The statute of limitations for dog bite claims involving adults in Georgia is two years. Failing to settle your claim or file a lawsuit within this time frame will mean losing your right to recover damages for your medical bills, pain, lost income, and other related costs.
Most dog bite victims are already dealing with doctors’ appointments, stress, and calls from the dog owner’s insurance company. If you are in this situation, let the dog bite lawyers at Jones & Swanson help you with a claim while you focus on getting better.
One of our Marietta dog bite lawyers will review the incident, explain the process, handle the insurance claim, and demand the full damages the at-fault party owes you under Georgia law. You can start with a free consultation to learn about your legal options.
When Does the Two-Year Deadline to File a Dog Bite Claim in Georgia Start?
The two-year deadline under Ga. Code § 9-3-33 starts on the day you suffered an injury in a dog-related attack. That means if the bite happened on June 1, 2025, you have until June 1, 2027, to take legal action in court.
This rule applies to both adults and children for claims related to the medical expenses incurred to treat injuries. In claims involving minors, the two-year clock on the pain and suffering claim does not start until the child turns 18. We will explain how this rule applies in your situation and help you avoid missing the deadline.
What Happens if You Miss the Statute of Limitations Deadline?
If you miss the deadline, the court will dismiss your case, and you won’t be able to recover your damages.
This deadline is one of the most important rules in a dog bite case. Even if you are still getting medical treatment or waiting to hear back from the insurance company, the clock is ticking.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Two-Year Filing Deadline?
One of our Marietta personal injury lawyers will review your case to see if any exceptions apply to your case. However, don’t wait to ask. The exceptions are narrow, and waiting too long risks losing out on recovering your damages.
Do You Have to File a Lawsuit, or Is an Insurance Claim Enough?
Many parties in dog bite cases resolve their claims without filing a lawsuit. The dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may offer to pay damages through a settlement.
However, be careful: The statute of limitations still matters, even during insurance negotiations. If the insurance company delays your claim and you don’t file your lawsuit in time, you risk losing your claim.
We will manage these deadlines and handle all discussions with the insurance company. This means you won’t have to track every date or feel pressured into accepting a low offer that falls short of your needs.
Why Taking Action Quickly is Key in Georgia Dog Injury Cases
Besides the legal deadline, other reasons to move quickly after a dog bite include:
- Evidence fades: Witnesses forget, records get lost, and photos may not reflect how bad the injury was.
- Injuries evolve: What seems like a minor wound at first could lead to infection, scarring, or even surgery.
- Insurance companies move fast: Their job is to limit what they pay, not to look out for your best interests.
The sooner you talk to us, the more we can do to protect your rights and preserve key evidence.
How Our Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Will Help You
Dog bite cases in Georgia follow a version of the “one-bite rule.” That means the dog’s owner is liable if:
- They knew (or should have known) that their dog had dangerous propensities or tendencies
- They failed to properly control or secure the dog
- You did not provoke the attack
One of our injury lawyers will:
- Investigate the dog’s history
- Interview witnesses and gather animal control or police reports
- Work with doctors to document your injuries
- Handle settlement talks with the insurance company
- File a lawsuit if the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement
With our team on your side, you don’t have to figure all of this out alone.
What Damages Will a Dog Bite Injury Claim or Lawsuit Cover?
The following damages are recoverable in a dog bite case:
- Medical bills (emergency room visits, stitches, surgery, therapy)
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death, if a loved one suffered fatal injuries
We will review your specific injuries, expenses, and needs to build your claim for damages.
Our Dog Bite Lawyers Will Fight for the Results You Deserve
When you’re hurt and unsure what to do next, Jones & Swanson will give you answers and take action. If you’re wondering what the statute of limitations for dog bite claims in Georgia means for your situation, we will explain your rights in clear terms and guide you every step of the way.
Our dog bite lawyers in Marietta bring decades of experience, trained legal staff, and real compassion to every case. We are a smaller law firm by choice, and we’re selective about the cases we take because we believe every client deserves personal attention and maximum support.
One of our attorneys will take your call, listen to your concerns, and promptly respond. Whether your case involves a child, serious injuries, or a tough insurance company, we will fight for you from day one. Call now for a free consultation.
