JLA Law Group

Dog Bite Attorneys in Gwinnett County, Georgia

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Dog bites can cause serious injuries: deep lacerations, infections, nerve damage, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma, especially in children. In Georgia, the dog's owner may be held liable for the damages caused by their animal. At J. Lee & Associates, we help dog bite victims in Gwinnett County obtain compensation for their injuries and treatment.

Georgia's dog bite law under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7 establishes that the owner is liable if the dog was "vicious or dangerous" and the owner knew or should have known, or if the dog was loose in violation of a local animal control ordinance. Gwinnett County has specific animal control ordinances that require dogs to be contained or leashed in public spaces.

Children are the most frequent victims of dog bites. Bites to the face, hands, and arms can require reconstructive surgery and leave permanent scars. In addition to compensation for medical expenses, victims can seek damages for pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, and emotional trauma.

Steps You Should Take

1

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Dog bites are easily infected. You need professional cleaning, possible sutures, antibiotics, and evaluation for rabies vaccination. Document all injuries with photos.

2

Report to Animal Control

Contact Gwinnett County Animal Control. The official report documents the incident and the dog's history. Obtain the report number for your records.

3

Identify the Owner and the Dog

Obtain the owner's name, address, contact information, and details about the dog (breed, size, vaccination history). If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers.

4

Call JLA to Evaluate Your Case

Compensation for dog bites can be significant, especially for children with facial scarring. Free consultation at (770) 609-9396.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the dog's owner liable for a bite in Georgia?
Yes, if it is proven that: 1) the dog was vicious or dangerous and the owner knew it, or 2) the dog was loose in violation of a local law or ordinance (O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7). If the dog has bitten before or shown aggression, the owner is definitively liable.
What if the dog has never bitten before?
Georgia does not strictly follow the 'one free bite' rule. If the owner knew the dog had dangerous tendencies (aggression, growling, chasing people) or if the dog was loose illegally, the owner is liable even on the first bite.
Does the owner's insurance cover dog bites?
Generally yes. Most homeowner's insurance and renter's insurance policies cover liability for dog bites. Some policies exclude certain breeds, but the owner remains personally liable.
What compensation can I receive for a dog bite?
Medical expenses (surgery, antibiotics, rabies vaccinations), reconstructive surgery for scarring, therapy for emotional trauma, lost wages during recovery, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Should I report the dog bite?
Yes. Report it to Gwinnett County Animal Control. This creates an official record of the incident and may initiate an investigation into the dog's history. The report also protects future neighbors from the dangerous animal.

Applicable Laws

O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7Owner's liability for damages caused by a vicious or dangerous dog.
O.C.G.A. § 4-8-1 et seq.Georgia Responsible Dog Ownership Law (dangerous and vicious dogs).
O.C.G.A. § 9-3-332-year statute of limitations for personal injury.

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1250 Tech Dr, Suite 240

Norcross, GA 30093

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