Legal Claims for Dangerous Breed Dog Attacks
Certain dog breeds are statistically associated with a higher incidence of severe and fatal attacks. According to data compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and peer-reviewed studies in medical journals, breeds including pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and their mixes are overrepresented in serious bite injury statistics. While any dog can bite regardless of breed, attacks by large, powerful breeds tend to cause more severe injuries due to their greater bite force and tenacity during an attack.
At Roden Law, our dangerous breed attack lawyers represent victims across Georgia and South Carolina who have suffered serious injuries from attacks by powerful dog breeds. We focus on the owner’s negligence — their failure to properly contain, train, and manage a dog breed known to present elevated risk — to maximize compensation for our clients.
Georgia’s Dangerous Dog Classification
Georgia’s Responsible Dog Ownership Law (O.C.G.A. § 4-8-20 et seq.) establishes two classifications for aggressive dogs:
- Dangerous dog: A dog that causes a substantial puncture wound, aggressively attacks in a manner that causes injury, or has been classified as potentially dangerous and exhibits continued dangerous behavior
- Vicious dog: A dog that inflicts serious injury on a human or kills a human, without provocation
Owners of classified dangerous dogs must maintain a proper enclosure, post warning signs, maintain $50,000 in liability insurance or a surety bond, and keep the dog muzzled and leashed when off the owner’s property. Owners of vicious dogs face potential euthanasia orders and criminal penalties. These classifications are not breed-specific under state law, but they recognize that some dogs pose greater risks.
South Carolina Dangerous Animal Provisions
South Carolina’s strict liability statute (S.C. Code § 47-3-110) applies to all dog breeds equally — the owner is liable for bite injuries in public places regardless of breed. However, South Carolina courts consider a dog’s breed and the owner’s knowledge of breed-specific tendencies when evaluating whether the owner exercised reasonable care. Some South Carolina municipalities have enacted breed-specific regulations, though the state does not maintain a statewide breed-specific legislation (BSL) ban.
Heightened Owner Responsibility for Powerful Breeds
While breed alone does not create legal liability, owners of large, powerful breeds have a heightened duty of care because of the foreseeable risk of serious injury. Evidence that strengthens dangerous breed attack claims includes:
- The owner’s knowledge of the breed’s tendencies and bite force
- Failure to provide adequate containment, fencing, or leashing
- Lack of proper socialization and obedience training
- Prior incidents of aggression, biting, or lunging at people
- Violation of local breed-specific regulations or dangerous dog ordinances
- Keeping the dog in environments with children or vulnerable individuals without safeguards
Injuries from Dangerous Breed Attacks
Attacks by large, powerful breeds often cause catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical intervention:
- Massive tissue damage: Breeds with powerful jaws can crush bone and tear large sections of tissue
- Multiple and sustained bite injuries: Some breeds exhibit a “hold and shake” bite pattern that causes extensive tearing
- Disfiguring injuries: Particularly to the face, arms, and legs requiring reconstructive surgery
- Fatal injuries: Large breed attacks account for the majority of dog bite fatalities in the United States
- Severe psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety disorders, and lasting fear
Insurance and Breed Restrictions
Many homeowners insurance companies maintain breed restriction lists, refusing to cover or charging higher premiums for breeds they classify as high-risk. When a dog owner’s policy excludes their breed, there may be no insurance coverage for bite injuries. Our attorneys investigate all potential sources of recovery, including landlord liability policies, umbrella coverage, and the owner’s personal assets.
Why Choose Roden Law for Dangerous Breed Attack Cases
Our attorneys have handled numerous cases involving attacks by pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and other powerful breeds throughout Georgia and South Carolina. We work with veterinary experts, animal behaviorists, and medical specialists to build compelling cases that demonstrate the owner’s negligence and the severity of your injuries. There is no fee unless we win.