Some U.S. states have dog bite laws that hold pet owners accountable if their dogs bite or attack more than once. After the first bite, owners know (or should know) that their pets have dangerous tendencies making them responsible for bite injuries. The law is called the one-bite rule.
Georgia has no such law but does address animal owner liability through the Responsible Dog Ownership Law. The statewide statute requires owners to manage their animals responsibly to protect the public from dog bites (and other animal bites).
Points from Georgia animal control laws
To hold a pet owner responsible for dog bite injuries, you must show the animal was dangerous and its owner negligent in managing the dog. For example, they allowed the dog to roam without restraint and subsequently, a person suffered bite injuries.
3 more points to remember:
- Those who provoked a dog until it attacked them will have trouble proving the animal was dangerous
- Dogs that attack someone who is committing a crime or while trespassing will not be classified as dangerous
- Obtaining minor scratches or abrasions in an animal encounter does not necessarily mean the dog is dangerous
The time limit for filing a personal injury claim to address your dog bite injuries is two years from the date of the incident. That means you must act quickly to build your case and file a claim for compensation.
The next step for victims is to study statewide animal bite laws and the animal control ordinances in Moultrie. The knowledge you gain ensures your claim proceeds without disruption and yields the economic compensation you deserve.