Dog Bite Lawyers

Georgia follows a modified "one bite" rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7. To hold the owner liable, you must show that: (1) the dog was dangerous or vicious, (2) the owner knew or should have known of the dog's dangerous propensity, and (3) the owner was careless in managing the dog. However, if the owner violated a local leash law or restraint ordinance, this can establish negligence per se — meaning you do not need to prove prior knowledge of the dog's aggressive tendencies.

South Carolina applies strict liability for dog bites under S.C. Code § 47-3-110. This means the dog's owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog when the victim is in a public place or lawfully on private property — regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had ever bitten anyone before. This is a stronger standard for victims than Georgia's "one bite" rule.

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for a dog bite personal injury claim is 2 years from the date of the attack (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). In South Carolina, you have 3 years (S.C. Code § 15-3-530). For claims involving minors, the statute may be tolled until the child reaches the age of majority. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Provocation is a common defense in dog bite cases. If the owner can show that you teased, tormented, or abused the dog immediately before the attack, your claim may be reduced or barred. However, normal activities like walking, jogging, or approaching a property do not constitute provocation. Our attorneys counter these defenses with witness testimony, video evidence, and animal behavior expert analysis.

Yes. In both Georgia and South Carolina, you can file a dog bite claim if you were lawfully on the property — meaning you were an invited guest, customer, delivery worker, or had other legitimate reason to be there. Trespassers generally have limited rights, but even trespassers (especially children) may have claims under certain circumstances. The property owner and the dog owner may both share liability.

Yes, most homeowner's and renter's insurance policies cover dog bite liability, typically with limits of $100,000 to $300,000 or more. However, some policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with prior bite history. Our attorneys identify all available insurance coverage to ensure there are sufficient funds to pay your claim.

Dog bite victims may recover compensation for: medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation), future medical costs (reconstructive surgery, scar revision), lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress and PTSD, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be available.

Yes. Parents or legal guardians can file a dog bite claim on behalf of a minor child. Children are the most common victims of dog bite attacks and often suffer the most severe injuries, particularly to the face and head. Georgia and South Carolina both allow the statute of limitations to be tolled for minors, giving additional time to file. Courts take child dog bite cases very seriously given the severity of injuries involved.

Seek medical attention immediately — even minor bites can become seriously infected. Document the injury with photos. Get the dog owner's name, address, and insurance information. Identify any witnesses. Report the incident to local animal control, which creates an official record and may trigger a dangerous dog investigation. Do not give recorded statements to the owner's insurance company before speaking with an attorney.

In some cases, yes. If the landlord knew the tenant's dog was dangerous and had the ability to remove the animal or require the tenant to remove it, the landlord may share liability. This is particularly relevant in cases involving breed-restricted properties or repeated complaints about a dog's aggressive behavior. Our attorneys investigate all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.