Georgia Dog Bite Settlement Calculator
Liability Factors (O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7)
Victim & Incident Details (Comparative Fault)
Injury Details
Economic Damages & Insurance
Estimated Settlement Value
What Is the Georgia Dog Bite Settlement Calculator?
The Georgia Dog Bite Settlement Calculator is a free online tool that estimates the value of a potential dog bite claim based on:
- Injury severity
- Owner negligence
- Victim’s fault (if any)
- Economic damages
- Insurance policy limits
It helps answer the question: “What’s a fair payout for what happened to me?”
Georgia Dog Bite Law Basics (O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7)
Georgia uses the “one-bite rule” plus modified comparative fault:
- One-bite rule: You must prove the dog’s owner knew the dog was dangerous or acted negligently (like ignoring leash laws).
- Comparative fault rule: If you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover any damages.
The calculator follows these exact legal standards, so it’s not just a random guess—it reflects how Georgia courts approach dog bite cases.
How the Calculator Estimates Compensation
The calculator uses multipliers and fault percentages to estimate your settlement. Here’s how it works:
1. Liability Factors
These determine if the owner is legally responsible.
| Factor | Example | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Prior History | Dog previously bit someone | Up to 0.5 |
| Owner Negligence | Off-leash dog in public | Up to 1.0 |
If both are 0, you likely can’t win a case under Georgia law.
2. Victim & Incident Details
These help apply Georgia’s fault rule.
| Factor | Example | % Fault |
|---|---|---|
| Trespassing | You were on private property without permission | +50% |
| Provocation | You teased or startled the dog | +25% to 50% |
If total fault hits 50% or more, the calculator will warn you: you’re barred from recovering any money.
3. Injury Details
These affect the pain and suffering part of your claim.
| Factor | Example | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Bite Severity | Deep wounds, permanent scarring | 1.5 to 6.0 |
| Injury Location | Face or neck | Up to 0.8 |
| Physical or Psychological Trauma | PTSD, disfigurement | Up to 1.0 |
Higher severity and visible injuries = higher settlement.
4. Economic Damages
This is the base payout for costs you already faced (or will in the future).
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future earning loss
- Property damage
You just enter your actual costs into the calculator. It does the math.
5. Insurance Cap
Georgia doesn’t cap damages by law—but insurance limits can still reduce your final payout. If the dog owner’s policy is $100,000, and your claim value is $150,000, the calculator will cap your estimate at $100,000 unless there’s additional coverage.
Example Calculation (Made Simple)
Let’s say:
- You were lawfully walking in a park.
- A dog off-leash bit you on the leg.
- You didn’t provoke the dog.
- You had $5,000 in medical bills.
- The injury left a scar, caused anxiety, and the owner had a $300,000 policy.
Estimated payout: Around $45,000 – $70,000, depending on final fault percentage and injury severity.
What If I’m Partly at Fault?
Georgia uses modified comparative fault:
- Under 50% at fault? You can still recover money—just reduced by your percentage.
- 50% or more? You recover nothing.
The calculator shows your reduction in real dollars so you can see how fault impacts your claim.
Why Use the Calculator?
- Helps you decide if it’s worth pursuing legal action
- Prepares you to talk to a personal injury lawyer
- Gives you realistic expectations—not guesswork
You don’t need to be a lawyer to use it. It’s designed to be simple and visual.
Still Unsure? Talk to a Lawyer.
The calculator is educational—it’s not legal advice. If your estimate is significant or your case involves permanent injuries, talk to a Georgia dog bite attorney.
They can help with:
- Proving the dog owner’s liability
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Maximizing your compensation
Legal References
- O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7 – Georgia Dog Bite Liability Law
- O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33 – Comparative Negligence Rule