Georgia has a modified rule of one bite when it comes to dog bites. If a dog owner is aware that their dog is vicious, they can be held liable for any injuries caused by the animal. This is true even if the attack was not provoked. According to the Supreme Court of Georgia, dog owners can be held responsible for any harm their dogs cause to another person.
Dog bite lawsuits in Georgia are usually classified as personal injury cases, and the state's statute of limitations for such cases is two years from the date of the incident. Under Georgia law, dog owners must pay compensation to victims if they knew or should have known that their dog had a tendency to bite people and cause injury. This could include if the dog escaped from its confines before attacking someone or if the owner was careless in handling the dog or allowing it to be around other people. In addition, the victim must be able to prove that they did not cause the dog to attack or bite.
Evidence that an owner knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous can come from public information, such as local law enforcement or animal control records or veterinary records. If a landlord knows that a tenant's dog is dangerous and the bite occurs in a common area, they may be liable for common negligence for not keeping the “facilities and approaches” safe. If a dog has not bitten someone before, you usually cannot rely on the rule of “first bite” or “one free bite”. Depending on the intent of the dog owner, the severity of the damage, and the nature of the victim, these charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies.
In some cases, a dog may also have been provoked if, for example, a person was meddling on the dog's property, such as in the case of breaking and entering the home. In this case, it is possible for an owner to be held liable if it is proven that they knew or should have known that their animal was aggressive or at risk of biting and were careless in handling it or allowing it around other people. If you own a dog in Georgia or have been injured by someone else's dog, it is important to understand your rights under state law. Knowing what evidence you need to prove your case and what defenses may be available can help you protect yourself and your rights.
