Georgia Dog Bite Laws: When a “Dog-Friendly” State Still Protects You
Georgia is often described as a dog-friendly state, and in many ways, it is. Our laws are designed to protect responsible dog owners and avoid punishing families when a dog unexpectedly acts out. However, that does not mean that victims of dog attacks are left without options.
In Georgia, dog owners are required to keep their dogs under control. If a dog is outside and not properly restrained, such as being off a leash, that can change the legal outcome of a case. In many situations, an owner may lose the protection of Georgia’s so-called “one-bite rule” when the dog was not properly controlled. In real life, most of the dog bite cases we see involve dogs that were not on a leash or were not being supervised.
Sadly, many of these calls involve young children who are bitten in the face and left with permanent scarring. In those cases, our focus is not only on the legal claim, but also on helping families get the right medical care and long-term treatment. We also gather animal control records and investigate whether the dog has shown aggressive behavior before. That information is often critical in determining whether a valid claim exists.
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, you should not assume you have no case. In many situations, Georgia law still allows injured victims to pursue compensation and accountability.
If you’re in pain, call Shane.
Shane Smith Law | 980-999-9999
