Unlike some other states, which hold dog owners strictly liable for any injuries their pets cause, Georgia is a negligence state when it comes to dog bite injuries and attacks. This means that a victim must prove that the owner was negligent in some way in order to recover compensation for their damages.

Typically, negligence is established in dog bite claims by proving that the dog owner knew or reasonably should have known that their dog was aggressive, dangerous, or prone to acting viciously. This might involve proving that the dog had a history of aggressive behavior or had bitten or lunged at someone before.

Negligence can also be established by proving that a dog owner allowed his or her animal to be unleashed or unrestrained in an area where this was not permitted. For example, if you were walking in a public park where dogs were required to be leashed at all times and were attacked by a loose dog, you can hold the owner of the dog liable for your injuries even if the owner had no reason to believe the dog would act aggressively.

Lastly, in order to successfully recover compensation for your damages, you will need to prove that you did not provoke the dog. A dog owner might try to argue that the dog bit you in response to harassing or provoking behavior; you will have to prove that this was not the case but, rather, that you were attacked unprovoked.