Posted on Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 at 8:00 am
Immediately after a dog bite, you might immediately want justice by holding the dog owner accountable. Further, your medical bills might quickly pile up for your injuries, as well as other losses, so you want to know your rights to compensation.
Your right to sue a dog owner in Georgia is based on our state’s dog bite laws, which are more complicated than many other states. At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., we have extensive experience representing dog bite victims and can assess your rights under the law. When appropriate, we will take legal action to seek the compensation you deserve, whether it is filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit in court.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our dog bite attorneys today for a free consultation about a possible case.
Ways to Sue for Being Bit By a Dog in Georgia
Georgia has specific laws that govern dog bites and hold dog owners accountable for their pets’ actions. Many states follow either strict liability principles or one-bite rules, but Georgia is different. Georgia follows a modified one-bite rule, which makes proving the liability of an owner more complicated in many situations.
The following are elements you must generally prove to succeed in a Georgia dog bite lawsuit.
Proving a Dog is Vicious
Under the modified one-bite rule, a dog owner can be held liable if they had prior knowledge of their dog’s aggressive behavior. This means that if a dog has previously bitten someone or displayed vicious tendencies, the owner can be responsible for any subsequent attacks.
Under Georgia law, a dog can also be deemed vicious if it has been previously declared as such by a court. If a dog has been labeled as vicious, its owner can be liable for any injuries caused by the dog, regardless of whether the owner was aware of the dog’s aggression. To pursue a case based on a dog’s viciousness, you would need to provide evidence of the court’s prior ruling and establish that the dog in question is the same one that was previously declared vicious.
Proving the Owner was Negligent and the Attack was Unprovoked
Dog bite victims must establish that the dog’s owner was negligent in controlling or restraining their dog and that the attack was unprovoked. Factors such as a lack of proper containment, failure to leash the dog, or disregard for warnings about the dog’s aggressive tendencies can all contribute to a finding of negligence.
You must also demonstrate that you engaged in no provocation of the dog to induce the attack. Provocation is a common defense of dog owners, but Georgia has codified the “unprovoked” requirement in its dog bite statute.
You Need a Georgia Dog Bite Lawyer Handling Your Case
Dog bite cases can be challenging in Georgia, especially while you are already recovering from physical injuries. Hiring a skilled Georgia dog bite lawyer is important to identify your rights to sue and ensure you have the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your dog bite injuries. An experienced attorney will gather evidence to prove the necessary elements of a dog bite case and advocate for your interests, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Contact Our Georgia Dog Bite Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation
If you have been bitten by a dog in Georgia, do not hesitate to reach out to Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. Our dedicated firm understands the toll a dog bite can take on your life, and we are committed to helping you seek justice.
Call us today at 770-205-8887 or contact us online for a free consultation, and let us guide you through the legal process.