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Writer's pictureClaude Ball

Georgia's "One Bite" Law: Dog Bite Situations




Have you ever had a less-than-pleasant encounter with a canine? In Georgia, we have what's known as the “One Bite” rule. It's sort of like a mulligan for dogs – they get one chance before their owner is held liable. Think of it as giving someone the benefit of the doubt, but only once.


The “One Bite” rule doesn’t mean every dog gets a free pass on the first offense. It’s more about whether the dog has a history of aggression or not. If a dog has always been as peaceful as a Sunday morning in Atlanta and suddenly nips, the owner might not be immediately liable. However, if the dog has a history of being more aggressive than Friday traffic, or if the owner is lax with the leash laws, the situation changes.

 

Insurance Hurdles in Dog Bite Cases

 

What happens when the dog owner’s insurance is absent? Many homeowners or renters have policies that cover dog bites, but sometimes they come with exclusions. And if the owner doesn’t have coverage for their pet’s misdeeds?  Then, the only recourse may be to seek recovery from the dog’s owner – which, for variety of reasons, is not a good option.

Dealing with a dog bite in Georgia can be as unpredictable as our spring weather. But don't worry, we're here to help. At the Ellis Law Firm, we offer guidance with the right mix of professionalism and local flair, ensuring you're well-equipped to handle these situations.

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