Georgia gives you two different ways to prove a dog owner is responsible. You only need one.
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Dog Bite Overview
Georgia Gives You Two Paths to Liability
Georgia's dog bite statute, O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7, doesn't require you to prove a dog has bitten someone before. You can establish liability by showing the owner knew or should have known the dog had a tendency toward aggression, or, separately, by showing the dog was in violation of a local leash or containment ordinance at the time of the attack.
That second pathway matters more than most people realize. If a dog was off-leash in violation of a county ordinance when it bit you, you generally don't need to dig up the dog's history at all. The ordinance violation does the work on its own.
If you or someone you love was bitten, the dog bite lawyers in Atlanta at Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass will build the case around whichever path gives you the strongest claim.
Why Choose Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass
Dog bite claims often turn into a dispute over the dog's history and whether the victim somehow provoked the attack, and that's exactly the kind of fight worth having real representation for.
We Know How to Prove What an Owner Knew
Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass attorneys know how to track down animal control records, prior complaints, and witness accounts that establish a dog's known history.
We Push Back on Provocation Defenses
Insurers and dog owners frequently claim the victim caused their own injury. We investigate the facts thoroughly so a defense like that doesn't stand unchallenged.
Dog Bites Happen More Than Most People Assume
Dog bites are a genuinely common injury, not a rare or freak occurrence. According to the CDC, an estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States each year, and injury rates are consistently highest among children between the ages of 5 and 9.
Atlanta's popularity as a dog-friendly city, with a large number of dog parks and a high rate of dog ownership across the metro area, means the exposure here is real, even for people who are careful around animals they don't know.
What Leads to a Dog Attack
- A dog left unrestrained or off-leash in violation of local ordinances
- An owner ignoring or downplaying a dog's known history of aggression
- Inadequate fencing or containment on the owner's property
- A dog left unsupervised around children or unfamiliar visitors
- Provoking behavior, though Georgia law still allows recovery in many cases, even when provocation is alleged, depending on the facts
Behavior and containment, not breed alone, are what Georgia law actually looks at when determining fault.
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Frequently Asked Questions Dog Bite Attorneys in Atlanta
What if the dog that bit me was a stray with no identifiable owner?
You may still have options, including a claim against a party who had control of the dog, a property owner who knowingly harbored a dangerous stray, or your own homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.
Are landlords liable if their tenant's dog bites someone?
Only in limited situations. Georgia generally shields landlords who've fully handed over possession of a property to a tenant, though a landlord who knew about a dangerous dog in a shared common area and failed to act may still bear responsibility.
Can I file a claim if I was bitten while working?
Yes. If you were bitten on the job, you may be entitled to both workers' compensation benefits and a separate personal injury claim against the dog's owner, depending on the circumstances.
Do I have to pay anything up front?
No. Dog bite cases at Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass are handled on a contingency fee basis, so there's no cost to start, and we're only paid if we recover for you.
