Dog Bite Injuries in Georgia: Your Rights, Remedies, and How Brandon Smith Law Can Help You Recover
Dog bite injuries can turn a normal day into a nightmare in an instant. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress that follow a dog attack can be overwhelming—but if you’re in the state of Georgia and have suffered due to someone else’s negligence, you have legal rights and options that can help you get your life back on track. At Brandon Smith Law, our experienced Georgia dog bite injury attorneys focus on helping victims pursue full, fair compensation while they focus on healing and recovery.
What Georgia Law Says About Dog Bite Injuries
In Georgia, dog bite liability isn’t automatic simply because a bite happened. The law, specifically O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7, holds dog owners accountable when their dog’s dangerous or vicious tendencies cause injury—and the owner knew or should have known about those tendencies.
This means that a dog owner in Georgia can be liable if:
The dog was dangerous or vicious and at large due to the owner’s negligence,
The injured person did not provoke the dog,
The injured person was in a place they were legally allowed to be at the time.
At Brandon Smith Law, we understand how Georgia’s dog bite laws apply in real-life situations and use that legal framework to build strong cases on behalf of injured clients across the state.
Common Causes and Injuries from Dog Attacks
Dog bites and attacks range from minor puncture wounds to severe traumatic injuries. The state of Georgia sees a wide range of these incidents, from neighborhood dog encounters to attacks in public spaces. A bite can have significant immediate and long-term effects, such as:
Deep lacerations and puncture wounds,
Nerve and muscle damage,
Facial or broken bone trauma,
Serious infections like MRSA or rabies,
Permanent scarring and disfigurement, and
Psychological impacts such as anxiety, PTSD, and emotional distress.
These types of injuries require not only medical care but also a legal strategy to pursue compensation for the full extent of your losses.
Why Immediate Action Matters After a Dog Bite
When a dog bite occurs, prompt action is crucial—not just for your health, but also to protect your legal claim. Georgia law generally gives victims two years to file a lawsuit for damages from the date of the injury. However, evidence such as eye-witness testimony, medical records, animal control reports, and even surveillance footage can quickly disappear or become harder to gather over time.
A skilled Georgia dog bite attorney from Brandon Smith Law can help you:
Seek proper medical attention – ensuring injuries are documented and treated,
Report the incident – to law enforcement and animal control for official documentation,
Preserve key evidence – including photos, witness contact information, and reports,
Identify responsible parties – which may include the dog owner, property owner, landlord, or caregivers, and
File a claim in time – protecting your right to compensation under Georgia’s statute of limitations.
Who May Be Responsible for Your Injuries
Contrary to what many people assume, liability in a Georgia dog bite case isn’t always limited to the pet’s owner. Depending on the facts of your case, other parties may share responsibility. These can include:
Dog owners or keepers who failed to control or restrain their animal,
Property owners or landlords who allowed a known dangerous animal on their premises,
Dog walkers or caretakers acting negligently, and
Homeowners’ insurance companies, whose policies often cover dog bite liability.
Brandon Smith Law conducts thorough investigations to uncover all possible sources of financial recovery in every dog bite case. Our team leaves no stone unturned when it comes to liability, ensuring that negligent parties are held accountable.
Types of Compensation Available in Georgia Dog Bite Cases
Compensation in a dog bite injury claim is designed to make you whole—not just for your medical bills. In Georgia, you may be entitled to recover multiple types of damages, including:
Economic Damages
These cover out-of-pocket financial losses, such as:
Emergency room visits and hospitalization,
Surgery and reconstructive procedures,
Physical therapy and rehabilitation,
Prescription medications,
Lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages
These reflect the personal toll of your injuries, including:
Pain and suffering,
Emotional distress,
Loss of enjoyment in daily life,
Permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases where the dog owner’s conduct was especially reckless, you may be eligible for punitive damages—intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter future negligence.
An experienced Georgia dog bite lawyer from Brandon Smith Law will carefully evaluate your case to seek the maximum possible compensation for your injuries.
Insurance Company Tactics and Legal Challenges
Insurance companies often represent the dog owner’s interests—even when their policy is supposed to protect you. They may attempt to:
Downplay the severity of your injuries,
Blame you for the incident,
Delay or deny your claim outright.
This is especially common in Georgia, where insurers may use legal technicalities or broad interpretations of liability statutes to minimize their obligations.
At Brandon Smith Law, we handle communication with insurers on your behalf and aggressively challenge unfair tactics. Our team’s experience in negotiating settlements ensures that your rights and interests remain at the forefront of every discussion.
Why You Should Choose Brandon Smith Law in Georgia
Choosing the right attorney in a dog bite case matters. At Brandon Smith Law, our Georgia dog bite injury lawyers combine legal expertise with compassion and personalized service. Here’s why clients throughout Georgia trust us with their most serious injury claims:
✅ Proven Record of Results
We have helped clients recover millions in compensation through skilled advocacy and relentless pursuit of justice.
✅ Comprehensive Legal Resources
From medical experts to financial analysts, we build every case with a team of professionals to support your claim.
✅ Compassionate Representation
Dog bite injuries are not just physical—they are deeply personal. We support you at every step with clear communication and respect.
✅ No Upfront Fees
You pay nothing unless we win. Our contingency-fee model means we only get paid when you get compensation.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
Dog bite injuries can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars—but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. If you or a loved one has been injured in the state of Georgia, Brandon Smith Law is here to help you pursue justice and fair compensation.
Contact Brandon Smith Law today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal rights, and outline the best path forward—so you can focus on healing while we fight for your recovery.