Savannah Dog Attack Injury Attorney

Your Trusted Advocate in South Georgia

Dog attacks can leave victims with painful physical injuries and long-lasting emotional trauma. From puncture wounds and infections to scarring, nerve damage, and the psychological impact of the attack, the aftermath can be overwhelming. At Craig Injury Law, we understand the seriousness of these injuries and the stress that follows. While many dog bite claims are resolved through insurance settlements, our firm is fully prepared to take your case to court if the other side refuses to negotiate in good faith. Our goal is to help you pursue full and fair compensation so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

Navigating a dog bite claim in Savannah requires a detailed understanding of Georgia’s laws and how they apply to real-world circumstances. Georgia’s dog bite statute, including O.C.G.A. § 4-8-21, plays a key role in determining when a dog is considered dangerous and how liability is established. Factors such as the dog’s past behavior, the owner’s knowledge of prior incidents, and local Savannah regulations all influence the strength of a case. Craig Injury Law brings the local insight and legal experience needed to evaluate these elements, protect your rights, and hold negligent owners accountable for the harm their animals cause.

Call our office now at (912) 304-5202 or send us a message for a free consultation. No obligation case review.

Common Defenses in Savannah Dog Bite Cases

In dog bite cases, several defenses might be used by dog owners to mitigate their liability. Understanding these can help in preparing a stronger case. Some dog owners claim that the victim trespassed on their property or provoked the attack, which can limit or negate their liability. In Savannah, the legal system recognizes these defense strategies, and they must be adequately countered with clear evidence.

Another common defense is claiming ignorance of the dog's propensity to attack. Under Georgia’s modified “one-bite rule,” if the dog has never shown violent tendencies before, the owner might argue that they had no reason to suspect the dog would bite. However, Craig Injury Law is skilled at countering these defenses by examining the dog's history and presenting comprehensive evidence of negligence or failure to control the pet adequately.

Code Ann. sec. 51-2-7 provides: A person who owns or keeps a vicious or dangerous animal of any kind and who, by careless management or by allowing the animal to go at liberty, causes injury to another person who does not provoke the injury by his own act may be liable in damages to the person so injured.

Georgia uses a reformed version of the "one-bite rule." According to this rule, if a dog owner knew or should have known that their dog had harmful characteristics, the owner is strictly accountable for any damages. In other words, regardless of carelessness, the owner will be responsible for the victim's damages if the dog had a history of viciousness (for example, had previously bitten someone).

How Savannah Laws Affect Your Dog Bite Case

Georgia’s dog bite laws play a pivotal role in shaping the course of a legal case in Savannah. The state’s modified “one-bite rule” is crucial, requiring proof that the dog had previously exhibited vicious behavior or that the owner should have known of the dog’s tendency to bite. This makes thorough documentation and a detailed understanding of local statutes essential.

In Savannah, dog bite victims are also impacted by city-specific ordinances, which might include leash laws or vaccination requirements. Violations of these local laws can bolster a victim's case by demonstrating negligence on the part of the dog owner. Our team is intimately familiar with these nuances and works tirelessly to leverage Savannah-specific legal precedents to benefit our clients’ positions.

When does a dog become dangerous for liability purposes? A dog's level of danger cannot be inferred only by how much it barks or growls. O.C.G.A. 4-8-21(a)(1) specifies that a dog is harmful if it:

• “Inflicts a severe injury on a human being without provocation on public or private property…or
• Aggressively bites, attacks, or endangers the safety of humans without provocation after the dog has been classified as a potentially dangerous dog and after the owner has been notified of such classification.”

Local landmarks like Forsyth Park are frequently traversed by pet owners and their dogs, making it crucial for community members to adhere to leash laws and exhibit good pet management in public spaces. Understanding these local dynamics can help prevent incidents and ensure that everyone enjoys the beautiful city of Savannah safely. Our dedicated team is here to navigate local laws and provide effective representation.