Valdosta Dog Bite Lawyer

The Rodd Firm: Expert Dog Bite Attorneys Serving Clients in Valdosta, GA

Dog bites can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial harm. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 4 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, with nearly half of these incidents involving children. In 2006 alone, approximately 31,000 people required reconstructive surgery due to dog bites, and annual hospital costs related to dog bites can exceed $100 million.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite or attack in Valdosta, you may be entitled to hold the dog’s owner accountable. The Rodd Firm has experienced Valdosta dog bite attorneys who help victims pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Why Dog Bites Happen

Many dog bites occur because owners fail to understand or manage their dog’s behavior. A 2008 study conducted by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that dog owners often had only limited knowledge of general dog behavior and were frequently unaware of the factors that could lead to dog bites, primarily to children. It went on to suggest that there should be more education about behaviors, body language, social signals, and appropriate self-defense to reduce the risks of bites to children.

While certain breeds may cause more severe injuries, any dog can bite, and most dog bite incidents are preventable with proper supervision, training, and safety measures.

Georgia’s Dog Bite Laws

Georgia follows a modified version of the “one bite rule.” This rule holds that a dog owner may be liable for injuries if they knew or should have known that their dog could be dangerous due to prior behavior.

Under Georgia law, dog owners can be held responsible for:

• Allowing their dog to roam free or mismanaged
• Violating local leash or containment laws
• Failing to prevent known aggressive behavior

Even if a dog has never bitten someone before, other aggressive behaviors—such as growling, snapping, or lunging—can support a claim of negligence.

Proving Prior Aggressive Behaviors

One challenge in dog bite cases is proving that the owner should have known the dog posed a risk. Experienced Valdosta dog bite lawyers can help gather evidence, including:

• Witness statements about prior incidents
• Veterinary records indicating aggressive tendencies
• Documentation of previous attacks or near-attacks

This evidence is crucial for demonstrating the owner’s liability under Georgia law.

Premises Liability and Dog Bites

Dog bite injuries may also fall under premises liability laws. If a bite occurs on another person’s property, the property owner can be held responsible for hazards that result in harm. While dog bites are the most common animal-related injuries on someone else’s property, any animal causing preventable harm can trigger liability.

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can lead to serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing care. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
• Future medical care related to the injury

At The Rodd Firm, our Valdosta dog bite lawyers are committed to holding negligent owners accountable and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Valdosta Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite or attack, don’t wait to take action. Call The Rodd Firm at (229) 415-7777 to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal rights, and fight for the compensation you need to recover. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)