If you’ve been attacked by a dog, you may be dealing with more than just physical injuries. We help victims of animal attacks get the medical care and financial support they deserve.
Holding Owners Accountable. Helping You Heal.
Dog attacks can cause more than cuts and bruises—they leave lasting scars, trauma, and financial strain. Georgia law holds dog owners responsible when they fail to control a dangerous animal, and at Parrish Law Firm, we know how to build strong cases that prove liability. Whether the dog was running loose, not properly restrained, or known to be aggressive, we’re here to protect your rights.
When Dog Owners Are Liable in Georgia
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7), a dog owner can be held liable if:
- They knew the dog was dangerous or aggressive
- The dog was off-leash in violation of local ordinances
- They failed to restrain or supervise the animal properly
Atlanta and surrounding areas—including Decatur, Buckhead, and Midtown—have strict leash laws. If those rules are broken and someone gets hurt, the owner can be held responsible.
Common Dog Bite Injuries We See
Dog attacks can lead to:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Facial injuries or disfigurement
- Infections such as rabies or tetanus
- Nerve damage
- Scarring and loss of function
- PTSD or anxiety around animals
Children are especially vulnerable to facial bites, and victims often need ongoing medical or psychological care.
Imagine This
You’re walking through Grant Park when a large dog breaks free from its owner and knocks you down. It bites your arm, requiring stitches and a tetanus shot. Weeks later, you can’t return to your job as a barista because of nerve damage and anxiety. A legal team could locate the dog’s prior complaints, gather medical documentation, and file a claim for your medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress.
What To Do After a Dog Bite
If you’ve been bitten, take the following steps:
- Get medical attention immediately—even if the injury seems minor.
- Report the incident to animal control or the police.
- Document your injuries with photos and medical records.
- Identify the dog and its owner if possible.
- Do not speak to the owner’s insurance company without legal advice.
These early actions can significantly improve your case.
Let’s talk about your case before time runs out.
FAQs: Dog Bite Lawsuits in Georgia
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations is generally 2 years from the date of the attack.
What if the dog never bit anyone before?
You can still recover damages if the dog was off-leash or the owner violated a local ordinance, even without a prior bite history.
Can I sue if I was bitten on someone else’s property?
Yes. Property owners and tenants can be held liable if they failed to restrain a dangerous dog.
What if the dog belonged to a friend or neighbor?
You can still file a claim against their homeowners insurance without directly “suing” them. We handle these cases with care to preserve relationships.