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A dog attack is sudden, terrifying, and often life-changing. In Columbus, where families walk through Lakebottom Park, runners use the Riverwalk, children play in Fort Moore military housing, and neighbors gather in North Columbus communities, dog bites can happen anywhere, and to anyone. Many victims are children, and the emotional and physical trauma can last a lifetime.
At Ted Law Firm, our Columbus dog bite lawyers help victims and families across Muscogee County recover from these painful and preventable incidents. We fight for your medical care, compensation, and justice, and we hold negligent dog owners accountable.
If you or your child were injured by a dog, don’t wait. Georgia’s dog bite laws require fast action, and evidence fades quickly. We are ready to help today.
Local Incidents, Local Representation
Dog bites in Columbus frequently occur in:
- Lakebottom/Weracoba Park area
- Flat Rock Park
- Uptown Columbus walking paths
- Apartment complexes near Macon Road & University Ave
- Neighborhoods in North Columbus
- Fort Moore military community housing
- Public playgrounds & school grounds
These are areas where children and pets interact — but not all owners follow Georgia’s strict control laws.
We represent victims in:
- Severe bite wounds
- Knock-down injuries
- Facial injuries (especially children)
- Attacks inside apartment complexes
- Unrestrained dog attacks during walks or runs
- Dog-on-dog attacks where a person was injured breaking up the fight
Wherever the attack occurred, we understand Columbus, and how to pursue justice.
Understanding Dog Bite Cases in Georgia
Georgia’s dog bite and dangerous animal laws differ from many other states. Under OCGA § 51-2-7, a dog owner is liable if:
✔ They knew the dog had a vicious or dangerous propensity
OR
✔ They violated a local leash or restraint law
Columbus and Muscogee County impose strict leash and animal control ordinances. A dog running loose is typically strong evidence of owner negligence.
Additionally:
- A dog does NOT need to have bitten someone before for the owner to be liable.
- Provocation and trespassing may impact the case but rarely eliminate liability.
- Children receive enhanced legal protection because they are least able to perceive danger.
Understanding these standards is key to winning a Georgia dog bite lawsuit.
Common Causes of Dog Attacks in Columbus
Dog bites are almost always preventable. Common causes include:
- Dogs running loose in neighborhoods
- Owners ignoring leash laws
- Poorly secured fences
- Aggressive or poorly trained dogs
- Dogs escaping apartment units or yards
- Owners allowing dogs near children without supervision
- Dogs fighting, causing injuries to people trying to separate them
- Failure to restrain powerful breeds
When negligence leads to an injury, we hold the owner accountable.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks often cause serious injuries, including:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Facial injuries and scarring
- Nerve and tendon damage
- Fractures
- Torn muscles and soft tissue injuries
- Permanent disfigurement
- Infections (MRSA, cellulitis, tetanus)
- Rabies exposure
- PTSD and long-term anxiety
- Wrongful death in severe attacks
Children often require surgery, scar revision, psychological therapy, or long-term treatment.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Georgia?
Liability may fall on:
1. The Dog Owner
Primary responsible party under Georgia law.
2. A Keeper or Caretaker
Dog sitters, walkers, family members supervising the dog.
3. Landlords or Property Owners
If they knew of a dangerous dog and failed to act.
4. Homeowners or Renters Insurance Providers
Most dog bite claims are paid by insurance, not individuals.
5. Property Managers / Apartment Companies
Especially where repeated complaints existed.
We pursue ALL available insurance coverage to maximize compensation.
Types of Recoverable Compensation
Victims may recover:
Economic Damages
- Emergency room care
- Surgery & hospitalization
- Plastic surgery or scar revision
- Lost income
- Therapy & counseling
- Long-term medical needs
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- PTSD or fear of animals
- Loss of confidence/social anxiety
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful Death Damages
For tragic fatal attacks.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in Columbus
- Get medical care immediately
- Report the attack to Columbus Animal Control
- Photograph injuries, wounds & torn clothing
- Identify the dog and owner
- Request vaccination records
- Save all medical bills
- Do NOT speak to the owner’s insurance
- Do NOT sign any agreements
- Contact Ted Law Firm right away
Early action is key to proving liability.
Why Legal Help Matters
Dog bite cases may seem simple, but they are not. Insurance companies often:
- Blame the victim
- Claim the dog was provoked
- Minimize scarring
- Dismiss emotional trauma
- Underpay children’s claims
- Try to settle quickly for far less than the case is worth
We:
- Investigate the incident
- Obtain animal control records
- Interview witnesses
- Document medical injuries
- Work with plastic surgeons & therapists
- Negotiate aggressively
- Sue when necessary
We protect your rights from the very first call.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
- Wounds heal early photos are critical
- Witnesses may forget details
- Dogs may be moved or hidden
- Animal control records may be incomplete
- Georgia’s two-year deadline applies
- Landlords often deny knowledge without documentation
Start your case early to protect your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I have a case if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes — leash law violations alone create liability.
2. What if I was bitten on private property?
You may still recover if you were lawfully there.
3. What if my child was the victim?
Children receive enhanced legal protection.
4. Can I sue a landlord?
Yes, if they knew the dog was dangerous.
5. Can I recover from emotional trauma?
Absolutely. PTSD and anxiety are compensable.
6. What if the dog owner has no insurance?
We pursue umbrella policies or landlord liability.
7. How long do I have to file?
Georgia allows two years for injury claims.
8. Do you charge upfront?
No you pay nothing unless we win.
Five Star Service
We pride ourselves on creating “wow” moments for our clients. That’s why Ted Law Firm has 5 star ratings, a client choice award from Avvo and and clients hire us again and again.
Free Rental Car Help
Many people who have been involved in a car accident don’t know how to navigate their insurance coverage. Our attorneys will review your insurance policy for free* and ensure you’re getting any rental car benefits you’re entitled to.
Next Generation Law Firm
Our firm uses 21st century technology and the latest law to maximize claim value, push your case forward quickly, and keep you informed every step of the way.
Pay Nothing Until We Get You $$$
FREE* Case Review. Immediate work. We even front the cost for ordering medical records, getting police reports, and conducting an investigation while we work up your claim.
30 Day Guarantee
We’ll help you for 30 days, through the roughest part of your wreck. We’re so confident in our client experience that we offer this: If you’re not completely satisfied, you won’t be charged a fee and you’ll be free to do as you please.
FREE Legal Resources
We have created a ton of free videos and guides to get you immediate help on your claim.
Contact Us Columbus Dog Bite Lawyers
If you or your child were attacked by a dog in Columbus, Fort Moore, or anywhere in the Chattahoochee Valley, you deserve justice and compensation. At Ted Law Firm, we stand with victims and families providing compassionate support and aggressive legal representation. Call today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
