🐕 Savannah Practice Area

Dog Bite Injuries Lawyer in Savannah, Georgia

Georgia's 'one bite' rule is more nuanced than most people think — and it favors victims more than they realize.

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Dog bites can cause serious physical injury and lasting emotional trauma, especially in children. Georgia's dog bite law is sometimes misunderstood as a strict 'one bite rule' that requires proof the dog bit someone before, but the reality is more nuanced — and often more favorable to injured victims than that reputation suggests.

We investigate the dog's history, the owner's knowledge of any aggressive tendencies, and whether local leash and containment laws were violated. Chatham County and the City of Savannah both have specific ordinances governing dog restraint, and a violation of those ordinances can establish negligence even without a documented prior bite.

Common Causes of Dog Bites in Savannah

Owners failing to leash or contain dogs known to be aggressive
Violations of Chatham County and Savannah leash laws
Inadequate fencing allowing dogs to escape into public spaces
Owners ignoring prior warning signs of aggression
Dogs left unsupervised around children or visitors
Failure to warn visitors or delivery workers of a dog on the property

Common Injuries We See

Puncture wounds and lacerations requiring stitches or surgery
Facial injuries and disfigurement, especially in children
Nerve damage
Infections, including risk of rabies exposure
Scarring requiring reconstructive surgery
Psychological trauma, particularly in child victims

Local Context: What Makes Savannah Cases Different

The City of Savannah and Chatham County both maintain animal control ordinances requiring dogs to be leashed or otherwise contained, and violations of these local laws can support a negligence claim independent of Georgia's general dog bite statute. We pull animal control records and any history of prior complaints when building these cases.

Georgia Statute of Limitations

Dog bite claims fall under Georgia's two-year statute of limitations for personal injury under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, and the underlying liability standard is set out in O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Medical expenses, including emergency care, stitches, and reconstructive surgery
Scarring and disfigurement compensation
Pain and suffering, including psychological trauma
Lost wages during recovery
Future medical costs for ongoing scar treatment or therapy
Punitive damages if the owner knew of the dog's dangerous propensity and disregarded it

Don't Wait to Get Help

Insurance companies often move quickly to protect themselves after an accident. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and legal deadlines apply. The sooner you speak with our office, the more we can do to protect your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Georgia really have a 'one bite rule'?+

Georgia law under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7 allows a claim if the owner knew or should have known the dog had a dangerous or vicious propensity, and a prior bite is one way to show that — but it's not the only way. A violation of a local leash law while the dog was at large can also establish liability.

What if the dog had never bitten anyone before?+

You may still have a claim if the owner violated a leash or containment ordinance, or if there were other signs of aggressive behavior the owner ignored, such as growling, lunging, or prior complaints.

Can I file a claim if I was bitten by a neighbor's dog?+

Yes, dog bite claims are typically pursued against the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, which often covers dog bite liability.

What should I do immediately after a dog bite?+

Seek medical attention right away, report the incident to local animal control, get the owner's contact and insurance information if possible, and photograph your injuries.

Can a landlord be held responsible if a tenant's dog bites someone?+

In some cases, if the landlord knew about a dangerous dog on the property and failed to act, they may share liability, though this depends heavily on the specific facts.

Why Choose Kenneth S. Nugent, P.C. for Your Dog Bites Case in Savannah

We've represented injured Georgians for decades, and our Savannah office focuses on the specific roads, courts, and hazards that make Chatham County cases unique. We handle the insurance company, the paperwork, and the legal deadlines — you focus on recovering. There's no fee unless we win your case.