Dog Bite Owner Liability & Your Rights in Georgia

Under Georgia law, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog—meaning the owner is responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and the owner wasn’t negligent. This strict liability standard protects bite victims and gives you a clear path to recovery if you’ve been injured.

Georgia’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Georgia Code § 34-8-2 imposes strict liability on dog owners for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of the dog’s history or the owner’s intent. Strict liability means you don’t have to prove the owner was careless or knew the dog was dangerous. The act of the bite itself creates legal responsibility.

This is different from a negligence standard, which would require you to show the owner failed to exercise reasonable care. Under Georgia’s strict liability dog bite law, liability attaches automatically once a bite occurs. The owner cannot escape responsibility by claiming the dog was friendly, well-trained, or had never shown aggression before.

The statute applies to bites that happen in public places and on private property, with limited exceptions. If you were bitten while lawfully present—whether on a sidewalk, in a park, at a store, or on someone else’s property where you had permission to be—Georgia law protects your right to recover.

What “Owner Liability” Means Under Georgia Law

Owner liability means the person who owns the dog at the time of the bite is legally responsible for all damages caused by that bite. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring, and emotional distress.

The owner’s insurance company typically handles the claim. Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bites, so the injured person’s recovery often comes through the owner’s policy rather than directly from the owner’s personal assets. This is why gathering the owner’s contact and insurance information immediately after a bite is crucial.

Liability extends to the registered owner, not necessarily the person who was present or supervising the dog at the time. If someone else was walking the dog or the dog escaped from a caretaker, the legal owner still bears liability under Georgia law.

When Georgia Dog Bite Liability Does Not Apply

Georgia recognizes a few narrow exceptions to strict liability. Understanding these helps you know where you stand.

Trespassing. If you were unlawfully on the owner’s property at the time of the bite—for example, breaking into a home or trespassing on posted land—the owner’s strict liability may not apply. However, the owner still cannot use an unleashed dog as a booby trap or set a dog on you intentionally.

Assumption of risk. If you knowingly and voluntarily accepted the risk of being bitten, liability may not apply. This typically applies to veterinarians, dog trainers, and shelter workers who handle aggressive dogs as part of their job and understand the danger.

Comparative fault. If your own actions contributed to the bite—for example, if you provoked the dog or ignored clear warnings—a court may reduce your damages proportionally under Georgia’s comparative fault rules. Your recovery might be reduced, but you may still have a claim.

Government dogs. Police and military dogs may have different liability rules under certain circumstances, though they are not entirely immune from liability.

Owner Responsibilities and Duties in Georgia

Beyond strict liability for bites, Georgia law requires dog owners to keep their dogs under control. Owners must prevent dogs from running at large and must restrain them in public spaces and on their property.

Failure to restrain or control a dog can result in additional liability beyond the strict liability statute. For example, if a dog escapes because an owner failed to maintain a fence or left a gate open, the owner may face both strict liability for the bite and negligence liability for failing to contain the dog.

Local ordinances in cities across metro Atlanta—including Atlanta, Marietta, Alpharetta, Kennesaw, and Dunwoody—impose additional leash laws and containment requirements. These local rules often require dogs to be on a leash in public and may specify fence height or other containment standards. Violation of these ordinances can strengthen a bite victim’s claim.

Damages You May Recover Under Georgia Dog Bite Liability

Georgia law allows you to recover several categories of damages in a dog bite case:

• Medical treatment costs: Emergency care, surgery, reconstructive procedures, ongoing treatment, and any future medical needs related to the bite.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Compensation for permanent or long-term scarring, particularly on visible areas like the face, neck, or hands.
• Lost wages: Income you lost while recovering from your injuries.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and the impact on your quality of life.
• Emotional distress: Damages for psychological trauma, anxiety, or fear of dogs following the bite.
• Punitive damages: In cases where the owner acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard—for example, knowing the dog was dangerous and failing to restrain it—a court may award punitive damages to punish the owner and deter similar conduct.

The amount of damages depends on the severity of your injuries, the permanence of scarring or disability, your medical expenses, and the impact on your daily life and work.

How to Establish Owner Liability in a Georgia Dog Bite Case

To build a strong claim, gather and preserve evidence immediately:

1. Identify the owner. Get the dog owner’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information at the scene if possible.
2. Document the injury. Take photographs of the bite wound immediately and at regular intervals as it heals. Photograph any scarring or visible marks.
3. Seek medical attention. Go to an emergency room or urgent care clinic and keep all medical records, bills, and treatment notes.
4. Gather witness statements. Get contact information from anyone who saw the bite occur. Their account can corroborate your version of events.
5. Report the bite. Contact local animal control or police and file a report. This creates an official record and may provide information about the dog’s history.
6. Preserve evidence of control failure. Note whether the dog was on a leash, whether there was a fence, and any other facts showing the owner failed to restrain or contain the dog.
7. Keep expense records. Document all medical bills, lost wages, transportation costs, and other expenses related to the bite.

Insurance and Settlement Considerations

Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bites. The owner’s insurance company will typically be notified of the claim and will handle settlement discussions.

Understanding Georgia’s strict liability law strengthens your position in these discussions. Because liability is clear—the owner is responsible regardless of the dog’s history—insurance companies often settle dog bite claims without requiring a lawsuit. However, the amount offered depends on the severity of your injuries and the damages you can document.

Keep detailed records of all expenses and impacts on your life. This documentation is essential whether you settle with the insurance company or pursue a claim in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve been bitten by someone else’s dog in Georgia and are trying to understand your rights and next steps, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Many people in your situation—dealing with injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next—reach out to discuss what a dog bite claim looks like and whether the owner’s liability applies to your case. We’re here to answer your questions and help you understand your options.

Contact us for a free case review to talk through what happened and learn what Georgia law may mean for your recovery.