"He's Never Done That Before." That's What Every Dog Owner Says. Georgia Law Says It Doesn't Matter.
Under Georgia's Responsible Dog Ownership Act, a dog owner is liable when their animal attacks — even if the dog has no prior history. The owner's homeowner's insurance pays. We make sure they do.
Tell us what happened.
No fees unless we win. We respond within 1 hour.
The wounds are real. The trauma is real. The owner's excuses aren't.
You or your child were bitten at a park, on a sidewalk, at someone's home, or in an apartment complex. The wounds may include deep lacerations, puncture wounds, broken bones, nerve damage, or permanent scarring — requiring surgery, antibiotics, rabies prophylaxis, and reconstructive procedures.
You're dealing with physical pain and emotional trauma — fear, anxiety around dogs, nightmares, PTSD. You may feel awkward about pursuing a claim, especially if the owner is a neighbor, friend, or family member. You're unsure whether you even have a case.
Dog ownership is a responsibility. When an owner fails to leash, fails to contain, fails to warn — and someone gets hurt — the owner must be held accountable. Your injuries aren't the price of living near dogs; they're the consequence of negligence.
Owners who deny. Insurers who deflect.
"He's Never Done That Before"
Owners minimize the attack and deny responsibility — as if a first attack doesn't count.
Insurer Lowballs and Denials
Homeowner's insurance adjusters lowball dog bite claims or deny them outright, often citing breed exclusions.
Apartment Complexes Looking the Other Way
Landlords allowed a dangerous dog on the premises — then claim they had no knowledge once someone is bitten.
Animal Control Won't Fight For You
They may document the incident, but they won't pursue compensation for your medical bills, scarring, or trauma.
Gunn Law Group — we treat dog attack cases with the seriousness they deserve.
Dog attacks are terrifying — especially when children are the victims. We understand the physical and emotional scars these attacks leave, and we represent every dog bite client with that weight in mind.
- Deep knowledge of Georgia's Responsible Dog Ownership Act (O.C.G.A. § 4-8-20 et seq.).
- We pursue every source of recovery: homeowner's, renter's, landlord liability, and the owner personally.
- Experience with strict liability and negligence theories under Georgia law.
Three steps from the bite to compensation.
Free Consultation
Call 888-BIG-GUNN. We assess the attack, identify every responsible party, and explain your legal options.
Investigation & Evidence
We document injuries, pull animal control reports, surface the dog's history (prior incidents, complaints, breed restrictions), and identify every insurance policy in play.
Pursue Full Compensation
Medical bills, reconstructive surgery, scarring, emotional trauma, lost wages, and pain and suffering — pursued against the owner, the landlord, and every applicable policy.
The statutes that put the owner on the hook.
Responsible Dog Ownership Act (O.C.G.A. § 4-8-20 et seq.)
Georgia imposes liability on owners who fail to comply with leash laws or local ordinances, or who knew (or should have known) the dog was dangerous or vicious.
'Dangerous Dog' Classification (O.C.G.A. § 4-8-21)
A dog that has caused a substantial puncture wound or aggressively attacked without provocation may be subject to enhanced restrictions and liability.
Negligence Per Se
If the owner violated a local leash law or containment ordinance at the time of the attack, that violation is automatic proof of negligence.
Landlord Liability
Georgia courts have held landlords liable for dog attacks when the landlord knew a dangerous dog was on the property and failed to take action.
What happens if you wait.
- Dog bite wounds become seriously infected without prompt treatment.
- Animal control reports must be filed quickly — memories and records fade.
- Insurance companies move fast to minimize or deny dog bite claims.
- Georgia's 2-year personal injury statute of limitations applies (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).
- Childhood psychological trauma must be documented early to be fully compensated.
What we fight for.
- All medical treatment — emergency care, surgery, reconstructive procedures — fully covered.
- Emotional trauma and PTSD acknowledged and compensated.
- Scarring and disfigurement valued appropriately.
- The dog owner held accountable and the dangerous animal properly controlled.
- You or your child protected from a system that minimizes dog attack injuries.
A dog attacked you or your child. The owner says it's not their fault. Georgia law says otherwise.
Call 888-BIG-GUNN. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Georgia Dog Bite Questions
When an owner won't take responsibility, Georgia law — and we — will.
Free case evaluation· No fees unless we win· Statewide Georgia representation
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Results may vary depending on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. Gunn Law Group handles cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation. This page is a communication from Gunn Law Group, 950 E. Paces Ferry Rd NE, Suite 1550, Atlanta, GA 30326. Responsible attorney: Harrell Gunn.