Were you or your child bitten by a dog in Atlanta, GA?

At Burrow & Associates, LLC, we handle dog bite claims on contingency with no fee unless we recover.

If a dog bites you or your child in Atlanta, medical bills and other damages can usually be recovered from the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy. An Atlanta, GA dog bite lawyer at Burrow & Associates, LLC obtains the animal control record, establishes the owner’s liability under Georgia law, and presents the claim to that insurer. Our attorneys work on contingency and the consultation is free.

Dog Bite Lawyer Atlanta, GA

In Georgia, an owner or keeper is liable when a vicious or dangerous animal injures someone through careless management or by being allowed to go at liberty, provided the injured person did not provoke the attack.

The CDC estimated 368,245 people treated in emergency departments for dog bites in 2001, and approximately 42 percent of those injuries involved children aged 14 and under.

The statute provides two ways to establish that an animal was vicious or dangerous. The first requires proof that the owner knew of the animal’s propensity, which is shown through earlier incidents, complaints to animal control, or warnings the owner gave to others. The second applies where a city, county, or consolidated government ordinance required the animal to be at heel or on a leash and the animal was not at heel or on a leash when the injury occurred. The statute states that this showing is sufficient to prove vicious propensity. The City of Atlanta and the surrounding counties each maintain restraint ordinances.

Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle in Atlanta

Dog attacks produce injuries ranging from puncture wounds to permanent disfigurement, and the responsible party varies with where the attack occurred. Our attorneys handle the following matters.

Catastrophic injury. Attacks causing permanent impairment, including nerve damage, loss of function in a hand, and injuries requiring reconstructive surgery.
Workers’ compensation. Delivery drivers, postal carriers, meter readers, utility workers, and home health aides bitten while working. A bite on the job produces a comp claim against the employer’s insurer and a separate negligence claim against the dog’s owner.
Attacks on children. Bites to the face, head, and neck, which account for a disproportionate share of serious dog bite injuries.
Facial injuries and scarring. Wounds where the permanent cosmetic result is the principal element of the damages.
Off leash attacks in public. Incidents on sidewalks, in parks, and on trails, where a local restraint ordinance commonly applies.
Attacks on private property. Incidents involving a guest, a contractor, or a delivery worker lawfully present at the location.
Landlord and property owner claims. Claims against an owner who knew a dangerous animal was kept on the premises and retained the ability to require its removal.
Attacks by a neighbor’s dog. Claims presented to a homeowners carrier where the parties know each other.
Infection and secondary complications. Cases where the lasting injury resulted from infection following the initial wound, including the cost of rabies prophylaxis.

Why Choose Burrow & Associates, LLC as my Dog Bite Lawyer in Atlanta, GA?

Establishing Liability Under the Leash Ordinance

The two options under the dog bite liability statute call for different evidence. The knowledge route depends on what the owner knew, which is established through prior complaints, animal control records, veterinary history, and accounts from neighbors. The ordinance route depends on the applicable restraint ordinance, the location of the attack, and proof the dog was not leashed or at heel at that moment. Our attorneys request the animal control file and the responding agency’s report at the outset. Darrell L. Burrow has practiced as a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta, GA since 1992, and has experience litigating negligence claims when the carrier disputes them.

A Practice Devoted to Injured Georgians

Darrell L. Burrow founded this firm in 1996 and has represented injured plaintiffs in Georgia since his admission to the State Bar in 1992. His law degree is from the University of Alabama School of Law. He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He is a member of The National Trial Lawyers and has been recognized under Super Lawyers standards.

The firm has recovered millions of dollars for injured Georgians across the range of injury claims. Dog bite cases are taken on contingency, with no fees owed unless we win. Consultations are free and confidential.

What Is Important to Understand About a Dog Bite Case?

Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Dog Bite Cases

In Georgia, an award is reduced by the injured person’s share of responsibility under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, and a person assigned 50 percent or more recovers nothing. In dog bite cases that allocation usually turns on the provocation question, since the statute excludes recovery where the injured person provoked the attack. Recoverable damages include:

Medical expenses. Emergency care, wound repair, infection treatment, plastic surgery, and projected revision procedures.
Scarring and disfigurement. Valued separately where the cosmetic result is permanent and visible, and valued more heavily on the face and hands.
Pain and suffering. Including documented psychological effects, which are common after an attack on a child.
Lost income. Time away from work for treatment and recovery.
Punitive damages. Available where the owner’s conduct was willful or showed conscious indifference, subject to the $250,000 limit.

What Are Important Aspects of a Dog Bite Case?

In Georgia, liability generally falls to the owner. However, there are some important exceptions that insurers exploit to avoid paying fair settlements. These are factors that influence most dog bite claims.

Provocation is the owner’s principal defense. What occurred in the moments before the bite is examined closely by the carrier.
Homeowners and renters insurance usually pays. These claims are presented to the owner’s property insurance rather than collected from the owner personally, though some policies exclude particular breeds or exclude animal liability entirely.
Animal control records support both routes. Prior complaint history supports the knowledge route, and the responding officer’s report documents whether the dog was restrained.
Photographs have a short window. Bite wounds change appearance within days, and the record of the original injury affects how the permanent result is valued.
Rabies protocol affects the medical record. Whether the animal was located and its vaccination status confirmed determines whether post-exposure treatment was required, and that treatment forms part of the damages.

What Is The Dog Bite Case Timeline?

Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, a lawsuit must be filed within two years of the attack. A claim on behalf of an injured child is subject to different timing, because the limitation period does not run against a minor in the same way. These are the steps most personal injury cases take:

Medical treatment and photographic documentation of the wound in its original condition
The animal control report, the quarantine record, and any prior complaint history for the animal
Identification of the owner’s policy and presentation of the claim to that carrier
The treatment period, extending through wound healing and any scar revision procedure
Valuation once the permanent cosmetic result is established, which can take a year or longer
Negotiation, and suit where the carrier’s position does not match the record

What Should You Bring to Your Dog Bite Consultation?

Any evidence or documentation about the attack is helpful. The first meeting is about understanding what happened, sharing how the bite affected you, and determining whether it makes sense to take legal action against the dog’s owner.

Photographs of the injury. Images taken before the wound was closed or dressed, and images taken as it healed.
The animal control or police report. Include the agency and the incident number.
Medical records and bills. Emergency treatment, wound care, surgical repair, and any rabies prophylaxis administered.
Information about the dog and its owner. The address, the owner’s name, and whether the animal was quarantined.
Witness names and contact details. Including anyone who saw the dog loose before the attack.
Any communication with the owner or an insurer. Messages, letters, and recorded statement requests.

Reach Out to Burrow & Associates, LLC to Schedule a Consultation

Whether the dog had bitten anyone before is only one of the questions Georgia law asks. Our attorneys will obtain the animal control record, determine which route to liability the facts support, and present the claim to the owner’s insurance carrier. Contact us for a free consultation with an Atlanta dog bite attorney.

Dog Bite Statistics in Atlanta

Atlanta’s dense neighborhoods, busy parks, and shared trails place residents, joggers, and delivery workers in regular contact with dogs they do not own. A bite that breaks the skin can lead to scarring, infection, and other complications. Federal health data shows how often these injuries lead to emergency care, surgery, and, in rare cases, death.

A national dog bite study found that dog bites ranked as the 13th leading cause of nonfatal emergency department visits in the United States in 2018.
The same study reported that children ages 5 to 9 had the highest emergency department rate for dog bites from 2005 to 2018, at 202.9 visits per 100,000 people.
According to federal hospital data, the average hospital stay for a dog bite in 2008 cost $18,200, roughly 50 percent more than the average injury-related stay.
That report also found that 57.9 percent of dog bite hospitalizations involved a surgical procedure.
CDC mortality data recorded 468 deaths from being bitten or struck by a dog between 2011 and 2021, with the annual total reaching 81 in 2021.

These numbers carry weight in a legal claim. Hospital charges, surgical repair, and follow-up care form the foundation of the economic damages in Georgia dog bite claims. Children bitten on the face may need scar treatment for years as they grow. A complete record of each expense, from the first emergency visit to the final revision procedure, leaves an insurer far less room to dispute what the claim is worth.

Mistakes That Can Damage Your Atlanta Dog Bite Claim

The days after a dog attack are often consumed by wound care, missed work, and concern for a child or family member. Decisions made during that period can strengthen a claim against the dog’s owner or weaken it. The following errors can reduce the value of an otherwise strong case.

Leaving the scene without the owner’s information. The name and address of the owner or keeper, along with a description of the dog, are needed to locate the correct insurance policy. A bite from an unidentified dog may also lead to rabies treatment that could otherwise have been avoided.
Failing to report the attack. A report to the county animal services agency creates an official record of the date, the location, and the dog involved. Without one, an owner may later deny that the attack occurred. The agency also oversees the dog’s quarantine, which helps determine whether rabies treatment is necessary.
Skipping follow-up care. Missed appointments, unfilled antibiotic prescriptions, and an incomplete rabies vaccine series give an insurer grounds to argue that the injury was minor. Gaps in treatment are difficult to explain months later.
Downplaying the injury at the scene. Telling the owner that you are fine is a natural reaction to shock. Adjusters frequently cite those words when they argue that the harm was minimal.
Discussing the case on social media. A photo from a family event or a comment about feeling better can be taken out of context. Insurers use such posts to challenge claims of pain, scarring, and emotional harm.
Discarding damaged belongings. Torn clothing, a broken leash, or bent eyeglasses can corroborate the force of the attack. These items should be stored, not thrown away, and damaged personal property may be included in the claim.
Signing documents from the owner’s insurer. A broad medical authorization allows an adjuster to review years of unrelated records. A release signed early ends the claim permanently, often before the cost of scar revision or counseling is known.
Leaving a child’s recovery undocumented. Young children may not describe pain or fear clearly. Photographs at each stage of healing, notes on changes in sleep or behavior, and records of missed school help show the full effect of an attack.
Waiting too long to seek legal guidance. Witnesses move. Video from nearby homes and businesses is overwritten, and the dog’s complaint history becomes harder to obtain. An Atlanta dog bite lawyer who begins work early can request these records while they still exist.

Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer FAQs

How much does it cost to hire an Atlanta dog bite lawyer?

Burrow & Associates handles Atlanta dog bite claims under a contingency fee arrangement. There is no upfront payment, and no attorney fee is owed unless we obtain a recovery on your behalf. The initial consultation is free.

What happens during the free consultation?

We review how the attack occurred, the injuries involved, and the treatment received so far. We also identify who owned or kept the dog and what insurance may apply, so you understand whether a claim is viable.

Who pays for medical treatment while the claim is pending?

Your own health insurance may cover treatment in the meantime. Those payments are typically addressed when the claim against the owner’s insurer resolves. Keeping every bill and explanation of benefits makes that process far more straightforward.

What if the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or relative?

In these situations, the claim is usually presented to the owner’s insurer rather than paid from the owner’s personal funds. That distinction can make it easier to seek fair compensation while preserving the relationship.

Can I recover compensation for fear or anxiety after an attack?

Yes. Georgia law allows recovery for pain and suffering, which can include emotional distress such as nightmares, anxiety around dogs, and disrupted sleep. Records from a counselor help document these effects, particularly for children.

How long does a dog bite case take?

It depends on the severity of the injury. A claim involving healed puncture wounds may resolve within months. Facial injuries take longer, since the need for revision surgery may not be clear until the scar has fully matured.

Will my dog bite case go to court?

Some claims resolve through settlement negotiations with the owner’s insurer. If the insurer will not pay what the claim is worth, filing suit and moving into litigation may be necessary. We prepare each claim with that possibility in mind.

Where should I report a dog bite that happened in Atlanta?

The City of Atlanta lies mostly in Fulton County, with a portion in DeKalb County. A bite should be reported to the animal services agency for the county where it occurred. Contact details for both agencies appear below.

Can a parent file a claim for a child who was bitten?

Yes. A parent or guardian may pursue compensation on a child’s behalf for medical expenses, scarring, and the emotional effects of the attack. A settlement for a minor may require additional steps before it becomes final, and we handle those requirements as part of the case.

What if the insurance company delays or denies my claim?

Insurers sometimes dispute provocation, question the extent of scarring, or stall in the hope that the victim will accept less. Some delays can rise to the level of bad faith. Thorough documentation and a firm written demand put pressure on the insurer to respond.

Can a family pursue a claim after a fatal dog attack?

Yes. When an attack causes a death, certain family members may bring a wrongful death claim for the value of the deceased person’s life. The estate may separately seek funeral costs and medical expenses incurred before death.

Do I need a lawyer for a less serious bite?

Not every bite requires representation. A bite that appears minor, however, can lead to infection, nerve damage, or a visible scar. A consultation helps you decide whether you need a lawyer before speaking with the owner’s insurer.

Important Resources for Atlanta Dog Bite Cases

What Are Important Georgia Legal Resources for Dog Bite Cases?

Georgia’s statutes are available to the public at no cost. These resources show where to find the laws on negligence, damages, and filing deadlines that apply to dog bite claims.

O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7 sets out when the owner or keeper of a dangerous animal may be liable for injuries it causes.
O.C.G.A. § 51-12-4 states the general rule that damages are awarded as compensation for an injury.
O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 contains Georgia’s general two-year deadline for personal injury lawsuits.
The Georgia torts title collects the state’s negligence and damages statutes in one searchable index.
The Fulton County Law Library offers free public access to Georgia legal materials in print and electronic formats.

What Are Important Local Resources for Atlanta Dog Bite Cases?

Several public agencies and medical providers in Atlanta handle bite reports, rabies questions, and emergency treatment. The following resources may be useful after an attack:

Fulton County Animal Services: 404-613-0358
DeKalb County Animal Services & Enforcement: 404-294-2996, option 2
Grady Memorial Hospital: 404-616-1000
Georgia Poison Center: 404-616-9000
Georgia Department of Public Health: 404-657-2588

Burrow & Associates is not affiliated with and does not endorse any organization listed above. These resources are provided for informational purposes only.

About Burrow & Associates

Darrell L. Burrow is the founder and managing attorney of Burrow & Associates, with more than 30 years of legal experience representing injured individuals and families across Georgia. A member of the State Bar of Georgia, he built the firm’s personal injury practice around practical, client-focused solutions for people facing serious harm. Among the firm’s results, each of which depended on its own facts, is a $300,000 recovery for a client injured in a dog attack. Outside the office, he is a devoted family man, an active member of his church, and an avid boater who also enjoys golf.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“The staff at Burrow & Associates is first and foremost – professional and responsive and honestly, that is the absolute most important aspect of a law practice for a client. My legal matter was not difficult but it definitely was emotional and I never once felt like Burrow & Associates wouldn’t be successful in getting me the settlement I deserved. Overall – I am very happy with the outcome.”

Kamania Ray

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Additional Resources for Atlanta Dog Bite Cases

Contact Burrow & Associates

A dog bite can leave lasting physical and emotional effects. Burrow & Associates offers a free initial consultation and handles dog bite cases on a contingency basis, so no fee is owed unless we recover compensation. During the consultation, we will review the attack, your injuries, and the insurance coverage that may be available. Meetings can take place at one of our metro Atlanta offices or virtually. Contact us to schedule a time that works around your recovery.