When is a dog considered dangerous for the purposes of liability? You cannot determine a dog’s dangerousness based on excessive barking or growling alone. Rather, O.C.G.A. § 4-8-21(a)(1) defines a dangerous dog as one that:

  • “Inflicts a severe injury on a human being without provocation on public or private property…or
  • Aggressively bites, attacks, or endangers the safety of humans without provocation after the dog has been classified as a potentially dangerous dog and after the owner has been notified of such classification.”

When filing a claim or lawsuit, it will be the victim’s responsibility to prove that the dog was dangerous.

When can I hold the dog owner liable for my injuries? O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7

Georgia adds a couple of conditions to this one bite rule, though, which we have listed in number one below. In addition, the state provides alternative grounds for which victims can seek recovery. In order to hold the owner liable, O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7 provides that the victim must use one of the following two pathways:

  1. Viciousness + Knowledge + Negligence: The first way you might be able to win your case is to prove that A) The dog had a vicious propensity, B) the owner knew the dog was dangerous or reasonably should have known if she was a good owner, and C) either carelessly managed or allowed the animal to roam free.
  2. Violation of an Ordinance: The second grounds upon which you can file a claim against the owner is to simply prove that an ordinance required the dog to be at heel or on a leash, and the dog was not at heel or on a leash at the time it attacked you. Note: If you use this route, the owner’s knowledge of dog’s dangerousness (or lack thereof) has no bearing on your case.

What kinds of proof do I need to win my case?

The types of proof you will need to show the insurance company or courts depend upon which of the above routes you are taking. If you seek recovery based on the first option, you can use proof such as:

  • Vet records
  • Animal control records
  • Eye witness testimonies
  • Records of complaints about the dog with the local homeowners association
  • Testimonies from previous victims
  • Other physical evidence such as video footage

If you want to file a claim on the basis of an ordinance violation, you will need to see if there is an applicable ordinance in your area. You can start by checking with your local government, Humane Society, or Animal Control. Your lawyer can also tell you the best way to pursue your case and whether or not there are any local laws that pertain to your case.

In addition to satisfying these basic elements, you will also need prove the nature and extent of your injuries, using evidence such as medical records, expert testimonies, photos, and an injury journal. You might also need to prove that you did not provoke the attack, a common defense owners make to avoid liability. If the owner/her attorney successfully proves that you provoked the incident, it will nullify your claim.

What is the statute of limitations for dog bite claims in Georgia? GA Code § 9-3-33

Lawmakers introduced statutes of limitation, or time limits on when you can pursue a claim, to provide defendants with a degree of protection. It would be unfair and exceptionally hard for a defendant to prepare a case after a long period of time.

Georgia Code § 9-3-33 provides that the statute of limitations for bringing a personal injury claim, such as for a dog bite or attack, is just two years. In other words, you have two years from the time of attack to file an action against the dog owner. This may seem like a long time, but it is important to get on the ball and move forward with legal action as soon as possible.

It is not in your best interest to procrastinate because:

  • you could inadvertently overstep the statutes of limitations
  • bringing a claim later rather than sooner could lead to questions of the veracity of your injuries
  • the fresher the pain and wounds, the more likely you and your attorney will be to effectively demonstrate your case

What should my first step after a dog attack be?

After you have tended to your immediate medical needs, your first order of business should be to sit down with an attorney, discuss your options, and start implementing a plan of action to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional damages.

If you live in Peachtree City or the surrounding areas, contact the Law Office of Jason R. Schultz, P.C. to schedule a free consultation. Let us begin working to prepare your case so you and your family can receive the compensation to which you are legally entitled: 404-474-0804.

Jason R. Schultz
Helping Georgia area residents with car accident, medical malpractice, and personal injury claims since 1991.