Dog Bite
Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer – Animal Attack Injury Attorney in Georgia
A sudden dog attack can leave lasting scars—both physical and emotional. If you or your child were bitten by a dog in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, you may have the right to compensation under state law. At Ugwonali Law Group, we understand the nuances of Georgia dog bite law and know how to hold negligent owners accountable. Whether the incident happened in a public park, a neighbor’s yard in Decatur, or an apartment complex in South Fulton, our
Atlanta dog bite lawyer is here to guide you through every step of your recovery and legal claim.
Understanding Georgia’s Dog Bite Law
Georgia follows a version of the “one-bite rule,” but it’s more complex than many people realize. Dog owners can be held liable in two key scenarios:
- The owner knew (or should have known) the dog had a tendency to bite, lunge, or act aggressively.
- The owner violated a local leash law or containment ordinance, and that violation led to the bite or attack.
In simpler terms, if a dog had shown signs of aggression before, or if it was roaming off-leash in a required-leash area, the owner may be legally responsible for your injuries.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in Georgia
If you’ve been bitten, it’s important to take these steps quickly:
- Seek immediate medical care. Even a seemingly minor bite can become infected or transmit disease.
- Report the bite to animal control. This creates an official record and may lead to quarantine or further investigation.
- Identify the dog and its owner. If possible, get contact info and verify whether the dog is current on vaccinations.
These steps not only protect your health but also help support your legal claim down the line.
Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks
Dog bites can cause serious and lasting damage—especially in young children or older adults. Common injuries include:
Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
Scarring, especially to the face, arms, or legs
Infections (including rabies risk or bacterial infections)
Nerve damage
Emotional trauma or PTSD
Fear of dogs or long-term psychological distress
In some cases, reconstructive surgery or therapy may be required for years. That’s why pursuing full compensation matters.
Liability and Common Defenses in Dog Bite Cases
Dog owners (and sometimes landlords or property managers) may try to avoid responsibility. The most common defenses we see are:
- “The victim provoked the dog.” Provocation—such as teasing, hitting, or surprising the animal—can reduce or bar recovery, but the definition is narrow under the law.
- “The victim was trespassing.” Owners may not owe the same duty to someone unlawfully on their property, but many bites happen in public areas or to invited guests.
- Landlord liability. If a landlord knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to act, they may also be held accountable under certain circumstances.
Our firm knows how to investigate these defenses and present a strong case against them.
How We Prove a Dog Bite Case
Ugwonali Law Group conducts a detailed investigation to build your case, which may include:
- Witness statements about the dog’s behavior (neighbors, mail carriers, etc.)
- Prior complaints or animal control records
- Evidence of leash law or fencing violations
- Photos of the injuries and scene
- Medical records documenting the extent of harm
- Expert opinions, if needed, on dog behavior or future medical care
This evidence helps show that the attack was preventable—and that the owner failed in their legal duty.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Dog Bite?
Dog bite victims in Georgia may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills – including ER visits, surgery, follow-ups, and plastic surgery
- Pain and suffering – for both physical pain and emotional trauma
- Lost income – if you missed work or needed time to recover
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring
- Therapy costs – especially if the victim is a child suffering emotional distress
Every case is different, but we fight for the full value of your injury—not just what insurance is willing to offer.
Why You Need an Attorney After a Dog Bite
Even when the facts seem clear, dog bite claims are often met with resistance. Insurance companies (typically the dog owner’s homeowner or renter policy) will:
- Downplay your injuries
- Blame you for provoking the dog
- Deny that the dog had a known history
- Offer low settlements that don’t reflect the long-term impact
At Ugwonali Law Group, we understand Georgia’s dog bite statute and how to overcome these challenges. We’ll negotiate aggressively—and if necessary, take the case to court. Our team is committed to getting the compensation you deserve, whether you were bitten in a public park, a private home, or an apartment complex in Atlanta.
Talk to an Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Dog attacks are traumatic, painful, and often preventable. If you were injured because a dog owner failed to control a dangerous animal, you shouldn’t be left footing the bill.
Contact Ugwonali Law Group today for a free consultation with an Atlanta dog bite injury attorney. We’ll explain your rights, investigate the case, and help you pursue the compensation you need to heal and move forward.