An aggressive black and brown dog running toward the camera with mouth open.

Were You Attacked by a Dog in Georgia?

If you were bitten by a dog in Dalton or anywhere in Georgia, you may be entitled to seek compensation from the dog’s owner or another responsible party. Understanding your legal rights is the first step toward recovery, and that’s where our team can help. At The McMahan Law Firm, our Dalton dog bite lawyer helps injured victims take action. We know how to navigate Georgia’s dog liability laws and can guide you through your next steps.

Get a FREE Case Review

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form

Dog Bite Lawyer Dalton

A dog attack can leave you with painful injuries, unexpected medical bills, and deep emotional trauma. Whether you were bitten while walking through your neighborhood or visiting a friend’s home, Georgia law may give you the right to pursue compensation for your losses. You shouldn’t have to deal with the aftermath alone, especially when someone else’s negligence is to blame.

At The McMahan Law Firm, our Dalton dog bite lawyers understand how overwhelming this situation can be. We’re here to help you hold the responsible party accountable and recover the compensation you could be owed for medical treatment, lost income, and more. Contact us now for a free case review. There’s no cost to get answers about your rights.

Get Your FREE Case Review

We Make It Simple

Our goal is to make personal injury legal services affordable and easy to access. Get in touch with our attorneys today for a free case review.

Maximizing Your Compensation

Insurance companies will always try to pay as little as possible, and they use tactics to trick claimants into accepting less. We’re here to help make sure you get every dollar you may be owed.

No Fees, Unless We Win

If you’re worried about being able to afford legal representation, know that our Dalton dog bite attorneys only get paid if we recover compensation for you. So you don’t pay upfront, out-of-pocket expenses to hire us!

Table of Contents

Our Results Speak For Themselves!

Motorcycle Accident

$1,250,000.00

Workers’ Comp/Third-Party

$8,000,000.00+

Motorcycle Accident

$1,000,000.00

Brain Injury

$950,000.00

Truck Accident

$850,000.00

Motorcycle Accident

$800,000.00

Truck Accident

$500,000.00

Motorcycle Accident

$500,000.00

Car Accident

$230,000.00

Workers’ Comp

$225,000.00

See More Results

Dog Attack Compensation in Georgia

If you’ve been injured in a dog attack in Dalton, GA, you may be eligible to pursue financial compensation for both the physical and emotional toll of your injuries. Georgia law allows dog bite victims to recover damages when the dog’s owner fails to properly restrain or control their animal. Compensation is designed to help you rebuild your life after the incident, not just cover the basics.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses: emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
  • Lost income: wages lost during recovery, as well as reduced future earning potential
  • Pain and suffering: physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and trauma
  • Property damage: compensation for torn clothing, broken devices, or other damaged belongings
  • Loss of quality of life: if your injuries prevent you from enjoying your normal activities or lifestyle

The amount you may receive depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the details of the attack, and available insurance coverage. A Dalton dog bite lawyer can help you determine the value of your claim and pursue the full compensation you may deserve.

Dog Owner Laws & Liability

Understanding Georgia’s dog bite laws is key to knowing whether you have a valid claim—and who may be held responsible. These laws help determine who is liable for your injuries, how fault is assessed, and how long you have to take legal action.

Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite?

In Georgia, dog owners can be held liable if they knew the dog had a history of aggressive behavior or failed to follow local leash or restraint laws. In some cases, landlords, property owners, or caretakers of the dog may also share responsibility, depending on the circumstances.

What if the Dog Belongs to a Friend or Family Member?

Dog bites often happen in familiar settings, including the homes of friends, neighbors, or relatives. While it may feel uncomfortable to pursue a claim, compensation usually comes from a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy—not directly out of the dog owner’s pocket.

Comparative Negligence in Georgia

Georgia follows a modified comparative fault system. If you are found to be less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation, but your total award may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were bitten after approaching a tied-up dog and are found to be 20% responsible, your compensation would be reduced accordingly.

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims

In Georgia, you generally have 2 years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to recover compensation, so it’s important to act quickly. An attorney can help ensure your claim is filed on time and meets all legal requirements.

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

See More Testimonials

What to Do After a Dog Bite in GA

Taking the right steps after a dog bite not only protects your health but also strengthens your legal claim. In Georgia, documenting the incident and reporting it to the proper authorities is an important part of building your case.

Here’s a checklist of what to do immediately after a dog bite:

Seek medical attention: Even a seemingly minor bite can lead to infection or permanent scarring. Prompt treatment also creates a medical record tied to the incident, which will support your claim.

Report the bite: Georgia law requires dog bites to be reported to the local county animal control agency. In Dalton, you can contact Whitfield County Animal Control to file an official report. This documentation may be used as evidence later in your case.

Gather evidence: If possible, take photos of your injuries, the dog, the location of the attack, and anything else relevant. If anyone witnessed the incident, try to get their contact information.

Get the dog owner’s information: Ask for the owner’s name, address, and proof of rabies vaccination. If the dog is a stray or the owner refuses to cooperate, let animal control know right away.

Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters alone: The dog owner’s insurer may try to minimize your claim. It’s best to speak with an attorney before giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement offer.

The actions you take in the hours and days after the attack can directly affect the outcome of your case. A Dalton dog bite lawyer can guide you through this process and help you take the right steps toward recovery.

How Our Attorneys Help After a Dog Bite

Navigating the aftermath of a dog attack can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, and an uncooperative dog owner. You don’t have to go through this alone. Our attorneys can guide you through each step of the legal process and help you pursue the compensation you may deserve.

When you work with our team, we can:

  • Investigate the incident: We’ll gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and animal control documentation to build a strong case.
  • Identify liable parties: Whether it’s a dog owner, property owner, or another party, we’ll determine who should be held accountable under Georgia law.
  • Calculate your damages: We’ll help you understand the full extent of your losses, including medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care.
  • Handle all communication: Our team will deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing—not negotiating.
  • Protect your rights: From filing deadlines to legal defenses raised by the other side, we’ll ensure your case stays on track.

Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible while helping you seek fair compensation for your injuries.

Our Dalton Dog Attack Attorney

Tennessee Personal Injury Lawyer Jay Kennamer

Attorney James Kennamer

View Bio

Types of Injuries From Dog Attacks

Dog attacks can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts to serious, life-altering trauma. In many cases, the damage extends beyond the physical, leaving victims with emotional scars that can last for years.

Some of the most common injuries seen in dog bite cases include:

  • Puncture wounds and lacerations: Dog teeth can tear through skin, muscle, and connective tissue, often requiring stitches or surgery.
  • Nerve damage: Deep bites may affect nerves, leading to numbness, weakness, or long-term mobility issues.
  • Infections: Even small wounds carry the risk of bacterial infections like cellulitis or sepsis, especially if not treated promptly.
  • Broken bones: Powerful bites or falls during an attack can result in fractures, particularly in children or older adults.
  • Scarring and disfigurement: Visible scarring, especially on the face, hands, or legs, can have lasting emotional and psychological effects.
  • Emotional trauma: Victims may experience anxiety, nightmares, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an attack.

Each injury is unique, and its impact can vary widely from person to person. If you’ve been hurt in a dog attack, a personal injury lawyer can help connect your injuries to the responsible party and pursue compensation for your medical treatment and suffering.

Dalton Dog Bite Lawyer FAQs

Most dog bite lawyers, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if we help recover compensation in your case. The percentage fee is discussed during your free case review so you can make an informed decision before moving forward.

The amount you may be able to recover depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost income, and other losses like pain and suffering. There is no “one-size-fits-all” settlement amount. Cases can range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to significantly more for permanent scarring, nerve damage, or psychological trauma. Settlements often reflect both the extent of your injuries and the available insurance coverage.

If you’ve suffered injuries, missed time at work, or are dealing with long-term effects, pursuing a claim can help you recover the compensation needed to move forward. An attorney can review your situation and let you know whether legal action makes sense based on Georgia law.

While no breed is guaranteed to bite, certain breeds are more frequently involved in reported severe attacks. Pit bulls, rottweilers, and German shepherds are often cited due to their size and strength, which can lead to more serious injuries. However, smaller breeds like chihuahuas and dachshunds are also known to bite, though the damage is typically less severe.

A dog’s individual behavior, history of training, abuse, and socialization play a far more important role than breed alone. Under Georgia law, liability is determined based on whether the owner failed to control the dog or violated local leash laws—not simply by the type of dog involved.

Georgia follows a modified version of the “One Bite Rule.” A dog owner may be held liable if they knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous. However, Georgia also allows liability if the dog was not leashed or restrained in violation of local ordinances, even without a previous bite.

Call The McMahan Law Firm Today!

If you or someone you love has been injured in a dog attack, don’t wait to get the guidance you need. The McMahan Law Firm is here to help you understand your legal options and take the pressure off your shoulders.

We offer free case reviews, and you won’t owe us anything unless we help you recover compensation. Our team is ready to answer your questions, investigate your case, and help you take the next steps toward justice.

Call now or fill out our quick online form to get started. Your consultation is free—and your peace of mind is priceless.

Choose Board Certified – Not Billboard

Just because it’s on a billboard doesn’t mean it’s the best option. Lawyers who shell out all that money for billboard ads are all talk and no substance. You and your family deserve the legal aid only a board-certified attorney can give you. Attorneys Jay, Brent, and Herbert at The McMahan Law Firm are Board Certified Civil Trial Specialists by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. We have the knowledge and experience you can trust to help you seek maximum compensation for your losses.

Get Your FREE Case Review

"*" indicates required fields

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form