Dog Bite & Animal Attack Lawyers in Valdosta, Georgia

Georgia Dog Bite Liability Law

Georgia's dog bite statute provides two separate bases for owner liability. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7, an owner is liable when the owner knew the dog had dangerous propensities, or when the dog was running at large in violation of a local leash ordinance at the time of the attack — in which case no prior knowledge of viciousness is required.

Valdosta and Lowndes County Leash Laws

The City of Valdosta and Lowndes County both maintain animal control ordinances requiring dogs to be on a leash or under direct control of the owner when off the owner's property. When an attack occurs because a dog was off-leash in violation of these ordinances, owner liability may be established without proving the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Our attorneys obtain animal control records, prior bite reports, and incident documentation to build the strongest possible case under both statutory theories.

Common Injuries in Dog Bite Attacks

• Deep puncture wounds and lacerations requiring irrigation, debridement, and suturing
• Facial injuries — lacerations and avulsion injuries particularly common in child victims
• Permanent facial scarring requiring plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Nerve and tendon damage in the hand, wrist, and forearm
• Crush injuries from large breed bites producing significant bite force
• Infection, including cellulitis, abscess, and in serious cases, septicemia
• Rabies exposure requiring post-exposure prophylaxis
• Post-traumatic stress disorder and lasting phobia of dogs
• Disfigurement requiring multiple reconstructive procedures

Children and Dog Bite Injuries

Children are statistically the most frequent and most severely injured dog bite victims. Because of their smaller size, children are more likely to be bitten on the face, head, and neck, and are less able to defend themselves from an attack. Injuries that produce facial scarring can have profound effects on a child's social development, school performance, and psychological wellbeing for years after the attack. Our attorneys pursue compensation that accounts for not only current medical expenses but also the future reconstructive care and psychological treatment a child victim may need.

Compensation in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite victims may recover compensation for all medical treatment including emergency care, surgery, wound care, and reconstructive procedures, future medical and psychological treatment costs, lost wages during recovery, permanent scarring and disfigurement, and pain and suffering. Most claims are covered under the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.