Mark Casto | March 31, 2026 | Dog Bite Lawyer Near Columbus, Georgia
When a dog attacks and injures someone, the victim can suffer serious consequences that impact virtually every aspect of their life at once. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Georgia, the law may entitle you to compensation from the animal’s owner.
However, recovering that compensation isn’t always straightforward. Dog bite claims involve specific legal rules that can affect whether you have a valid claim and how much you can recover. Read on to learn more about how Georgia handles dog bite cases and what steps you should take after an attack.
Georgia’s Dog Bite Statute
Georgia follows a negligence-based approach to dog bite cases under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7. Unlike some states that hold dog owners strictly liable for any bite, Georgia requires the victim to prove certain facts before the owner can be held responsible.
Specifically, you generally need to show that the owner was aware of a dog’s “vicious” or “dangerous” propensity or that a leash ordinance was violated. You also need to show that the owner was careless in managing the animal at the time of the attack. For example, if a dog had previously lunged at people and the owner still let it roam without a leash, that could satisfy both elements.
Local ordinances could also play a role. Many Georgia cities and counties have leash laws that require dogs to be restrained in public spaces. If an owner violated one of these ordinances at the time of the bite, that violation can serve as evidence of negligence.
Damages You Can Recover in a Georgia Dog Bite Lawsuit
If you file a successful dog bite claim in Georgia, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover your measurable financial losses, such as:
- Medical bills, current and future
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages address the more personal impact of the attack, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of companionship
- Reduced quality of life
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be available. These are reserved for situations where the dog owner’s conduct was particularly reckless, such as knowingly allowing a dangerous animal to roam free after prior attacks.
Georgia’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the dog bite, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. If your share of fault reaches 50% or more, you are barred from recovering anything.
For example, the dog owner’s defense might try to argue that you provoked the animal. Arguments like this don’t automatically defeat your claim, but they can reduce your recovery if a jury finds them credible. An experienced personal injury attorney can help counter these tactics and present the best possible version of your case.
Contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm for a Free Consultation With a Columbus Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bite injuries can leave victims dealing with severe pain and suffering on top of mounting financial expenses. Georgia law provides a path to compensation when a negligent owner fails to control a dangerous animal, but building a successful claim takes time and legal knowledge.
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
