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Dog bites and animal attacks can cause serious physical and emotional harm. Historically, the law followed the English “one bite rule,” which meant that an owner was only liable if they already knew their dog had a tendency to bite, typically demonstrated by a prior incident. This allowed owners to avoid responsibility for the first bite. Today, most states, including Georgia, have moved away from this rule. Our Atlanta dog bite attorneys can often hold dog owners liable anytime their dog causes injury.
Georgia’s Dog Bite Law
The law concerning dog bites in Georgia is codified at O.C.G.A. 51-2- 7. It reads, in relevant part:
“Liability of owner or keeper of vicious or dangerous animal for injuries caused by animal: A person who owns or keeps a vicious or dangerous animal of any kind and who, by careless management or by allowing the animal to go at liberty, causes injury to another person who does not provoke the injury by his own act may be liable in damages to the person so injured. In proving vicious propensity, it shall be sufficient to show that the animal was required to be at heel or on a leash by an ordinance of a city, county, or consolidated government, and the said animal was at the time of the occurrence not at heel or on a leash.”
In short, it holds owners responsible if they keep a “vicious or dangerous” animal and, through careless management or by allowing the animal to roam free, the animal injures someone who did not provoke it. Importantly, the law considers a dog “vicious” if it is required by ordinance to be on a leash but was not restrained at the time of the incident.
Proving Liability for a Dog Bite in Georgia
Under Georgia law, proving liability is often straightforward. A dog owner may be held responsible when:
- The dog is considered “vicious” (for example, not leashed in an area covered by leash laws).
- The owner was careless with the dog or failed to keep it on a leash.
- The injured person did not provoke the dog.
Call Lonnie Law LLC Today to Speak with a Dog Bite Attorney
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog and suffered injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at Lonnie Law LLC can review your case and explain your options. We represent clients throughout the state of Georgia, including Richmond County, Newton County, and Walker County.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Contact us today or submit your information through our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Atlanta dog bite lawyer.
