Mark Casto | October 2, 2025 | Dog Bite Lawyer Near Columbus, Georgia
Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic event. The immediate pain and terror can be overwhelming, making it difficult to know what to do next. Following the correct steps to report a dog bite in Columbus, Georgia, helps protect your rights should you need to take legal action against the dog owner or other parties.
Key Legal Steps to Report a Dog Bite in Columbus, Georgia
If you or your child is attacked by or bitten by a dog, keep the following steps in mind as you deal with the aftermath:
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
The priority is to ensure you receive medical treatment for a dog bite. Wash the wound with soap and water. Then, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the bite with a clean bandage. If the wound is a deep puncture wound, bleeding profusely, or the skin is torn or crushed, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or going directly to an emergency room.
Dog bites can become infected. Watch for signs of infection, including swelling, redness, drainage, and increased pain. See a doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection.
Report the Dog Bite to the Authorities
Report a dog bite by contacting the county public health department where the incident occurred. In Columbus, you can contact the Animal Care & Control Center. You can also report the dog bite to the Columbus Police Department or call 911 for emergency assistance.
Gather Information
If possible, get the dog owner’s name, address, and contact information. Ask if the dog has received a rabies vaccination. This information is helpful for your medical treatment and the authorities.
Document Injuries and Damages
Take photographs of the dog bite and injuries, the scene of the attack, and any damage to your clothing. Preserve your clothing and other evidence from the attack. Continue to document your injuries throughout the recovery by taking pictures of the wounds.
Keep copies of all documents related to the dog bite, including police reports, animal control reports, medical records, and bills. It is also wise to keep a journal with the details of your recovery, such as time missed from work because of the injuries, the pain you experience, etc.
Potential Legal Implications After a Dog Bite in Columbus, GA
A dog owner may be held responsible for economic damages, including medical bills and lost wages, after a dog bite. The owner could also be liable for non-economic damages, including emotional distress, pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, and impairment.
However, the victim must prove the elements of a dog bite injury claim to recover compensation.
Strict Liability for Dog Bite Injuries
Georgia dog bite law uses a modified one-bite rule. An owner can be held strictly liable for injuries if they knew their dog was dangerous, or if the dog was off-leash in violation of local ordinances.
In Columbus, for example, strict leash laws mean a dog not at heel or on a leash may be deemed vicious. Once classified as a “dangerous dog,” Georgia law requires the owner to register the animal, carry liability insurance, keep it confined, post warning signs, and ensure it is muzzled or restrained around others.
If a dog has bitten before, the law presumes the owner knew of its dangerous tendencies.
Negligence Claims for Dog Bites
A dog owner may be liable for damages from a dog bite if they are found negligent. Negligence means failing to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm. To prove negligence in a dog bite case, you must show:
- Duty of care: The dog owner had a legal responsibility to prevent the dog from causing harm.
- Breach of duty: The owner failed to act reasonably in fulfilling that duty.
- Causation: The owner’s breach directly and proximately caused the injury.
- Damages: You suffered measurable harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
When these elements are established, the dog owner can be held legally responsible for compensating the victim’s losses.
Finding Legal Help for a Dog Bite Case in Columbus, GA
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Columbus, contacting an experienced dog bite attorney promptly can help you navigate reporting requirements, understand potential claims, and pursue fair compensation.
At Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm, we provide trusted legal assistance to dog bite victims in Columbus and the surrounding areas of Georgia. We offer a complimentary consultation with a Columbus dog bite attorney.
If you were injured in an accident in Columbus, GA, and need legal help, contact our Columbus dog bite lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm
233 12th St #808
Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 940-4030
