Georgia Is Not a Strict Liability Dog Bite State
Most states impose automatic liability on dog owners for any bite. Georgia does not. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7, you must prove either that the dog had a “vicious propensity” the owner knew about, OR that the owner violated a local leash ordinance at the time of the bite. Knowing how to satisfy either prong is essential.
The “Vicious Propensity” Path
Evidence that satisfies the dangerous-dog requirement includes:
- Prior bites or attacks (animal control records)
- Complaints from neighbors about aggression
- Growling, lunging, or snapping history
- Posted “Beware of Dog” signs (admission of knowledge)
- Breed designation under local dangerous-dog ordinances
The Leash Law Path (Easier in Most Cases)
Most Georgia cities and counties have ordinances requiring dogs to be leashed in public. If the dog was loose at the time of the bite, the ordinance violation satisfies the statute without needing to prove prior viciousness. Always identify the exact code section.
What You Can Recover
- Medical bills (emergency care, surgery, reconstructive procedures)
- Future plastic surgery and scar revision
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional trauma (PTSD is common)
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement damages
- Punitive damages in egregious cases
Settlement Value Ranges
- Minor puncture, full recovery: $10,000 – $40,000
- Stitches, moderate scarring: $40,000 – $125,000
- Severe injury, surgery, permanent scarring: $125,000 – $500,000+
- Facial scarring in children: often six figures even in moderate cases
- Maulings, multiple surgeries, or death: $500,000 – $2 million+
Homeowners Insurance Pays the Claim
Roughly one-third of all U.S. homeowners insurance liability payouts come from dog bites. Standard HO-3 and renters policies cover bites up to liability limits of $100,000 – $500,000. Some carriers exclude certain breeds (pit bulls, Rottweilers, German shepherds, wolf hybrids), so policy review is critical.
Child Victims
Children are the most common dog bite victims, and facial injuries are especially common at child height. Settlements for child victims must be approved by a Georgia court (probate or superior) and structured for the child’s benefit. The 2-year statute is generally tolled until the child turns 18, but evidence preservation requires immediate action.
What to Do Immediately
- Get emergency medical care and photograph the wounds
- Identify the dog and the owner — get a name, address, and policy
- Report the bite to animal control (creates the “prior knowledge” paper trail)
- Continue photographing the healing process for weeks
- Keep all medical records and bills
- Avoid recorded statements with the homeowner’s insurer
The 2-Year Deadline
Adults: 2 years from the bite. Minors: typically 2 years from the 18th birthday, but never wait that long.
Free Dog Bite Claim Evaluation
A Georgia dog bite attorney can identify the ordinance violation, secure animal control records, and pursue homeowner policy limits. Free consultations are standard.