Dog Bite Liability

Liability means responsibility. All dog owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs. Most of these owners will have homeowners insurance or renters insurance that covers this.

If a dog injured you or a loved one, first step is to contact animal control to make a report. Then seek medical attention and contact me, attorney Kristina Ducos, to arrange a free consultation.

Dog attacks and injuries caused by unleashed or uncontrolled dogs occur more often than many people realize in the Georgia area.

Georgia law holds dog owners responsible for injuries their animals cause, and local county ordinances may impose additional responsibilities on owners.

Many attacks occur because a dog was poorly trained, not properly restrained, or placed in a stressful situation. Dogs may also bite when guarding food or toys, or when they feel fearful, anxious, or threatened.

Unfortunately, dogs that bite once are more likely to bite again, and the severity of attacks often increases with repeated incidents. That is why it is extremely important to document every event by filing a report with animal control and taking photographs of the injuries and the location of the incident.

However, Georgia does have complex limitations when it comes to a dog’s first bite, which is why it’s important to seek legal counsel.

Dog bites involving a child’s face are particularly serious and often result in long-term consequences. There are several reasons these injuries require immediate medical and legal attention:

Dogs can bite hands, legs and ankles, anywhere. Any time there is a puncture to the skin it is important to be examined by a doctor. Contact animal control to contain the animal to ensure it is vaccinated and can be observed. As an experienced attorney who exclusively handles personal injury cases, I am here to help. Get answers to all of your injury questions.

Dog attacks often result in deep punctures or jagged tears in the skin that can leave permanent scars.
These injuries are especially concerning when they occur on the face or other visible areas of the body. Scar revision procedures can be expensive and may require multiple surgeries with a plastic surgeon.
Even with medical treatment, scars can remain a lifelong reminder of the attack. An experienced dog bite attorney can help you pursue compensation for medical treatment, future procedures, and the lasting impact of these injuries.

Rabies is rare in Georgia, but it still occurs. Each year in the United States, more than 60 dogs test positive for rabies, and a small number of people die from untreated infections.Rabies is always fatal if left untreated, which is why immediate medical care is critical after any potential exposure.
If a dog bite occurs, doctors may recommend a rabies vaccination series. The treatment typically includes three injections administered in the upper arm over several days.
Rabies treatment can be expensive, and navigating insurance and liability issues can be complex. Speaking with a personal injury attorney can help ensure that your medical expenses and other damages are properly addressed.