If you or a family member suffered serious injuries from a dog attack in Atlanta, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering under Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law. The Atlanta dog bite lawyers at Butler Kahn represent victims of serious dog attacks throughout Fulton County and the greater Atlanta metro area. We take fewer cases on purpose so we can do deeper work on each one, and we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Call (678) 940-1444 for a free consultation.
What’s on this pageDog attacks can cause serious injuries requiring legal representation from an experienced Atlanta dog bite attorney.
Dogs are among the most beloved pets in America, but they are still animals capable of causing serious harm. Dog bite injuries frequently cause lasting physical and emotional consequences, particularly when children are victims. A dog attack can result in severe lacerations, puncture wounds, broken bones, nerve damage, and infections that require extensive medical treatment. The psychological trauma from a dog bite often persists long after physical wounds have healed.
If you or your child was injured in a dog bite accident, you’re likely dealing with unexpected medical expenses, potential loss of income, and uncertainty about your legal options. The Atlanta dog bite injury lawyers at Butler Kahn want to provide you with the information you need to make important decisions and reduce your stress during this difficult time. We have some of the best dog bite lawyers in Atlanta and are committed to helping victims get back on their feet.
Please get in touch with a dog bite lawyer at our law firm when you are ready to discuss your situation. We can review your case and outline your best options for going forward. The consultation is free.
Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite Injury in Atlanta?
Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law establishes that dog owners can be held liable when their dogs seriously injure other people or animals. Under O.C.G.A. § 4-8-25, a serious injury is defined as one carrying a significant risk of death or requiring major medical treatments like sutures or surgery—not merely a small nip or minor scratch.
Under Georgia law, a dog’s “owner” includes anyone who possesses, harbors, or has custody of the animal. This means pet-sitters, veterinarians, groomers, and boarding facilities may be held responsible for dog bite attacks that occur under their care. When a minor owns the dog, the child’s parent or guardian is typically considered legally responsible.
Georgia law requires dog owners to properly restrain their animals to prevent attacks.
When an injured person pursues damages in a dog bite claim, they typically seek compensation from insurance providers rather than directly from individuals. The dog owner is usually a friend, neighbor, or family member, which makes many victims hesitant to pursue a claim. However, homeowner’s insurance and other liability coverage typically cover dog bite claims, so the dog owner is generally not paying out of pocket.
Insurance Coverage for Dog Bite Claims
Coverage for dog bite injuries in Atlanta may be available from:
Homeowners or renters insurance – Most policies include liability coverage for dog bites occurring on the property
Commercial liability coverage – Applicable when a groomer, boarder, veterinarian, or other business had control of the dog during the attack
Workers’ compensation insurance – Available when a dog bite occurs while the victim was performing regular job duties
Pet liability insurance – Some pet owners carry separate policies specifically for animal-related incidents
Types of Dog Bite Incidents in Atlanta
Dog bite cases in Georgia generally fall into two categories, each with different legal requirements for establishing liability.
First-Time Bites from Dogs Without Prior Aggression
Even seemingly gentle dogs are capable of biting and causing serious injury. Under Georgia’s “one bite rule,” victims of first-time bites must demonstrate that the dog’s owner knew or reasonably should have known the dog had a tendency to bite, and subsequently failed to properly restrain the animal. However, an owner may still face liability if the bite occurred while the dog was loose in violation of local leash ordinances.
Bites from Dangerous or Vicious Dogs
The second category involves bites from dogs previously recognized as “dangerous” or “vicious” under Georgia law. A dog need not have bitten someone before to be classified as dangerous—displaying threatening behavior that would cause a reasonable person to fear serious injury can be sufficient.
Owners of dangerous and vicious dogs face strict legal requirements under Georgia Code Title 4, Chapter 8. These owners must post warning signs around their properties, keep dogs in securely locked areas, and promptly notify authorities if their dogs attack or escape. Violations can result in misdemeanor charges, with felony charges possible if serious injuries occur.
Georgia Dog Bite Laws
According to O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7, dog bite victims must generally prove three elements to recover compensation:
The owner acted carelessly in allowing the dog to go free or failed to properly restrain it
The dog was vicious, dangerous, or the owner should have known of the dog’s propensity to bite
The victim did nothing to provoke the dog before the attack
Local Leash Laws in Atlanta
Georgia does not impose statewide leash laws, but Atlanta and Fulton County have local ordinances requiring dog owners to maintain control of their animals. In DeKalb County and the City of Atlanta, owners must:
Secure dogs inside when unattended
Keep dogs on a leash while outdoors
Ensure someone whose commands the dog obeys is nearby when the dog is outdoors
Safely enclose dogs within a vehicle when transporting them
Violations of these ordinances can establish negligence in a dog bite claim.
Dangerous vs. Vicious Dog Classifications
Under Georgia law, a “dangerous” dog is one that has:
Displayed behavior aggressive enough for someone to reasonably fear serious harm (barking, growling, or baring teeth alone is insufficient)
Bitten a person hard enough to puncture skin without causing serious injury
Killed another pet animal while off the owner’s property
A “vicious” dog has previously:
Directly inflicted serious injury on a person
Caused a person to suffer serious injury during a reasonable attempt to escape the dog’s attack
How Our Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyers Help After an Animal Attack
Georgia’s dog bite laws are among the most complicated in the United States. If you or your child has suffered a dog bite injury, you should focus on healing rather than deciphering intricate legal codes or insurance policies. Experienced Atlanta dog bite lawyers like Butler Kahn can help you navigate the claims process and build the most persuasive case possible.
Our Atlanta dog bite attorneys meet with clients to review their cases and explain their legal options.
Our attorneys help dog bite victims in the following ways:
Investigating the incident – We thoroughly evaluate the details of your case and research the relevant laws, insurance policies, and local ordinances that may affect your claim
Gathering evidence – Strong cases require strong evidence, including eyewitness interviews, injury photographs, medical records, animal control reports, and documentation of the dog’s history
Communicating on your behalf – Many accident victims worry about making statements that could harm their claims. Your lawyer handles all communications with insurance companies and opposing parties
Negotiating for compensation – After building a strong case, your attorney negotiates from a position of strength for a settlement that fully covers your losses
Managing legal documents – Your lawyer prepares demand letters, legal complaints, spoliation letters to preserve evidence, and other necessary filings
Representing you in court – If your case goes to trial, your lawyer advocates for your rights and interests before a judge and jury
Common Dog Bite Injuries and Complications
Dog bites frequently cause severe physical injuries that require extensive medical treatment. The force of a dog’s bite can cause puncture wounds, lacerations, crushing injuries, and tissue damage. Infections are particularly common because bacteria from the dog’s mouth enters the wound.
Physical Injuries from Dog Attacks
Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
Broken bones and fractures
Eye injuries and potential vision loss
Permanent scarring and disfigurement
Facial injuries requiring reconstructive surgery
Nerve damage and loss of sensation
Crush injuries to hands and extremities
Traumatic amputation of fingers or other body parts
MRSA – Antibiotic-resistant staph infections that can spread to lungs, bloodstream, and organs
Pasteurella – Bacteria causing severe swelling, redness, and pain at the bite site
Capnocytophaga – Bacteria that can cause sepsis in people with weakened immune systems
Tetanus – Bacterial infection affecting the nervous system
Medical Treatment for Dog Bites
Treatment for dog bite injuries typically includes:
Emergency wound cleaning and debridement
Stitches or sutures for deep lacerations
Surgical intervention for severe tissue damage
Casts, pins, or plates for fractures
Reconstructive or plastic surgery for disfigurement
Physical therapy for mobility issues
Mental health counseling for trauma and anxiety
Antibiotic and antiviral medications
Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis
Tetanus boosters
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Atlanta
Victims of dog bite injuries in Atlanta may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. The value of a claim depends on the severity of injuries, the long-term impact on the victim’s life, and the available insurance coverage.
Economic Damages
Emergency room and hospital bills
Surgical costs and follow-up care
Prescription medications
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Future medical expenses for ongoing treatment
Lost wages during recovery
Reduced earning capacity from permanent disabilities
Property damage (clothing, glasses, etc.)
Transportation costs to medical appointments
Non-Economic Damages
Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Fear of dogs and anxiety around animals
Permanent scarring and disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium for family members
What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog in Atlanta
Taking the right steps after a dog bite can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim.
Taking the right steps after a dog bite can protect your health and strengthen any future legal claim:
Seek immediate medical attention – Any bite that punctures the skin requires medical evaluation. Even minor-appearing wounds can become seriously infected. Doctors can assess rabies risk and prescribe preventive treatment if needed.
Identify the dog and its owner – Exchange contact information with the owner. Request proof of rabies vaccination and the dog’s medical history. If the owner is unknown, note the dog’s appearance and location.
Document the scene and your injuries – Photograph your wounds, the location of the attack, and the dog if safely possible. Take pictures of your injuries as they heal to document the recovery process.
Get witness information – Collect names and phone numbers from anyone who saw the attack. Witness statements can be crucial in establishing what happened.
Report the incident to animal control – Contact Fulton County Animal Services or your local animal control agency. Official reports create important documentation and may reveal prior incidents involving the same dog.
Preserve evidence – Keep the clothing you were wearing during the attack. Save all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your treatment.
Avoid recorded statements – Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters without consulting an attorney first. Insurers may use your words against you to reduce or deny your claim.
Contact an Atlanta dog bite lawyer – An experienced attorney can protect your rights, handle communications with insurers, and help you pursue maximum compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Georgia?
Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, Georgia personal injury cases are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. This means you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit in court. For injuries to minors, the deadline may be extended.
While two years may seem like sufficient time, building a strong dog bite case requires thorough investigation, evidence gathering, and often lengthy negotiations with insurance companies. Waiting too long to consult a lawyer can allow evidence to disappear, witnesses to forget details, and your claim to lose value. Contact an Atlanta dog bite attorney as soon as possible after your injury.
Video Resources
Watch these videos from Butler Kahn to learn more about dog bite claims and personal injury cases in Georgia:
Should You Get a Lawyer for a Dog Bite?
What Happens If a Dog Bites Someone in Georgia?
Atlanta Neighborhoods and Service Areas
Butler Kahn represents dog bite victims throughout Atlanta and the surrounding metro area. Our Atlanta office at 10 Lenox Pointe serves clients from neighborhoods across the city, including:
Butler Kahn handles serious injury cases in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. We help victims recover from all types of accidents by building meaningful relationships and preparing strong cases. Our approach focuses on doing the unglamorous grunt work that wins cases—thorough investigation, relentless evidence gathering, and meticulous trial preparation.
The Butler Kahn legal team is ready to help dog bite victims in Atlanta and throughout Georgia.
We offer free consultations and do not charge legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. If you’re interested in having us review your case, please call us at (678) 940-1444 or contact us online.
Jeb Butler – Trial Attorney. Jeb has secured verdicts and settlements including a $150 million verdict against Chrysler, a $45 million settlement for catastrophic injuries, and numerous confidential settlements. He is repeatedly recognized as a Georgia SuperLawyer and ranks among Georgia’s legal elite.
Matt Kahn – Personal Injury Lawyer. Matt represents people and families who have been critically injured or killed because of others’ negligence. He digs into cases from day one, investigating scenes, hunting for witnesses, and building cases for trial.
What Our Clients Say
“I would recommend this firm to anyone who is looking to be represented by a firm full of not only expertise, but who will always treat you fairly and put what is best for the client first. I hope to never need another lawyer, but if I do Butler Kahn is the first place I will call.”
— Samantha S.
“Jeb and his team get great results for their clients! The team is hard working, organized, and very thorough. I have referred clients to them and he is one of the hardest working attorneys in Atlanta.”
— Rebecca S.
Case Results
$150,000 settlement in dog attack case where an 84-year-old man was knocked down and suffered a broken hip and wrist
$150 million verdict against Chrysler in product liability wrongful death case
$40 million settlement in guardrail accident on I-85 resulting in wrongful death
$30 million settlement for Georgia student struck in pedestrian crosswalk resulting in brain injury
$28 million verdict in Gwinnett County wrongful death from head-on collision
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in Atlanta
Yes. Georgia law allows dog bite victims to recover compensation from the dog’s owner or the person responsible for the animal at the time of the attack. You typically need to show the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous, or that the owner violated a local leash ordinance. An experienced Atlanta dog bite lawyer can evaluate whether you have a valid claim.
Georgia follows a modified one-bite rule, meaning owners may not be strictly liable for a first bite if they had no reason to know their dog was dangerous. However, owners can still be held liable if they were negligent in controlling their dog or violated leash laws. Once a dog has shown aggressive tendencies or bitten someone, the owner is presumed to know of the danger.
The value of a dog bite claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, whether you have permanent scarring or disability, your lost income, and the impact on your quality of life. Claims for serious bites requiring surgery or causing permanent disfigurement are typically worth significantly more than claims for minor injuries.
In most cases, yes. Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies typically include liability coverage that pays for injuries caused by the policyholder’s dog. This means you’re usually seeking compensation from an insurance company, not directly from your neighbor or friend. Some policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with prior bite history.
If a stray dog bites you, identifying a liable party can be challenging. However, you may have a claim against a property owner if the attack occurred on their premises and they failed to address a known stray dog problem. Animal control reports and witness statements become especially important in stray dog cases.
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the incident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% responsible, you can recover 80% of your damages.
If you were bitten by a dog while performing work duties—such as a delivery driver, postal worker, or home healthcare worker—you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. You may also have a separate personal injury claim against the dog’s owner. An attorney can help you understand your options.
Yes. Reporting the bite toFulton County Animal Services or your local animal control agency creates an official record of the incident. Animal control may investigate the dog’s vaccination status and history, quarantine the animal, and classify it as dangerous. This documentation can support your legal claim.
Many dog bite claims settle within several months to a year through negotiations with insurance companies. Cases that go to trial typically take longer, potentially one to two years or more. The timeline depends on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and whether liability is disputed.
While you’re not required to have a lawyer, an experienced dog bite attorney can significantly improve your chances of recovering fair compensation. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to unrepresented victims. A lawyer handles all negotiations, gathers evidence, and can take your case to trial if necessary.
If the dog owner lacks homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you may need to pursue a claim directly against the owner’s personal assets. In some cases, other parties may be liable, such as a landlord who allowed a dangerous dog on the property. An attorney can identify all potential sources of recovery.
Landlords may be liable for dog bites if they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to take action, or if they had the right to remove the dog under the lease. Georgia courts consider whether the landlord had actual knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities.
Animal control may quarantine the dog to observe for rabies, typically for 10 days. Depending on the severity of the attack and the dog’s history, authorities may classify the dog as dangerous or vicious, requiring the owner to meet strict containment requirements. In extreme cases involving unprovoked serious attacks, a court may order the dog to be euthanized.
Butler Kahn handles dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. We also offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case and explain your options.
Important evidence includes photographs of your injuries, medical records and bills, the dog owner’s contact and insurance information, animal control reports, witness statements, and documentation of the dog’s history. Preserve the clothing you were wearing during the attack. Your attorney can help gather additional evidence to support your claim.
Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, Georgia personal injury cases are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. This means you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit in court. For injuries to minors, the deadline may be extended. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
