“He’s Never Done That Before.” That’s What Every Dog Owner Says. Georgia Law Says It Doesn’t Matter.
Under Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Act, a dog owner is liable when their animal attacks — even if the dog has no prior history. The owner’s homeowner’s insurance pays. We make sure they do.
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The Problem
The wounds are real. The trauma is real. The owner’s excuses aren’t.
External Problem
You or your child were bitten at a park, on a sidewalk, at someone’s home, or in an apartment complex. The wounds may include deep lacerations, puncture wounds, broken bones, nerve damage, or permanent scarring — requiring surgery, antibiotics, rabies prophylaxis, and reconstructive procedures.
Internal Problem
You’re dealing with physical pain and emotional trauma — fear, anxiety around dogs, nightmares, PTSD. You may feel awkward about pursuing a claim, especially if the owner is a neighbor, friend, or family member. You’re unsure whether you even have a case.
Philosophical Problem
Dog ownership is a responsibility. When an owner fails to leash, fails to contain, fails to warn — and someone gets hurt — the owner must be held accountable. Your injuries aren’t the price of living near dogs; they’re the consequence of negligence.
The Villain
Owners who deny. Insurers who deflect.
Owners minimize the attack and deny responsibility — as if a first attack doesn’t count.
Homeowner’s insurance adjusters lowball dog bite claims or deny them outright, often citing breed exclusions.
Landlords allowed a dangerous dog on the premises — then claim they had no knowledge once someone is bitten.
Meet Your Guide
Gunn Law Group — we treat dog attack cases with the seriousness they deserve.
Empathy
Dog attacks are terrifying — especially when children are the victims. We understand the physical and emotional scars these attacks leave, and we represent every dog bite client with that weight in mind.
Authority
Deep knowledge of Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Act (O.C.G.A. § 4-8-20 et seq.).
We pursue every source of recovery: homeowner’s, renter’s, landlord liability, and the owner personally.
Experience with strict liability and negligence theories under Georgia law.
The Plan
Three steps from the bite to compensation.
Step 01
Call 888-BIG-GUNN. We assess the attack, identify every responsible party, and explain your legal options.
Step 02
We document injuries, pull animal control reports, surface the dog’s history (prior incidents, complaints, breed restrictions), and identify every insurance policy in play.
Georgia Dog Bite Law
The statutes that put the owner on the hook.
Georgia imposes liability on owners who fail to comply with leash laws or local ordinances, or who knew (or should have known) the dog was dangerous or vicious.
A dog that has caused a substantial puncture wound or aggressively attacked without provocation may be subject to enhanced restrictions and liability.
Many Georgia municipalities prohibit cycling on sidewalks in business districts. Cyclists are often legally required to ride in the road.
Failure Stakes
What happens if you wait.
Dog bite wounds become seriously infected without prompt treatment.
Animal control reports must be filed quickly — memories and records fade.
Insurance companies move fast to minimize or deny dog bite claims.
Georgia’s 2-year personal injury statute of limitations applies (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).
Childhood psychological trauma must be documented early to be fully compensated.
Success Vision
What we fight for.
All medical treatment — emergency care, surgery, reconstructive procedures — fully covered.
Emotional trauma and PTSD acknowledged and compensated.
Scarring and disfigurement valued appropriately.
The dog owner held accountable and the dangerous animal properly controlled.
You or your child protected from a system that minimizes dog attack injuries.
A dog attacked you or your child. The owner says it’s not their fault. Georgia law says otherwise.
Call 888-BIG-GUNN. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
FAQ
Georgia Dog Bite Questions
Yes. Under Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Act, an owner can be liable for a first-time attack — particularly if a leash law or containment ordinance was violated, which is negligence per se.
Usually the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. If the attack happened at an apartment complex where the landlord knew about a dangerous dog, the landlord may also be liable.
Claims are paid by their insurance, not out of their personal funds in most cases. You can pursue rightful compensation without putting a financial burden on someone you know.
Children’s injuries — physical and psychological — are often more severe and longer lasting. Scarring on a child’s face or body, and PTSD around dogs, must be documented and valued carefully. Children also have additional protections under Georgia law.
Breed exclusions are common but not always enforceable, and other policies (umbrella, landlord, separate riders) may still apply. Don’t take a denial at face value — let us review the coverage.
Generally two years from the date of the attack under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. Evidence — vet records, animal control reports, witness memory — fades much faster. Call as soon as possible.
