If you or a family member suffered a serious dog bite injury in Roswell, Georgia, the Roswell personal injury law firm of Butler Kahn can help you pursue fair compensation from the dog’s owner. Dog attacks frequently cause deep puncture wounds, facial lacerations, broken bones, nerve damage, and lasting emotional trauma. Under Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law, dog owners who fail to properly restrain dangerous or vicious animals may be held liable for the injuries their dogs cause. We take fewer cases on purpose so we can do deeper work on each one, and we prepare every dog bite case as if it’s going to trial. Contact our Roswell office today for a free consultation.
Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite Injury in Roswell?
Under Georgia law, the person who owns, keeps, or has custody of a dog can be held responsible for injuries that dog causes. This means liability extends beyond just the dog’s legal owner. Pet-sitters, dog walkers, groomers, boarding facilities, and even landlords who allow tenants to keep dangerous dogs on their property may be held accountable for dog bite accidents that occur under their watch.
Dog bite cases often involve insurance claims rather than out-of-pocket payments from the dog owner. Many people hesitate to pursue compensation because the dog belongs to a neighbor, friend, or family member. However, homeowners’ insurance, renters’ insurance, and umbrella liability policies typically cover dog bite injuries. The compensation comes from the insurance company, not from your neighbor’s personal bank account.
Insurance coverage that may apply to Roswell dog bite claims includes:
Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance – Most standard policies provide liability coverage for dog bites that occur on the policyholder’s property
Umbrella liability policies – These provide additional coverage beyond standard policy limits
Commercial liability insurance – Applies when a dog attack occurs at a business, such as a grooming salon, veterinary clinic, or dog daycare
Workers’ compensation – Covers employees who suffer dog bites while performing job duties, such as delivery drivers, postal workers, or utility workers
Georgia Dog Bite Laws and Liability
Georgia’s approach to dog bite liability differs from many other states. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7, dog owners are liable for injuries caused by their animals when the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous or vicious, and the owner acted carelessly in managing the dog or allowed the dog to roam free. Unlike states with strict liability, Georgia generally requires proof that the owner had some knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
To recover compensation in a Georgia dog bite case, you typically need to demonstrate:
The dog was vicious or dangerous, or the owner violated a local leash law or ordinance
The owner acted carelessly in allowing the dog to go free or failed to properly restrain the animal
You did not provoke the dog before the attack
A leash law violation can establish that a dog is dangerous under Georgia law. If a dog bites someone while running loose in violation of local ordinances, the owner’s negligence is often clear. However, proving liability can be more complex when a dog attack occurs on the owner’s property, where the dog was technically confined.
Fulton County Leash Laws and Roswell Animal Control Ordinances
Roswell falls within Fulton County, which has specific animal control regulations that dog owners must follow. Understanding these local laws is important because a violation can help establish liability in a dog bite case.
Under Fulton County’s animal control ordinances, dog owners in Roswell are required to:
Keep dogs on a leash no longer than six feet when off their property
Maintain dogs under physical restraint or within a secure enclosure at all times
Prevent dogs from running at large in public areas, parks, trails, and neighborhoods
Post warning signs if they own a dog classified as dangerous or vicious
Register dangerous dogs with Fulton County Animal Services
Popular outdoor areas in Roswell like Big Creek Greenway, Riverside Park, Roswell Area Park, and the walking paths along Canton Street see significant foot traffic from both pedestrians and dog owners. When dog owners fail to properly leash and control their animals in these public spaces, serious bite injuries can result.
Dangerous vs. Vicious Dogs Under Georgia Law
Georgia law distinguishes between “dangerous” dogs and “vicious” dogs. This classification affects both the owner’s legal obligations and potential liability for injuries.
Has inflicted a severe injury on a person without provocation on public or private property
Aggressively bites, attacks, or endangers the safety of humans without provocation after the dog has been classified as a potentially dangerous dog and the owner has been notified
Previously killed or seriously injured a domestic animal while off the owner’s property
A vicious dog is one that:
Inflicted serious injury on a person or caused the death of a person
Was used as a weapon in the commission of a crime
Owners of dangerous or vicious dogs face strict requirements under Georgia law. They must register their dogs with local animal control, maintain specific insurance coverage, confine the dog in a proper enclosure, and post visible warning signs on their property. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in criminal charges and strengthens civil liability claims when their dogs injure others.
Common Dog Bite Injuries We See in Roswell
Dog attacks frequently result in serious physical and psychological trauma. The severity of dog bite injuries often depends on the size and breed of the dog, the location of the bite, and the age of the victim. Children and elderly individuals typically suffer more severe injuries because they are smaller, have more fragile skin and bones, and are less able to defend themselves against an attacking animal.
Common dog bite injuries include:
Puncture wounds and lacerations – A dog’s teeth can penetrate deep into muscle tissue, causing significant damage beneath the skin surface
Facial injuries and disfigurement – Dog bites to the face can cause permanent scarring, damage to eyes and ears, and require extensive reconstructive surgery
Broken bones and fractures – Large dogs can knock victims to the ground, and their powerful jaws can crush hand and arm bones
Nerve damage – Deep bites can sever nerves, resulting in permanent numbness, tingling, or loss of function
Infections – Dog bites introduce bacteria deep into wounds, leading to infections like cellulitis, MRSA, pasteurella, and in rare cases, rabies
Emotional trauma and PTSD – Dog attack victims, especially children, often develop lasting fear of dogs, anxiety, nightmares, and post-traumatic stress disorder
Dog bite injuries can require immediate emergency care, surgical intervention, antibiotic treatment, wound care, reconstructive surgery, and ongoing therapy. The medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering from a serious dog attack can be substantial. Our Atlanta dog bite lawyers have helped victims throughout the metro area recover fair compensation for these losses.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in Roswell
Taking the right steps after a dog bite can protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what we recommend:
Seek immediate medical attention. Even seemingly minor bites can lead to serious infections. Get emergency care for any bite that punctures the skin, and follow your doctor’s treatment plan carefully.
Identify the dog and its owner. Get the owner’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information if possible. Ask for the dog’s vaccination records, particularly proof of rabies vaccination.
Report the incident. File a report with Fulton County Animal Services at (404) 613-0358. An official report creates documentation of the attack and triggers an investigation into whether the dog has a history of aggression.
Document everything. Take photographs of your injuries immediately and as they heal. Photograph the location where the attack occurred, the dog if possible, and any torn clothing or damaged property.
Gather witness information. If anyone saw the attack, get their names and contact information. Witness testimony can be valuable in proving how the incident occurred.
Preserve evidence. Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts. Save the clothing you were wearing during the attack without washing it.
Don’t give recorded statements. Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly after an attack. Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Contact a dog bite lawyer. An experienced attorney can investigate the incident, identify all potential sources of compensation, and handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf.
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Georgia
Georgia law allows dog bite victims to recover compensation for the full extent of their injuries and losses. The types of damages available depend on the severity of your injuries and how they affect your life.
Compensation in a Roswell dog bite case may include:
Medical expenses – Emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medications, wound care, reconstructive surgery, and ongoing treatment
Future medical costs – Anticipated expenses for additional surgeries, physical therapy, scar revision treatments, and psychological counseling
Lost wages – Income lost while you were unable to work due to your injuries
Reduced earning capacity – Long-term impact on your ability to work if your injuries cause permanent disability or limitations
Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
Disfigurement and scarring – Additional compensation when dog bites result in permanent visible scars, particularly to the face
Property damage – Replacement of clothing, glasses, or other personal property damaged in the attack
If a dog attack results in the death of a family member, Georgia’s wrongful death statute allows surviving family members to pursue compensation for their losses, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
How Our Roswell Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help
The personal injury attorneys at Butler Kahn handle serious dog bite cases throughout Roswell and North Fulton County. We understand that pursuing a claim against someone in your community can feel uncomfortable, but we also know that victims of preventable dog attacks deserve fair compensation for their injuries.
When you hire Butler Kahn to handle your dog bite case, we will:
Investigate the attack thoroughly – We gather evidence, interview witnesses, obtain animal control records, and research the dog’s history of aggression
Identify all sources of insurance coverage – We determine which policies may cover your claim and pursue maximum compensation from all available sources
Handle all communications – We deal with insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys so you can focus on recovery
Calculate the full value of your claim – We work with medical experts to understand the long-term impact of your injuries and ensure you pursue adequate compensation
Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement – We push back against lowball offers and fight for what your case is truly worth
Take your case to trial if necessary – We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, and we’re not afraid to fight in front of a jury if the insurance company refuses to pay fairly
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Georgia?
Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you generally have two years from the date of a dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. If you miss this deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to compensation.
Two years may seem like plenty of time, but building a strong dog bite case takes time. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and medical records need to be gathered and reviewed. The sooner you contact an attorney after a dog attack, the more we can do to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Dog Bite Cases We Handle Across North Fulton and Metro Atlanta
Butler Kahn represents dog bite victims throughout the Roswell area and North Fulton County. We help people and families after serious animal attacks in:
Roswell
Alpharetta
Johns Creek
Milton
Sandy Springs
Dunwoody
Mountain Park
East Cobb
Marietta
Our attorneys also serve clients throughout Metro Atlanta from our offices in Atlanta, Lawrenceville, and Jonesboro.
Contact Our Roswell Dog Bite Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one suffered a serious dog bite injury in Roswell or North Fulton County, the personal injury attorneys at Butler Kahn are ready to help. We offer free consultations and charge no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Butler Kahn – Roswell Personal Injury Lawyers
1255 Canton St, Unit E
Roswell, GA 30075
Phone: (770) 766-1056
Our Roswell office is located on Canton Street in the heart of historic downtown Roswell, within walking distance of popular restaurants and shops. Free parking is available. We serve clients throughout North Fulton County, including Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Sandy Springs, and surrounding communities.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in Roswell
Yes. Dog bite claims are typically covered by homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, so the compensation comes from the insurance company rather than your friend or neighbor directly. Many people find that pursuing a claim actually preserves the relationship because it removes the financial burden from both parties.
Georgia does not have a strict “one free bite” rule. If the dog’s owner violated a leash law, failed to properly restrain the animal, or knew the dog had aggressive tendencies—even if it had never actually bitten anyone—they may still be liable for your injuries.
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the incident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced dog bite attorney can help establish that you did not provoke the attack.
You may still have a valid claim if you were lawfully on the property (as an invited guest, customer, or service provider) and did not provoke the dog. Property owners have a duty to warn visitors about dangerous dogs and to take reasonable precautions to prevent attacks.
Yes. Reporting the incident to Fulton County Animal Services creates an official record of the attack and may reveal whether the dog has a history of aggression. The animal control investigation can provide valuable evidence for your civil claim.
The value of a dog bite case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of your medical bills, whether you have permanent scarring or disability, how much work you missed, and the insurance coverage available. We offer free consultations to discuss your specific situation.
If the owner lacks insurance, you may still have options. Your own homeowners’ or umbrella policy may include coverage for injuries caused by others. In some cases, a landlord or property management company may share liability. We investigate all potential sources of compensation in every case we handle.
Yes. Parents or guardians can file a claim on behalf of minor children who suffer dog bite injuries. Children often sustain more severe injuries than adults, particularly facial bites, and may require years of medical treatment and psychological care.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case and the severity of your injuries. Some cases settle within a few months, while others—particularly those involving serious injuries or disputed liability—may take a year or more. We keep our clients informed throughout the process.
Any dog can bite regardless of breed. However, larger dogs tend to inflict more serious injuries when attacks occur. Georgia law does not impose breed-specific restrictions, and liability depends on the owner’s knowledge of the individual dog’s temperament and whether they took reasonable precautions.
For minor bites with minimal medical expenses, you may be able to handle a claim yourself. However, if your injuries required emergency care, surgery, or ongoing treatment, or if you suffered permanent scarring, an experienced attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation. Insurance companies often minimize claims when victims are not represented.
If you cannot identify the dog’s owner, your options for compensation are limited. However, you should still report the incident to animal control and seek medical attention, particularly for rabies prevention. In some cases, we may be able to identify the owner through investigation.
Butler Kahn handles dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is free, and there are no upfront costs to get started.
Be polite but do not provide a recorded statement or sign any documents without first consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you, and their goal is to minimize the company’s payout. Contact a lawyer before discussing your claim in detail.
