Although most dogs make friendly pets, they can inflict serious injuries if they bite. Dog bites can cause deep wounds that may result in permanent scarring, nerve damage, broken bones and, in extreme cases, wrongful death. Georgia dog bite law typically holds owners accountable for the injuries and damages inflicted by their animals. However, for a successful dog bite lawsuit, you and your lawyer must demonstrate that the dog was dangerous and that the owner was negligent.
Georgia Lawyer for Dog Bites
If someone else’s dog bit or otherwise caused you or your child harm, you may be entitled to compensation under premises liability law. However, the owner’s insurance company may reject your case or claim that you provoked the attack. An experienced dog bite lawyer from McArthur Law Firm can help you fight for your rights. We have a record of success with premises liability claims, including many multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements.
For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
Overview of Dog Cases in Georgia
- Dog Bite Cases in Georgia
- What Is Considered “Vicious Or Dangerous” Under Georgia Dog Bite Law?
- Types of Dog Bites
- Common Dog Breeds Involved in Bites
- Types of Injuries Caused By a Dog Bite
- Children at Highest Risk
- Determining Liability for a Dog Bite in Georgia
- What Should Be Done After a Dog Bite in Georgia?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites
- Additional Resources
Dog Bite Cases in Georgia
Unlike some states, Georgia dog bite law does not hold pet owners strictly liable for injuries inflicted by their dogs and other animals, no matter what. Instead, state law requires some proof that the dog owner was somehow negligent. Thus, in your dog bite lawsuit, you must show:
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- The dog was vicious or dangerous.
- The owner knew of the danger and negligently failed to leash or contain the dog. Some local ordinances require dogs to be on a leash at all times. This means that any dog allowed off a leash outside the owner’s property may automatically be “dangerous.”
- The dog bite victim did not provoke an attack. This requirement typically applies only to adults; different rules apply to child victims.
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If you meet all three of these requirements, you may file a dog bite lawsuit within two years of the time when you sustained the injury. Additionally, Georgia comparative negligence rules for dog bites means that if you contributed to your injuries, the courts will reduce your compensation by an amount equivalent to your degree of fault.
What Is Considered “Vicious Or Dangerous” Under Georgia Dog Bite Law?
Often, the most difficult aspect of a dog bite lawsuit is demonstrating that the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. This means that the dog must have displayed some tendency of violence before the attack. Some behaviors and circumstances that can demonstrate a dog is “vicious or dangerous” to the court include:
- A history of dog bites. If a dog has bitten someone before, then the owner may be liable for all future bite injuries and damages.
- Threatening behavior. While a habit of barking at strangers is usually not cause for concern, any other threatening behavior often is enough to indicate that a dog is a danger. These behaviors can include growling and/or snapping at people.
- A habit of jumping on people. A dog does not necessarily have to bite you to inflict serious, painful injuries. If a dog owner knows that his or her pet often jumps up on guests and other people, even in a playful way, then that owner is probably liable for any fall injuries the dog inflicts by knocking someone over.
- Certain breeds. Although a dog’s breed is not always enough to establish that it is dangerous throughout Georgia, some cities and townships have ordinances classifying certain breeds as inherently dangerous. If you are bitten by one of these breeds in an area with a dangerous dog ordinance, then you do not have to provide any additional proof that the dog is a threat. These breeds may include pit bulls, chows, German shepherds, Rottweilers and/or Doberman pinschers.
- A history of dog fighting. Dogs trained for fighting are almost always considered dangerous under Georgia dog bite law. Additionally, dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states.
Types of Dog Bites
Unprovoked Attacks
An unprovoked attack occurs when a dog bites without any apparent reason or warning. These bites can happen in public or private settings and may involve dogs that are unfamiliar to the victim. In some cases, the dog may feel threatened by body language or quick movements, even if the person did not intend any harm. These bites often come as a surprise and may be more severe due to the lack of preparation or awareness.
Provoked Bites
Provoked bites happen when a dog reacts defensively to a perceived threat or annoyance. This can include situations where a person tries to take away the dog’s food, disturbs the dog while it’s sleeping, pulls its tail, or enters its territory uninvited. Children are more likely to be bitten in these scenarios, as they may not recognize warning signs or understand canine boundaries. Provoked bites tend to occur more frequently within the home or in environments where the dog feels the need to protect itself or its space.
Fear-Based Biting
Fear-based biting happens when a dog feels cornered, startled, or overwhelmed. Dogs that have been abused, poorly socialized, or exposed to loud noises and chaotic environments are more prone to this type of reaction. A fearful dog might give warning signs such as growling, cowering, or backing away before biting. These bites are often reflexive and come from a place of self-protection.
Protective or Territorial Biting
Some dogs bite in an effort to protect what they perceive as their territory, family members, or other animals. This kind of biting can occur when someone approaches the dog’s home, yard, or even their owner during a walk. Protective instincts are strong in certain breeds and can be triggered by strangers or unfamiliar animals entering their space.
Redirected Aggression
Redirected aggression happens when a dog is agitated by a stimulus—like another animal or loud noise—and then bites a nearby person or pet instead. This type of incident often occurs in multi-dog households or in stressful situations. The dog is not intentionally attacking the person, but instead reacting impulsively to its environment.
Common Dog Breeds Involved in Bites
While any dog can bite under the right (or wrong) circumstances, some breeds are more frequently involved in reported bite incidents. This often relates to factors like size, strength, and popularity—not necessarily aggression.
Pit Bulls
Pit Bulls consistently top the list in studies of serious dog bite injuries. Their muscular build, powerful jaws, and tenacity make their bites more likely to cause deep tissue damage or disfigurement. Fatal attacks involving Pit Bulls have also been reported more than for any other breed in North America.
It’s important to note that “Pit Bull” often refers to a group of breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and mixes of similar lineage. While many Pit Bulls are well-behaved family dogs, their potential for harm when aggression is triggered makes them a central focus in discussions about severe bite prevention.
Rottweilers
Rottweilers are another breed commonly cited in serious bite incidents. Their large size, powerful bite force, and instinct to protect make them formidable animals. Bites from Rottweilers often result in deep puncture wounds and bone fractures, especially in children, due to the height and force differential.
Although loyal and often gentle with their families, Rottweilers require early socialization and firm training to prevent defensive or territorial aggression from escalating into dangerous behavior.
German Shepherds
German Shepherds are frequently used in police and military roles due to their intelligence, agility, and responsiveness—but those same traits, combined with a strong bite force, can make them dangerous if mishandled.
Serious bites from German Shepherds often occur when they are startled, improperly restrained, or protecting a perceived threat. Because of their working background, they may be more prone to biting when they feel responsible for guarding territory or people.
Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies
Breeds like Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies, though less commonly involved in bites overall, are overrepresented in severe bite cases. Their strong prey drives and high energy levels, if not properly managed, can lead to aggressive outbursts, especially in environments where they feel confined or provoked.
Serious injuries from these breeds are typically due to their strong jaws and quick reflexes, often affecting children or smaller individuals.
Mixed Breeds: A Significant Share of Serious Incidents
Many serious bites are attributed to mixed-breed dogs, particularly those with ancestry linked to strong-jawed or guarding breeds. Due to the variability in genetics, behavior, and physical traits, mixed breeds can sometimes be unpredictable if their background is unknown or their training has been inconsistent.
Types of Injuries Caused By a Dog Bite
Deep Lacerations and Tearing Wounds
Dogs have strong jaws that can tear through skin and muscle. Many bite victims suffer from deep cuts that require stitches or surgery. These wounds can be painful and take weeks or months to heal. Scarring is common, especially if the bite occurred on the face, arms, or legs.
Rabies or Infection From Bite
Dog bites can become infected quickly. Bacteria from the dog’s mouth or from dirt entering the wound may lead to serious infections like cellulitis. In rare cases, the risk of rabies must be evaluated. Victims may need antibiotics or rabies shots as a precaution. These treatments are costly and can cause additional stress.
Nerve Damage and Long-Term Disability
When a bite goes deep enough, it can damage nerves and affect movement or feeling in a limb or part of the body. Some victims never fully recover. Nerve damage can cause chronic pain or weakness and might require physical therapy or surgery. In cases of permanent loss of function, disability compensation may be available.
Facial Disfigurement and Scarring
Many dog bites affect the face, especially when the victim is a child. These injuries can lead to disfigurement and visible scars that affect a person’s self-esteem and quality of life. Reconstructive surgery may be needed, and multiple procedures may be required over time. These injuries are especially serious when they impact vision, hearing, or speaking.
PTSD, Fear of Dogs, and Anxiety
Psychological trauma is common after a dog attack. Many victims, especially children, develop a fear of dogs or experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms can include nightmares, panic attacks, and anxiety around animals or strangers. Mental health treatment may be needed.
Permanent Loss of Function or Amputation
In rare but severe cases, dog bites can lead to the loss of a finger, part of a hand, or another body part. These situations often involve aggressive dogs and require extensive surgery. The financial, emotional, and physical costs of amputation are significant.
Trauma in Children
Dog bites can be especially damaging to young children, who may not understand what happened or how to recover. In addition to the physical harm, the emotional effects can last for years. Children may need counseling, ongoing medical treatment, and support at school.
Children at Highest Risk
One of the most alarming facts about dog bites in Georgia is the disproportionate impact on children, particularly those under the age of 10. Data from hospitals and public health departments reveal that children are not only more likely to be bitten, but their injuries are often more severe and concentrated in vulnerable areas—such as the face, neck, and head. These types of injuries can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and long-term psychological trauma.
Georgia consistently ranks among the top states in the Southeast for child-related dog bite incidents, with a significant number of these attacks requiring emergency medical care or reconstructive surgery. Young children are especially at risk because of their small stature, unpredictable movements, and lack of understanding of canine behavior, which can inadvertently provoke even familiar dogs.
Determining Liability for a Dog Bite in Georgia
Dog Owners
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7, the dog owner is liable if they knew or should have known the dog was vicious or dangerous and failed to manage it properly. This can include letting the dog roam off-leash, ignoring past aggressive behavior, or failing to warn visitors. A single previous bite or repeated aggression can be enough to establish that the dog was dangerous.
Landlords and Property Owners
A landlord may be responsible for a tenant’s dog if they knew the dog was dangerous and allowed it to remain on the property. For example, if a landlord received complaints about a dog threatening people but took no action, they could be held partly responsible if the dog later bites someone. Georgia courts look at whether the landlord had control over the property and knowledge of the danger.
Parents of Minor Dog Owners
If a minor owns the dog, their parents or legal guardians may be held responsible for injuries caused by the dog. In Georgia, minors generally cannot be sued directly, so any claim would be brought against the adults responsible for supervising the child and the dog. The court would examine whether the parents knew the dog was dangerous or failed to supervise the dog properly.
Businesses and Pet Professionals
Pet groomers, dog walkers, boarding facilities, or veterinarians may be liable if a dog in their care bites someone and they failed to handle it safely. These cases depend heavily on the facts and whether the business had reason to believe the dog was dangerous or failed to take reasonable precautions. Further legal analysis is often needed to determine whether liability applies in these situations.
Georgia Dog Bite Laws That Apply
The main statute for dog bite claims in Georgia is O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7. This law focuses on whether the dog was known to be dangerous and whether the person responsible failed to control it. In many cases, violating a local leash law or animal control ordinance can help prove negligence, even if the dog hadn’t bitten anyone before. Many cities and counties in Georgia have specific leash and restraint requirements, and failing to follow those laws can support a legal claim under state law. For example, here are the key rules from the City of Atlanta that could give rise to liability in a dog bite incident, especially in off-leash dog parks:
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- Owners assume all risk and liability when using designated off-leash areas.
- Dogs must be kept within sight and under voice control at all times.
- Aggressive behavior or fighting requires immediate control or removal of the dog by the owner.
- A maximum of three dogs per owner is allowed in the off-leash area at one time.
- All dogs must be licensed, healthy, vaccinated, and wearing a collar with ID tags.
- Pronged collars are prohibited in off-leash areas.
- Serious incidents, such as injuries, must be reported immediately to the Bureau of Parks.
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What Should Be Done After a Dog Bite in Georgia?
The first priority after a dog bite in Georgia is to seek immediate medical attention, regardless of how minor the wound may appear. Dog bites can lead to serious infections, including rabies, and the extent of the injury might not be immediately apparent. A medical professional can clean the wound properly, administer necessary vaccinations, and document the injuries—steps that may prove essential for any future legal action.
The incident should then be reported to local animal control or law enforcement. In cities such as Atlanta, Macon, and Warner Robins, making an official report helps establish a record that could support a legal claim. It also ensures the dog is evaluated or quarantined to check for diseases like rabies. Gathering information about the dog and its owner—including names, contact details, and any known history of aggressive behavior—is also important. Photographic evidence of the injury, the dog, and the location can further strengthen a potential case.
Consulting an experienced Georgia dog bite attorney is strongly recommended. An experienced lawyer can investigate the circumstances of the bite, determine liability, and pursue compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The attorneys at McArthur Law Firm have extensive experience with dog bite cases throughout Georgia and are prepared to guide clients through the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites
Should an attorney be hired after a dog bite incident?
Yes. An attorney can assist in establishing liability and pursuing compensation.
What is the potential value of a dog bite case in Georgia?
The value depends on the extent of the injuries, medical expenses, and emotional distress experienced.
Can legal action be taken if a child was bitten by a dog?
Yes. Georgia law provides protections for children and permits parents to file a lawsuit on their behalf.
What if the dog’s owner claims the dog has never bitten anyone before?
A claim can still be successful if the dog was off-leash, violated local leash laws, or had a known history of aggression.
What is the deadline for filing a dog bite lawsuit in Georgia?
In most cases, the injured party has two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit, in accordance with Georgia law.
What if the bite occurred at someone’s home?
A claim can often be made through the homeowner’s insurance policy.
Is compensation available for pain and suffering?
Yes. Georgia law permits recovery for both physical injuries and emotional trauma.
Should the dog bite be reported to animal control?
Yes. Reporting the bite is important for public safety and helps to create official documentation of the incident.
Is the dog’s owner liable if the bite happened on their property?
Yes, provided the injured person was lawfully on the property and the dog was not properly restrained or controlled.
Additional Resources
- Camden County Georgia – What Should I Do if I Am Bitten by an Animal? – This page from Camden County provides instructions for individuals who have been bitten by an animal. It outlines the immediate steps to take, such as washing the wound, contacting a doctor, and reporting the bite to Animal Control. It also includes contact numbers for business hours and after-hours reporting.
- CDC – Healthy Pets, Healthy People – This CDC resource provides information on how to stay healthy around dogs. It includes details on diseases that dogs can spread, tips for preventing bites and scratches, and guidance on caring for and cleaning up after dogs. The page also offers advice on vaccinations and proper pet hygiene.
- City of Atlanta – Leash Up ATL – This City of Atlanta page explains local leash laws and the rules for bringing dogs into public parks. It identifies designated off-leash areas and outlines the responsibilities of dog owners, including requirements for supervision, waste cleanup, and pet behavior in public spaces.
- Georgia General Assembly – Limitations on Dog’s Presence Off of Owner’s Premises – This section of Georgia law outlines restrictions for owners of dangerous or vicious dogs. It defines legal requirements for keeping such dogs off the owner’s property, including leash and enclosure standards. The statute also details penalties for violations and conditions under which more serious legal consequences may apply.
Hire a Lawyer for Dog Bite Injuries in Macon, Atlanta Georgia
If you sustained serious injuries as the result of an animal attack, then a dog bite lawyer from the McArthur Law Firm may be able to help. Our attorneys can investigate and gather evidence, including eyewitness testimony and records of any previous violence associated with the dog. We can represent your case and fight to hold the dog owner accountable for your injuries, even if the dog has no history of viciousness.
We offer free initial consultations as well as contingency fee arrangements for all cases, nationwide. Call our Macon and Atlanta law office at 404-565-1621 or contact us online to speak to an attorney about dog bite case.
