Understanding Georgia Dog Bite Laws
Suffering a dog bite can be a traumatic event and result in a serious injury. Some dog bites can result in an infection, tendon damage, nerve damage, or corrective surgery. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog, you need to have as much information as possible to assess your legal rights.
The Georgia Dog Bite Statute
The state’s dog bite statute is codified in Ga. Code Ann. sec. 51-2-7. It states that when a “person who owns or keeps a vicious or dangerous animal of any kind and who, by careless management or by allowing the animal to go at liberty, causes injury to another person who does not provoke the injury by his own act may be liable in damages to the person so injured.” Basically, this means that if someone owns a dangerous animal and their carelessness allows that animal to bite you, the owner may be found liable.
Vicious Animals
Obviously, not all dogs are considered “vicious” or “dangerous.” Nevertheless, there are certain breeds of dogs that are considered vicious categorically. Examples of vicious breeds include Bulldogs, Rottweilers, American Huskies, Wolf-dog hybrids, Sheepdogs, Terriers, Mastiffs, Great Danes, among others.
Establishing Liability on the Part of the Pet Owner
Below are the required factors that need to be established by your Georgia dog bite lawyer to hold a dog owner liable for your injuries. You need to prove the following:
- the animal was dangerous or vicious;
- the pet owner had the requisite degree of knowledge; and
- the pet owner either carelessly managed the animal or allowed it to run around off a leash in violation of a local ordinance.
Knowledge that Animal is Dangerous Unnecessary
The Georgia dog bite statute does not require a showing that the pet owner possessed knowledge of the dangerousness or viciousness of the animal if the animal was supposed to be on a leash (and wasn’t) when the bite occurred. The statute specifically states that “it shall be sufficient to show that the animal was required to be at heel or on a leash by an ordinance of a city, county, or consolidated government, and the said animal was at the time of the occurrence not at heel or on a leash.” Basically, this means that if the animal was off their leash and bites you, the owner could be held responsible.
Damages that Can Be Pursued in a Dog Bite Personal Injury Claim
If you or a loved one suffered a serious dog bite injury, you may be able to pursue financial restitution from the pet owner and their homeowner’s insurance policy. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you assess the viability of a potential claim and the damages you could pursue. In a dog bite injury claim, you have the right to pursue a financial recovery for:
- Medical bills you already incurred (i.e. emergency room bill, ambulance bill, etc.)
- Anticipated future medical expenses (e.g., rehabilitation, reconstructive surgery, etc.)
- Missed wages from your job
- Emotional distress
- Compensation for permanent disfigurement or disability
Call Today for a Free Consultation with an Experienced Georgia Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered serious trauma from a dog bite, you need to speak to a lawyer sooner rather than later. The sooner you speak to an attorney, the sooner they can work on your potential case. Gillette Law, P.A., in Florida and Georgia, is experienced in representing victims injured in serious accidents, including dog bites. Contact us online, or call us at 904-358-1304 or toll-free at 888-366-5904. We offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay on a percentage basis only when we win your case.
