What Is Considered a Dangerous Dog in Georgia?

While most dogs are well-behaved and friendly, some dog breeds can be dangerous. Under Georgia law, dogs deemed dangerous or vicious must be registered with the state to provide a measure of accountability in the event they attack. Dogs are generally considered dangerous if they have caused serious injury or pose a threat of serious injury.

If someone else’s dangerous dog bit or attacked you in Georgia, you could be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses you suffered as a result. The dog bite attorneys at R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, have the skills and experience to help you hold the dog’s owner accountable for negligence and seek the money you need for your recovery.

Contact the personal injury lawyers at R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, today to discuss your case and legal options during a free consultation.

What is Georgia’s Dangerous Dog Law?

Under Georgia’s dangerous dog law, dangerous dogs aren’t allowed to be off the owner’s property unless the dog is fully under the owner’s immediate physical control and on a leash that is less than six feet long, locked in a crate or other enclosed space, or is a working dog, such as a hunting or herding dog.

All dangerous dogs have to be registered with the state, and a sign must be posted on the owner’s property warning people about the dangerous dog. All dog owners with dangerous dogs must carry a minimum of $15,000 liability insurance if the dog injures someone. Instead of liability insurance, the dog owner can also purchase a $15,000 surety bond to cover any potential injuries caused by the dog.

What Classifies a Dog as Dangerous?

In Georgia, a dog is considered “dangerous” if it:

1. Severely punctures a person’s skin, even if it doesn’t result in a serious injury.
2. Attacks a person, and that person believes that the dog can cause them serious injuries, even if they aren’t severely injured.
3. Kills another domestic animal while away from its owner’s property. There are exceptions for cases where the dog that causes the pet’s death is a hunting dog, herding dog, or predator control dog.

In Georgia, “serious injury” refers to:

1. Injuries that pose a significant threat to death
2. Broken or dislocated bones
3. Serious lacerations
4. Disfigurement
5. Injuries that necessitate plastic surgery or hospitalization
6. Injuries that cause health issues such as infections or impairment of bodily organs

If you are seriously injured by a dangerous or vicious dog in Georgia, you have the right to hold the owner accountable for their negligence.

What is Considered a Vicious Dog in Georgia?

A dog is considered vicious in Georgia if it seriously injures someone or causes someone to be seriously injured in their attempt to flee its attack. Just like “dangerous” dogs, vicious dogs must be registered with the state. Owners of vicious dogs must carry $50,000 in liability insurance, and other additional regulations apply. What is the average settlement for dog bite cases in Georgia?

What Should You Do if You Have Been Injured by a Vicious Dog?

If a vicious dog has injured you, there are several steps you should take to safeguard your rights and pursue the justice you deserve:

1. Seek medical attention. If the dog bite is serious, you should call 911. EMS will come to the scene, and police or animal control officers may arrive to draft an incident report, which could provide valuable information for your claim. If you don’t believe you have suffered severe injuries at first, you should still get a complete medical exam as soon as possible to address any hidden conditions.
2. Identify the owner. If the dog is a stray, you should contact animal control. If the dog is microchipped, animal control will be able to identify the owner. If the owner is present, be sure to get their name and contact information. Determining who owns the dog is critical to pursuing a claim for compensation.
3. Collect evidence at the scene. If you can, try to collect evidence from the scene. If any bystanders witnessed the accident, you should ask for their contact information. You can get a statement from them later to support your case. You should also take photos of your injuries as soon as possible. Pictures can provide strong evidence that your claims are valid.
4. Gather documents. Keep track of your medical records, hospital bills, and other expenses related to your injuries. Include photos of your injuries and other evidence you collected at the scene in a file with your other documents.
5. Make notes about your pain and disabilities. You should maintain a daily record of your physical pain and any psychological or emotional trauma you suffer after the accident. Take notes about how your injuries limit your ability to participate in daily activities.
6. Do not post on social media. Don’t talk about the incident on social media or any public forum until your case is resolved. Anything you say could be used against you by insurance companies eager to protect their profits.
7. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney can advocate for your interests and help you pursue the settlement you need to recover financially. If your case goes to trial, your attorney will help you navigate the court system and fight for your rights before a judge or jury.

Contact a Georgia Dog Bite Attorney Today

Did a dangerous or vicious dog attack you in Georgia? If so, don’t wait to get in touch with the attorneys at R. Alan Cleveland, LLC. Our Athens dog bite injury attorneys understand how physically painful and emotionally traumatizing it can be to be the victim of a dog attack. We have the experience and resources to help you pursue justice and the compensation you deserve.

If you decide to hire us, we are prepared to conduct a full investigation of the accident, collect evidence that supports your claim, determine liability, calculate the losses you suffered, and negotiate for a settlement on your behalf. If we cannot reach a fair settlement, we will not hesitate to fight your case out in court. Athens dog bite lawyer.

Contact our law firm today for a free, no-risk initial consultation.