Dog Bite Lawyer Georgia

Dog attacks can result in serious injuries, emotional trauma, and costly medical bills. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, Lampariello Law can help you hold the responsible party accountable. As an experienced dog bite lawyer in Georgia, Attorney Lampariello provides strategic representation aimed at securing fair compensation for your injuries. We understand state liability laws and work diligently to protect your rights. Reach out to our office at 404-609-0597 for a free consultation and find out how we can help you seek justice and recovery after a dog bite incident.

When Is a Dog Owner Liable for an Attack in Georgia?

Dog attacks can cause serious physical and emotional harm. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog in Georgia, it’s important to understand when the dog owner may be legally responsible. Liability in these cases can be complex and depends on state laws and specific circumstances surrounding the attack. Knowing your rights and what factors influence a dog owner’s liability will help you make informed decisions if you consider pursuing compensation.

Georgia’s Approach to Dog Bite Liability

Georgia follows what is often called the “one bite rule.” Unlike some states that hold dog owners strictly liable for any injury caused by their dog, Georgia law generally requires proof that the owner knew or should have known their dog had aggressive tendencies before the attack.

This means that a dog owner is not automatically liable just because their dog bit or attacked someone. Instead, liability depends on whether the owner was aware, or had reason to be aware, that their dog might behave violently or aggressively. The rule aims to balance protecting the public while recognizing that not all dogs are dangerous.

What Does It Mean for a Dog Owner to Know Their Dog Is Dangerous?

To hold a dog owner responsible, you need to show evidence that they knew their dog was likely to attack. This could include prior incidents where the dog showed aggression, such as biting, growling, or lunging. It might also involve testimony from neighbors or witnesses who reported aggressive behavior before the injury occurred.

If a dog has a documented history of aggression, the owner’s failure to control or restrain the animal may be considered negligent. This negligence can be the basis for holding the owner liable for injuries caused by a subsequent attack.

Circumstances That Affect Liability

Liability is also influenced by the circumstances surrounding the attack. Some important factors include:

Where the attack occurred. Dog owners have different responsibilities on their own property compared to public spaces.
Whether the victim was lawfully on the property or trespassing. In Georgia, owners may have less liability if the injured person was unlawfully on the property.
The victim’s actions leading up to the attack. For example, provoking or teasing the dog may reduce the owner’s liability.
Whether the dog was properly restrained or leashed as required by local ordinances.

These factors all play a role in determining if a dog owner acted reasonably to prevent the attack.

Strict Liability vs. Negligence

Some states impose strict liability, meaning dog owners are responsible for injuries regardless of their knowledge of the dog’s behavior. Georgia does not generally apply strict liability for dog bites. Instead, claimants usually must prove negligence or prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities.

In negligence cases, the injured party must show that the dog owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. This can include not using a leash, failing to secure the dog, or ignoring warnings about the dog’s behavior.

What to Do After a Dog Attack

If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog in Georgia, take the following steps to protect your rights:

Seek immediate medical care. Treating injuries promptly is crucial for your health and documents the harm caused.
Report the attack to local animal control or law enforcement. This creates an official record and may lead to an investigation of the dog’s behavior.
Gather evidence if possible. Take photos of your injuries and the scene, and collect contact information for witnesses.
Document any previous encounters with the dog that showed aggression.
Avoid direct contact with the dog after the attack to prevent further injury.
Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in dog bite cases. They can assess your situation and advise on the best legal steps.

Proving Liability Can Be Challenging

Because Georgia requires showing the dog owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous tendencies, proving liability can be complicated. It often involves collecting witness statements, animal control reports, medical records, and any prior history of the dog’s behavior.

An attorney can help gather this evidence and build a strong case. They can also negotiate with insurance companies or pursue a lawsuit if necessary to seek fair compensation.

Types of Damages You Can Pursue

Victims of dog attacks may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:

Medical expenses related to treating the bite or injuries
Lost wages if the injury caused missed work
Pain and suffering caused by physical and emotional trauma
Costs for ongoing therapy or rehabilitation
In some cases, punitive damages if the owner acted recklessly or intentionally ignored known risks

Each case is unique, so it is important to get legal advice tailored to your situation.

Preventing Dog Attacks and Owner Responsibility

While legal liability is important after an attack, prevention matters just as much. Georgia law requires dog owners to control their pets and follow leash laws to reduce the risk of attacks.

Owners should:

Train their dogs to minimize aggressive behavior
Use proper restraints in public
Warn visitors if their dog has a history of aggression
Take immediate action if their dog bites or attacks someone

By understanding their responsibilities, dog owners help protect the community and reduce legal risks.

Your Dog Bite Attorney for Compassionate Legal Support

Dog attacks can have lasting consequences, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Lampariello Law, our experienced dog bite attorney works to hold negligent owners accountable and recover the compensation you need for your recovery. Whether you’re dealing with physical injuries or emotional trauma, we will help you pursue justice and financial relief. We take your case seriously and fight aggressively on your behalf. Call Lampariello Law today at 404-609-0597 for a free consultation with a dog bite attorney who puts your needs first.