If you are a dog owner in the state of Georgia, it is important to be aware of the laws surrounding dog bites. A dog bite can lead to serious injuries, and the person bitten may be able to sue you for damages. Read more about dog bite liability under Georgia law.  

This blog post will discuss Georgia's dog bite liability laws and what you need to know if your pet bites someone.

What Constitutes a Dog Bite Under Georgia Law

In order to hold a dog owner liable for damages resulting from a bite, Georgia law requires proof that the victim was bitten by the dog while lawfully on your property or on the property of someone you were with. In both cases, you were responsible for their care.

If someone has been bitten by your dog, they can sue for damages. Georgia law allows victims to recover damages for their injuries, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost wages.

The Strict Liability Rule in Dog Bite Cases

In Georgia, the Strict Liability Rule applies to dog bite cases. This means that a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog regardless of the owner's knowledge or intent. 

This rule applies even if:

• The injured party provoked or encouraged the dog to act aggressively toward them;
• The injured party failed to take reasonable care of themselves; and/or
• The injured party had been asked to leave before being bitten by the dog.

Exceptions to the Strict Liability Rule

There are a few exceptions to the strict liability rule in Georgia.

These exceptions include:

• The victim was trespassing at the time of the incident;
• The victim committed a crime at the time of the incident; and/or
• The victim provoked the dog into biting them.

What to Do if Your Dog Bites Someone

If your dog bites someone, it is important to take immediate steps:

1. First, you should confine your dog so it cannot injure anyone else.
2. You should also seek medical attention for the victim as soon as possible.
3. Finally, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options and whether you may be liable for the victim's injuries.

What to Do if a Dog Bites You

If a dog has bitten you in Georgia, you should first seek medical attention. Once a doctor has seen you, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney. They will be able to review your case and help you determine if you are eligible to file a claim against the dog's owner.

Don't let a dog bite ruin your life. If you have been injured, get the compensation you deserve.

Bottom Line

As a dog owner, it is important to know your liability if your dog bites someone. In Georgia, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous.

If you've been injured by a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation. It is important to seek medical attention immediately and to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Whether it was your dog that bit someone or you were a victim of a dog bite, in both cases, you should contact a personal injury attorney at your earliest convenience.