Dogs are lovable furballs. Their main goal in life seems to be making people happy. However, some dogs can become aggressive and may bite you if they feel you’re in their territory.
Responsible dog ownership means taking reasonable steps to prevent a pet from attacking others — but not every owner does their job. If you’ve been bitten by someone’s dog, what should you do?
Take the following steps
After being bit by a dog, the first step is to tend to your wounds. Wash the area thoroughly, apply an antibiotic cream and cover it with a bandage. Even if the wound seems minor, you may want to visit a healthcare facility. Dog bites, especially puncture wounds, can lead to infections.
You must also report the bite to the animal control agency. They will investigate the report and verify the dog’s vaccination records.
Georgia follows a “one-bite rule,” meaning that a dog owner may be liable if they know their dog tends to bite. The state’s “Responsible Dog Ownership Law” establishes guidelines to protect the public from dog attacks. A dog is classified as “dangerous” if it does the following:
- Causes a substantial puncture with its teeth but does not cause serious injury
- Aggressively attacks in such a way that a person is in imminent threat of serious injury
- Kills a pet animal while off its owner’s property
A “vicious” dog is one that:
- Inflicts serious injury, or
- The person is seriously injured while trying to escape from the dog attack
Owners must register such dogs, maintain secure enclosures, and ensure dogs are leashed and controlled when off the property. If the owner fails in their duty, they can be found guilty of a misdemeanor, and the dog may be confiscated.
Even if a dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner can be held liable if they were negligent in controlling their dog. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you will want to speak with someone who can review your case to see if you may be entitled to compensation.