Atlanta Dog Bite Attorney

Your health comes first. Seek medical attention immediately, especially if the bite breaks the skin, as dog bites can carry bacteria that can lead to serious infections. Notify local authorities or animal control, as required by Georgia law, which mandates that dogs involved in bites be quarantined and evaluated. If possible, take photographs of the injuries, the scene, and the dog itself, and gather contact information from the owner and any witnesses. These early steps can protect both your health and your legal claim.

If the dog fled or can’t be found, reporting it immediately is crucial. Animal control can track stray or unknown dogs, evaluate rabies risks, and create official reports that may become important evidence in your claim.

Yes. Georgia follows a modified version of the “one bite rule.” This means dog owners may still be liable even if the dog has never bitten before, especially if the owner violated local leash laws or failed to restrain their pet properly. In Atlanta, leash ordinances are strictly enforced, and violating them can establish negligence in a dog bite case.

In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowners' or renters' insurance covers dog bite injuries. These policies often include liability coverage for dog attacks that occur on or off the owner’s property. If the owner doesn’t have insurance, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against them. 

However, dog bites often cause more than surface wounds. Infections, reconstructive surgeries, and long-term medical care can dramatically increase costs. A dog bite lawyer can investigate available coverage and pursue the compensation needed to cover your medical expenses.

Proving liability usually requires showing either that the dog was already known to be vicious or that the owner broke leash or restraint laws. Evidence may include prior complaints to animal control, statements from neighbors, or proof that the dog was roaming without a leash.

Animal control records often play a central role in these cases. Reports of past incidents or violations can establish a pattern that strengthens your claim. In some situations, the breed of the dog may be raised in arguments, but courts tend to focus more on the dog's behavior and the owner’s conduct than on breed stereotypes.

Being bitten on private property doesn’t automatically prevent you from recovering damages. Visitors, whether guests, delivery workers, or service providers, may still have a claim if the owner failed to control their pet. However, trespassers typically cannot recover damages unless the owner’s conduct was extreme. If you were lawfully present, a lawyer can explain your rights under Georgia's premises liability and dog bite laws.

Dog bites in apartment complexes and rental properties raise additional questions. Landlords may be held liable if they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to take appropriate measures to protect others. A lawyer can help untangle whether the property owner, the tenant, or both bear responsibility.

Yes. Georgia law allows parents or guardians to bring a claim on behalf of a child injured by a dog bite. Compensation can cover medical costs, future care, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. Because children are especially vulnerable to scarring and long-term psychological harm, these cases often result in significant damages. Courts sometimes require settlements involving minors to be approved to ensure the child’s interests are protected.

Atlanta does not currently ban specific dog breeds, but owners of certain breeds may face stricter requirements under local ordinances or rental property rules. Landlords and apartment complexes also have the right to restrict breeds on their properties. Regardless of breed, liability depends on whether the owner acted negligently or failed to follow containment and leash laws.

While any dog can bite, larger breeds may cause more severe injuries. Still, liability under Georgia law depends less on breed and more on whether the owner acted negligently or failed to follow containment and leash laws.

Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, generally allows two years from the date of the attack. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to seek compensation. Speaking with a lawyer early helps preserve evidence and ensures your case is filed within the legal deadline.

Georgia follows modified comparative negligence rules. If you provoked the dog, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible. Insurance companies often try to argue provocation to reduce payouts, so having legal representation is key.

Yes, most homeowners’ or renters' policies include liability coverage for dog bites. This coverage often extends beyond the property, such as if the bite occurred at a park or on a public street. However, some policies exclude coverage for certain breeds or if the dog has a documented history of aggression. An attorney can review policy terms and pursue claims with the insurer on your behalf.

• When Dog Owners Violate Leash Laws: Local leash ordinances in Atlanta are strict, and violations can result in owners being directly liable if their dog causes harm.
• Dog Groomers, Walkers, or Sitters: Third parties tasked with handling dogs can sometimes be held responsible if their negligence contributed to the attack.
• Complications After a Bite: Beyond the initial wound, dog bites can lead to infections, scarring, and even reconstructive surgery, which can significantly increase damages.
• The Role of Animal Control: Animal control agencies investigate bites, quarantine dogs, and create reports that may be vital in proving liability.

Dog bite cases can be complex, as they often involve blending personal injury law with local ordinances and insurance issues. Morgan & Morgan has decades of experience fighting for victims and understands the nuances of Georgia’s dog bite statutes. We work on a contingency fee basis—the Fee Is Free™—so you pay nothing unless we win.

If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite in Atlanta, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and take the first step toward justice and recovery.