Even the most avid dog lover agrees that being attacked and injured by a dog is a traumatic experience. Dog bites are painful, traumatic, and often unexpected. Victims may be left with deep wounds—both physical and emotional. When a dog attack happens, the aftermath can feel overwhelming: medical bills, missed work, and lingering fear. As a Dog Bite Lawyer in Gainesville and throughout the state of Georgia, we help victims navigate the next steps with care, clarity, and strong legal advocacy.
Attorney Shane Lazenby has recovered more than $150 million in verdicts and settlements for injured clients throughout North Georgia. He’s known for his compassionate approach and aggressive pursuit of justice. If you or your child has been injured by a dog, we’re here to stand with you.
Georgia law acknowledges several key facts about dog attacks and dog bites. Most importantly, these incidents are considered to be absolutely preventable. Owner or handler liability is typically based on either the Responsible Dog Ownership Law (O.C.G.A. 4-8-1 to 4-8-33) or O.C.G.A. 51-2-7.
The Responsible Dog Ownership Law, codified in O.C.G.A. 4-8-1 through 4-8-33, regulates the ownership and care of dogs in the state of Georgia. These statutes delineate the minimum standards for dog owners and ensure that county and city governments can choose to enact more stringent laws locally. This is why the specifics of the case often require the expertise of a personal injury attorney as the location and exact details of what happened to play a huge role in the final results of any legal action.
In O.C.G.A. 51-2-7, the law indicates that dog owners or handlers are liable for injuries sustained by another person who did not provoke the dog and that the animal in question was “vicious or dangerous.” This section of the law also clarifies that in order to demonstrate the “vicious propensity” of an animal, it is sufficient to prove that the dog’s owner violated local, county, or state leash laws at the time of the attack. Thus, showing that the owner breached applicable leash laws or local regulations is enough to prove liability in a dog bite case. Evidence that the attack was unprovoked may also be sufficient to demonstrate liability.
In Georgia, dog owners have a legal responsibility to control their pets. When they fail to do so—and someone gets hurt—they can be held accountable. A dog doesn’t have to have bitten someone before for a victim to have a valid claim. If the owner knew the dog was dangerous, didn’t use a leash, or allowed the dog to roam freely, they may be liable for the injuries caused.
As a trusted Gainesville dog bite injury lawyer, Shane Lazenby will work quickly to investigate what happened, preserve key evidence, and help you understand your rights. Time matters—witness memories fade, and untreated injuries can worsen. Early legal help makes a difference.
No two attacks are the same. A single, sudden bite harms some victims; others suffer from prolonged, violent attacks. At Lazenby Law Group, we handle a range of dog-related injury claims, including:
We understand how deeply these injuries can impact everyday life. Our goal is to help you recover fully—physically, emotionally, and financially.
After a dog bite injury, you may face more than emergency medical bills. Many victims require surgery, rehabilitation, or mental health counseling. A personal injury attorney can help pursue compensation for:
At Lazenby Law Group, we build every case around the real-life impact of your injury. We work with medical and financial experts to ensure your case reflects the full cost of what you’ve endured—and what you may still face.
We know how personal dog bite injuries are. That’s why we take a personal approach to every case. When you choose Lazenby Law Group, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re getting a team that will treat you with dignity and fight for your future.
Attorney Shane Lazenby is a former insurance defense lawyer who knows how insurance companies work—and how to stand up to them. He now uses that knowledge to protect victims of negligence throughout Gainesville and North Georgia.
When you work with us, you can expect:
We’re here to make sure you feel seen, supported, and fully represented every step of the way.
We always offer a free consultation on our case, so if you have been injured and are unsure of your rights, contact us right away. There is typically a 2-year statute of limitations for dog bite injuries. Speak to us promptly to ensure that your case has the best chance of success. We look forward to getting you the compensation you deserve.
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