Legal Representation for Severe Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause far more than minor puncture wounds. Severe dog attacks frequently result in catastrophic injuries including deep lacerations, crushed bones, permanent nerve damage, disfiguring scars, and life-threatening infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States each year, with roughly 800,000 requiring medical attention. Of those, tens of thousands require emergency room treatment for serious injuries, and dozens of deaths occur annually from dog attacks.
At Roden Law, our severe dog bite injury lawyers represent victims across Georgia and South Carolina who have suffered life-altering injuries from dog attacks. We pursue full compensation from dog owners, property owners, and insurance companies to cover the extensive medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, and long-term care these injuries demand.
Georgia Dog Bite Liability Law
Georgia’s dog bite statute (O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7) imposes liability on a dog owner when the dog was vicious or dangerous, the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous propensity, and the owner carelessly managed the dog or allowed it to go at liberty. Georgia also applies the Responsible Dog Ownership Law (O.C.G.A. § 4-8-20 et seq.), which classifies dogs as “dangerous” or “vicious” based on prior behavior and imposes specific requirements on owners of such animals.
South Carolina Dog Bite Liability Law
South Carolina applies a strict liability standard for dog bites under S.C. Code § 47-3-110. A dog owner is liable for injuries when the person bitten was in a public place or was lawfully on private property (including by implied invitation). Unlike Georgia, South Carolina does not require the victim to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous — liability attaches regardless of the dog’s prior history.
Types of Severe Dog Bite Injuries
Severe dog attacks cause injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and often multiple surgeries:
- Deep lacerations and tissue loss: Large dogs can exert over 300 pounds of bite force, tearing through skin, muscle, and tendons
- Crushed and broken bones: Particularly in the hands, arms, and facial bones
- Nerve damage: Severed or damaged nerves causing loss of sensation or motor function
- Disfiguring facial scars: Requiring multiple rounds of reconstructive and plastic surgery
- Infections: Dog bites carry bacteria including Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Capnocytophaga, which can cause sepsis, cellulitis, and osteomyelitis
- Traumatic brain injuries: When victims are knocked down and strike their heads during an attack
- Psychological trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and phobias
Damages in Severe Dog Bite Cases
Victims of severe dog bite injuries may recover compensation for emergency medical treatment and hospitalization, reconstructive and plastic surgery costs, ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation, lost wages during recovery, permanent scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering, emotional distress and psychological treatment, and diminished quality of life. In cases where the dog owner knew the animal was dangerous and failed to take precautions, punitive damages may be available in both Georgia and South Carolina.
Insurance Coverage for Dog Bite Claims
Most dog bite claims are covered under the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite claims account for over one-third of all homeowners insurance liability payouts. When the dog owner is a renter or lacks adequate insurance, landlord liability and other sources of coverage may be available. Our attorneys identify every insurance policy that may apply to maximize your recovery.
Why Choose Roden Law for Severe Dog Bite Cases
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling catastrophic dog bite cases throughout Georgia and South Carolina. We work with medical experts, plastic surgeons, and mental health professionals to fully document the scope of your injuries and future treatment needs. We handle your case on a contingency fee basis — no fee unless we win.