The State of Georgia imposes strict liability law statutes regarding any dog bite. While the law covers injury to a person, certain criteria need to be met in order for the dog owner to become liable for any injuries their dog causes.
Dog Bite Criteria
In Georgia, dog bite liability needs to meet three criteria in order for the State statutes to impose liability on the dog owner. The three criteria are:
- The dog must first be considered vicious or dangerous; within city limits this can be demonstrated as easily as showing the animal was required to be leashed per the city ordinance
- The dog must be at large, or roaming free of fence or leash, through the careless management of the owner, and
- The person injured must not have provoked the dog or animal into attacking them
Statute for Vicious Animals
In Georgia anyone who allows a dog or other animal to run loose where it may attack and cause injury in an unprovoked situation may be liable for the damages caused. Damages may include medical expenses, treatment, loss of income due to inability to return to work, and other compensatory claims. It is important to seek qualified legal counsel to determine what course of action you need to take.
Dog Bite Statistics
Nationwide there are almost 5 million people bitten by dogs every year with over 800,000 of those dog bites requiring medical attention. Half of all those receiving medical care for a dog bite were children. Dog bites in Chatham County in Georgia are recorded as 152 dog bites per 100,000 people last year.
Dog Bite Attorney
Being attacked by a dog can bring long lasting emotional trauma as well as wounds, scars, and physical disability. Call Joel Baskin, your Georgia dog bite attorney for a confidential review of your case and situation.