Articles Tagged with dog attack

If you are approaching a dog bite lawsuit in Georgia, you might have heard something about the state’s “one-bite” rule. Not all US states have this rule, and it may prove problematic as you assess your legal options. That said, it’s important not to give up hope until you accurately determine which rules apply to your unique situation. It is all too easy to read unclear or nonfactual information online. 

The One-Bite Rule Explained

In general terms, a one-bite rule states that a dog owner may only be liable for injuries if they knew or “should have known” that their dog was violent. In other words, the dog must exhibit past violent behavior before you can sue the owner for your own injuries. The “one-bite” rule gets its name from the basic requirement for a Georgia dog bite lawsuit. You must show that the dog bit someone else at least once before your incident. 

In November of 2024, a Georgia woman narrowly escaped death after being attacked by a dog. While this particular victim survived, many do not. If her husband had not been with her, she probably would have become yet another worrying statistic in Georgia. These attacks not only illustrate the rising threat from aggressive dogs but also the vulnerability of many women in our communities. Even if victims survive dog attacks, the disfiguring scars and lasting health consequences can be life-changing. What does this recent dog attack in Georgia teach us? 

Woman Survives With Notable Disfigurements After Dog Attack

In November of 2024, an Albany woman was feeding her cats in her own backyard when the neighbor’s pit bull suddenly appeared and attacked her. Her husband was inside the residence at the time, and he quickly emerged to protect his wife from what might have been a deadly attack. In the seconds that it took for him to reach the yard, his wife’s face was viciously mauled. 

While many dog bite lawsuits involve privately owned pets, others involve police “K9 units.” Dogs are used throughout many law enforcement agencies in Georgia, and these animals are trained to perform various roles. But even the most well-trained animal is still an animal, and they are capable of causing serious, disfiguring injuries. A recent incident resulted in a Georgia man dying from a K9 attack, and the family is asking serious questions. 

Theft Suspect Killed by Georgia Police K9

Recently, the Hamilton Spectator reported that a man from Georgia had died after being attacked by a police dog. The incident occurred in Moultrie, and police say that it began with reports of burglaries. They arrived to find a suspect and attempted to pull him over while he was riding his four-wheeler. 

Stray dogs are becoming a serious threat in Georgia. In May of 2024, numerous sources reported that a “pack of stray dogs” had mauled a mother to death. The incident also left the woman’s children injured, and it sparked a renewed discussion about dog attacks in Georgia. However, later reports suggested that the dogs were not actually “strays” but rather unsupervised and uncontrolled pets of a nearby neighbor. What can you do if you were attacked by stray dogs in Georgia? 

The Definition of a “Stray Dog”

The definition of a “stray dog” is somewhat elusive. In most contexts, the phrase refers to a dog without an owner. In other words, these are “wild” or “street” dogs. However, people may use this term loosely – and it may refer to a dog that is simply venturing off its property. After the tragic May incident in Georgia, many media sources referred to the animals as a “pack of stray dogs.” However, there is some indication that the dogs were not true strays. An individual close to the family seemed to suggest that the attack was carried out by “the neighbor’s dogs.” If this is true, the animals might have simply wandered or “strayed” off the property. However, another local stated that the animals had been “dumped” on the street. 

If you are a dog owner or interact with dogs, you may be wondering what you can do to prevent a dog bite from occurring. If you have been involved in a dog bite incident, it may be helpful to discuss your legal options with a Marietta Personal Injury lawyer.

Keep Dogs on a Leash in Cobb County

Under Cobb County Ordinance § 10-11, pet owners are responsible for keeping animals on a leash while on public property. Animal owners also are required to restrain or control animals preventing them from attacking other animals or people.