Dog bite in Georgia: what to do, step by step

Name: J. Lee & Associates Law Group
Address: 1250 Tech Dr, Suite 240, Norcross, GA, 30093, US
Telephone: (770) 609-9396

A bite can get infected and leave scars, especially on children. We explain what to do first, what to keep and how Georgia law works. The initial consultation is free.

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A dog bite is frightening, even more so when the victim is a child. First, get safe and get medical care. This guide tells you what to do next, step by step.

In Georgia, a person who owns or keeps a dangerous animal may be liable if, through careless management or by letting it run loose, the animal injures someone who did not provoke it (O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7). The same law says that, to prove the animal was dangerous, it is enough to show that a city or county ordinance required it to be on a leash or at heel, and it was not at the time.

This page is general information about Georgia law. It is not legal advice for your case. Every case is different and the rules have exceptions. To talk about your situation, call us at (770) 609-9396.

The first 24 hours

Do these steps in this order, if you can do them safely.

Get away from the dog
Get to safety. Do not try to grab or punish the dog. If the dog is still loose and dangerous, call 911.
Wash the wound and get medical care
Wash the wound with soap and water and go to urgent care or your doctor today. Bites get infected easily. The doctor will decide whether you need stitches, antibiotics or rabies shots.
Find out who owns the dog
Ask for the name, phone number and address of the owner or whoever was caring for the dog. Ask whether the dog has its rabies vaccine and ask for proof, such as the certificate or the collar tag. This helps your doctor.
Photograph everything
Photograph the wounds, your torn clothing, the dog, the place and the fence, gate or leash if it was broken or open.
Talk to witnesses
If anyone saw what happened, ask for their name and phone number. Ask whether they recorded anything on their phone. Witnesses leave quickly and this information is very valuable.
Report the bite
Call your county's Animal Control or the police and ask for a report number. The report records what happened and can help show the dog's history.
Write down what happened
Write down where you were, what you were doing, whether the dog was on a leash, loose or behind a fence, and what the owner told you. Details fade quickly.

The next few days

Watch the wound
If you notice more redness, swelling, pus, warmth or fever, go back to the doctor. Go to every medical appointment.
Take photos as it heals
Weekly photos show the pain and the scarring better than words.
Ask about scarring
If the bite was on the face or hands, ask the doctor whether you need to see a specialist. Keep every recommendation.
If the victim is a child
Talk to the child calmly and note any fear, nightmares or changes in behavior. Ask the pediatrician whether the child needs emotional support. For someone under 18, legal deadlines may be counted differently (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-90), and the parents' claim for medical bills may have a different deadline. Do not wait to call us.
If the owner is a neighbor or someone you know
It is normal to feel uncomfortable. Homeowner's or renter's policies sometimes cover dog bites, depending on each policy's terms. Call us to talk through your options calmly.
Be careful with calls from the other insurer
The other side's adjuster may call you soon and sound very friendly. The adjuster works for the other side, not for you. You can give your name and our number, and say you prefer to talk to your lawyer first.
Keep the deadlines in mind
In Georgia, an injury lawsuit generally must be filed within 2 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). If the vehicle or the property belonged to a city, a county or the state, a written notice is due much sooner: generally 6 months for a city (O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5) and 12 months for a county (O.C.G.A. § 36-11-1) or the state (O.C.G.A. § 50-21-26). There are exceptions. Do not wait until the last minute.
Estimate the general accident deadlines →

What to keep

Keep everything in one folder or in an album on your phone. Do not throw anything away, even if it seems unimportant. If you are missing something, do not worry; bring us what you have.

Photos of the wounds, from day one until they heal
The owner's name, phone number and address
Proof of the dog's rabies vaccine, if you were given it
The Animal Control or police report number
Photos of the dog, the place and the fence or leash
The torn clothing, unwashed
Witness names and phone numbers
For a child: school absences and the pediatrician's notes
Papers from the ambulance, the emergency room, the doctor and the pharmacy
Medical, prescription and travel-to-the-doctor bills and receipts
Pay stubs or a letter from work showing the days you could not work
Letters, emails and messages from any insurance company
Your pain and recovery journal

What not to say

What you say after an accident can be used to deny or reduce your claim. These are things to avoid and what to do instead.

Avoid

Guessing why the dog bit

The law protects a person who did not provoke the animal. Phrases like “I got too close” can be used against you even if you did nothing wrong.

Instead

Describe only the facts: where you were, what you were doing and what the dog did.

Avoid

Saying “I'm fine, nothing happened to me”

Many injuries show up later. If you say you are fine and then you are in pain, it will be harder to prove your injury.

Instead

“I don't know yet if I'm hurt. I'm going to see a doctor.”

Avoid

Accepting cash to “forget about it”

It may not cover all your costs, like scar treatment. If you sign something, you may lose your claim.

Instead

“Thank you. First I need to see the doctor and talk to my lawyer.”

Avoid

Giving a recorded statement to the other side's insurer

They will ask questions to look for contradictions or to get you to say you are not badly hurt. You can ask them to contact your lawyer.

Instead

“I'd rather you talk to my lawyer. Here is the number: (770) 609-9396.”

Avoid

Signing papers or accepting a quick check

A check or a form may include a release of your claim. Once signed, it can be hard or impossible to undo.

Instead

“I need my lawyer to review this first.”

Avoid

Posting on social media

Insurers can look at Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and other sites. A smiling photo can be used to say you are not hurt.

Instead

Do not post anything about the accident or your health while your case is open.

If you do not have papers

Many people who call us have this worry. You are not alone. This is what we recommend.

You can call us

Your immigration status does not stop you from calling us or talking to a lawyer. We speak Spanish. We handle your information with care and confidentiality.

Always tell the truth

Do not give false names or documents to the business, the doctor or the insurer. If something worries you, tell us privately and we will advise you.

Your injury case and your immigration situation are separate matters

If your status could affect part of your claim, for example lost wages, we will explain it in the consultation. If you have immigration questions, our firm also has an immigration team.

JLA immigration team →

How we work on your case

These are the usual steps. Every case is different and we cannot promise a result, but we will explain each step.

1
You call us
Call (770) 609-9396 or write to us online. The initial personal injury consultation is free. We listen, review what you have and explain your options in plain words. Calling does not obligate you and does not, by itself, create an attorney-client relationship.
Write to us online →
2
A written agreement
If you decide to hire us, we sign an agreement that explains the fees, the case costs and what happens if there is no recovery. Ask anything you want before you sign.
3
We talk to the insurers
We tell the insurers you have a lawyer and ask them to contact us. That way you can focus on your health.
4
We gather the evidence
We request the Animal Control report, look for witnesses and information about the dog and local ordinances, check which insurance may apply and gather your medical records and bills.
5
You focus on healing
Your job is to go to your medical appointments and follow your doctor's instructions. We keep you informed and answer your questions in Spanish or English.
6
Claim and negotiation
When there is enough medical information, we prepare a claim with your expenses and losses and negotiate with the insurer. No settlement is accepted without your permission.
7
If there is no fair settlement
We explain the option of filing a lawsuit, the deadlines and the risks. You make the final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the owner responsible if the dog never bit before?

Possibly. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7, one way to prove the dog was dangerous is to show that a local ordinance required it to be on a leash or at heel, and it was not. Other evidence, such as earlier attacks or threats, can also matter. Every case depends on the facts.

What does it mean that the victim did not provoke it?

The law protects a person who did not provoke the injury by their own act (O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7). The other side may say someone bothered the dog. That is why it helps to describe the facts carefully and to have witnesses.

Should I report the bite?

Yes, we recommend reporting it to your county's Animal Control or the police. The report creates an official record of what happened and can help show the dog's history.

How long do I have to make a claim?

In general, an injury lawsuit in Georgia must be filed within 2 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). For someone under 18, deadlines may be counted differently (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-90). There are exceptions. Call us soon.

Can I make a claim if I do not have papers?

Your immigration status does not stop you from calling us or talking to a lawyer. If your status could affect part of your claim, for example lost wages, we will explain it in the consultation. We handle your information with care and confidentiality.

How much does it cost?

The initial personal injury consultation is free. Before hiring the firm, ask about attorney fees, case costs, when they are charged and what happens if there is no recovery. The written agreement explains the terms of representation.