Every Dog Gets One Free Bite? Demystifying Georgia’s Dog Bite Laws for Injured Victims

Georgia’s dog bite law holds owners responsible if they knew their dog had a vicious propensity or carelessly managed the animal. The statute imposes liability when the owner “carelessly managed” a vicious or dangerous animal or allowed it to roam at large.

An injured person can prove viciousness by showing that the dog violated a local leash law at the time of the attack. No prior bites are necessary.

Dangerous vs. Vicious Dogs

The Responsible Dog Ownership Law classifies dogs based on behavior. A “dangerous dog” causes a substantial puncture wound or aggressively attacks, while a “vicious dog” inflicts serious injury. Dogs cannot be classified as dangerous or vicious if the injured person was trespassing or abusing the dog. 

Once classified, owners face strict requirements such as registration, confinement, and liability insurance. If a vicious dog seriously injures someone, the owner may be charged with a felony.

Time Limits and Damages

Victims of dog bites have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in severe cases, punitive damages. 

Georgia law imposes “modified comparative negligence,” meaning a victim’s damages may be reduced if they provoked the dog or ignored warning signs. However, if the dog was off-leash in violation of local ordinances, owners are often strictly liable.

Building Your Claim

To build a strong claim, make sure of the following: 

• Document the attack by taking photos of injuries and the scene
• Report the incident to animal control and seek medical care
• Obtain witness statements and any evidence of prior aggression or leash law violations
• Work with an attorney to determine whether the owner knew of the dog’s dangerous propensities or violated ordinances

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you don’t have to navigate Georgia’s complex laws alone. The personal injury team at Morris & Dean has over 60 years of experience helping victims recover compensation. 

Contact us at 706-222-3790 or complete our intake form for a free consultation. We believe that every injured victim deserves a strong advocate.