lost income. This includes wages lost during recovery, as well as potential future earnings if the injury results in long-term or permanent disability.
Pain and Suffering
Dog bite victims can also pursue compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack. This may include compensation for mental anguish, anxiety, fear of dogs, nightmares, or other emotional trauma.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Many dog bites result in permanent scarring or disfigurement, especially when the injuries occur on the face, arms, or hands. Victims may seek compensation for the impact these visible scars have on their quality of life, as well as the cost of any cosmetic surgery or treatments to minimize the appearance of scars.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the dog owner acted with gross negligence or malice, such as intentionally allowing a dangerous dog to attack someone, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the owner and deter similar behavior in the future.
How a Georgia Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the legal complexities of a dog bite claim can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with medical treatments, emotional recovery, and financial concerns. Hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some ways a lawyer from Ross Moore Law can help:
Investigating and Gathering Evidence
A dog bite lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the attack, gathering evidence such as witness statements, medical records, and photos of the injuries. They will also determine if the dog had a history of aggressive behavior or if the owner violated any local laws, which can strengthen your claim.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to dog bite victims. Your lawyer will handle all negotiations with the insurance company to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. They will fight to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages you may be entitled to.
Representing You in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. They will present a strong case on your behalf, using evidence and legal arguments to hold the dog owner accountable and seek the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Guiding You Through the Legal Process
Dog bite claims can be complicated, especially when local laws and insurance issues are involved. A skilled attorney will guide you through every step of the legal process, providing advice and support to help you make informed decisions.
Contact Ross Moore Law for a Free Case Review
Dog bites can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial effects on victims. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Georgia, understanding the state’s dog bite laws is essential to pursuing a successful claim. Ross Moore Law is dedicated to helping dog bite victims in Atlanta, Fulton County, and across Georgia recover the compensation they deserve.
Our experienced attorneys will advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to hold negligent dog owners accountable. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing the justice and compensation you need to move forward with your life.