Posted on Monday, December 22nd, 2025 at 1:46 pm
Dog bites can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally. In Georgia, they can also lead to serious legal consequences for the dog’s owner, depending on the circumstances. If you or a loved one has been bitten, what you do in the minutes, hours, and days following the incident matters. Acting quickly can protect your health and help preserve your legal rights.
Get to a Safe Place and Tend to the Wound
The first step is to distance yourself from the animal. Whether it was a friend’s pet or a stray, the risk of a second attack can’t be ignored. If possible, move to a secure location away from the dog.
Once safe, check the severity of the injury. Dog bites can range from scratches to deep puncture wounds. Even if the injury looks minor, there is a high risk of infection. Wash the wound immediately with clean water and soap if available. Apply pressure if there is bleeding, and cover it with a clean bandage until medical help is available.
Get Medical Attention Quickly
Don’t wait to see if the injury gets worse. Dog bites can cause nerve damage, torn muscles, or bacterial infections. Georgia healthcare providers take these injuries seriously, especially when there’s a risk of rabies or tetanus. A medical provider can properly clean the wound, assess the damage, and administer necessary vaccines or antibiotics.
For children or elderly adults, even a seemingly small bite can escalate quickly. Documenting your injuries with a medical professional will also help if you decide to file a legal claim later.
Identify the Dog and Its Owner
If you can, gather information about the dog and its owner. This step is essential if you want to report the bite or pursue compensation. Ask for the owner’s name, address, and phone number. If the owner is uncooperative or unknown, try to take a photo of the dog or ask bystanders if they recognize it.
Knowing whether the dog is up to date on its rabies shots can also be critical for your health. Animal control authorities will need this information to determine whether the dog must be quarantined or tested.
Report the Incident to Animal Control
In Georgia, all dog bites should be reported to local animal control or the county health department. This creates an official record of the incident, which can be useful if the dog has a history of aggression or has bitten others in the past.
Animal control may open an investigation, quarantine the dog, and issue fines or citations to the owner. Reporting the bite also helps authorities track dangerous animals and prevent future attacks in the community.
Document Everything
Evidence is key in any potential legal case. Start by writing down what happened while it’s still fresh in your mind. Include the location, time, and any details about how the bite occurred. Take photos of your injuries, torn clothing, and the scene if possible.
If there were witnesses, get their names and contact details. Their statements may help support your account of the event. Keep all medical records, bills, and prescriptions related to the bite, as these documents are often essential when proving damages.
Avoid Speaking to the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company Without Legal Help
After a bite, the dog owner’s insurance company may reach out to you. They might ask for a recorded statement or offer a settlement. While this may seem like a fast way to resolve the matter, it’s important to be cautious. Insurance adjusters work to protect the company’s bottom line and may attempt to downplay your injuries or shift blame.
Before agreeing to anything, speak to a personal injury attorney who has experience with dog bite cases in Georgia. A lawyer can review the facts, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and help you understand your options.
Understand Georgia’s Dog Bite Laws
Georgia’s laws regarding dog bites are somewhat unique. Unlike states with strict liability rules, Georgia follows a modified “one bite” rule. This means an owner may not be held responsible unless they knew the dog had a history of aggressive behavior or had previously bitten someone.
However, an owner can still be liable if they failed to control the dog or violated local leash laws. Proving negligence requires careful legal analysis and often depends on how the attack occurred, whether the dog was properly restrained, and if there were past reports of aggression.
An attorney can help determine whether you have a valid claim based on Georgia’s legal standards and what type of compensation might be available.
Be Aware of the Deadline to File a Claim
Georgia law limits how long you have to take legal action. In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is two years from the date of the incident. Waiting too long can cause you to lose the right to seek compensation.
If a child is bitten, the deadline may be extended, but it’s still best to act quickly. Gathering evidence, securing witness statements, and working with experts all take time. The sooner you begin, the stronger your case is likely to be.
Don’t Ignore the Emotional Impact
The physical injuries from a dog bite are only part of the story. Many victims experience anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or fear around animals after an attack. These emotional effects can interfere with daily life, especially for children who may have trouble sleeping or returning to normal routines.
Talk to a mental health professional if you’re struggling. These emotional consequences are just as real and can be part of your injury claim, especially when supported by a professional diagnosis.
Conclusion
A dog bite can leave lasting scars—both seen and unseen. But you don’t have to go through the aftermath alone. By taking the right steps early, you protect your health, preserve your legal options, and give yourself the best chance at recovery.
Get medical care, report the incident, and document everything you can. Most importantly, reach out to a Georgia personal injury attorney who understands how to navigate dog bite cases and advocate for your best interests. A lawyer can help ensure you’re not left paying for someone else’s negligence and guide you toward fair compensation for your injuries and losses.