If You Were Attacked by a Dog, Contact Legal Professional Noah J. Moore,  represents dog bite victims across the state. We can offer guidance and support during this difficult time, helping you understand who may be legally responsible and how to pursue a financial recovery that can cover your medical bills and possibly much more.

​Have you or someone you love been attacked and injured by a dog? These are complex personal injury claims, and the burden of proof will lie on your shoulders to prove the dog owner’s liability. Georgia has some of the most complex dog bite laws in the country, making it important to work with an attorney who has experience with these matters.  

Dog Bite Liability: Property Owner Negligence & the One Bite Rule

There are specific situations where the owner of a dog may be held liable for injuries the animal inflicts upon another person. Even though Georgia is considered a “one bite free” state, there are ways that a victim can hold a dog owner accountable.
If the attack was unprovoked and the victim suffered quantifiable harm, a successful dog bite claim may be based on proof that:

• The owner knew or should have reasonably known of the dog’s vicious tendencies.
• The owner negligently or carelessly failed to properly manage/contain a vicious or dangerous animal.
• The owner failed to adhere to leash laws in the area where the attack occurred.
• The owner was negligent in preventing the victim’s injuries.

ONE BITE RULE
Under Georgia's "one bite rule," dog owners are not strictly liable for injuries their animals inflict unless the dog is considered vicious. In these cases vicious generally refers to whether the dog has previously injured another person, however, the owner could still be held liable if they were recklessly keeping the dog.
 
Can Animal Control Take your Dog for Biting Someone?
If your dog bites someone but it doesn't cause severe injury or death, your dog can't be detained or killed.  Animal control may investigate your dog to determine if it is a dangerous dog.