Can I claim extra damages for scarring or disfigurement from a Georgia dog bite?

· 2 min read

Permanent scarring and disfigurement are compensable in a Georgia dog-bite case, and they often add substantially to a claim’s value because they fall within non-economic damages the law recognizes. These lasting effects are treated as real harm, not an afterthought, particularly when the bite leaves visible marks on the face, hands, or other exposed areas.

How scarring fits into recoverable damages

Georgia allows an injured person to recover both economic and non-economic losses. Scarring and disfigurement are generally part of the non-economic category, which compensates for harm that is not a direct out-of-pocket cost. A dog-bite claimant who establishes the owner’s liability under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7 may seek compensation that includes:

  • Past and future medical costs, including reconstructive or plastic surgery and scar-revision procedures.
  • Physical pain and suffering connected to the injury and its treatment.
  • Emotional distress, embarrassment, and the psychological impact of a permanent disfigurement.
  • The loss associated with a visible, lasting change in appearance.

Because scars are permanent, the claim can account for their effect over the injured person’s lifetime, not just the immediate aftermath.

What influences the value

Georgia does not set a fixed formula for these damages; a jury or claims adjuster weighs the specific circumstances. Factors that commonly matter include the size, location, and visibility of the scarring, whether it can be improved by surgery, the age of the injured person, and the degree of emotional impact. Photographs documenting the injury over time and medical opinions on permanence and future treatment help support the claim.

Limits and timing

These damages are still tied to proving liability and to the usual defenses. Provocation or comparative fault can reduce or bar recovery under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, and the claim must be filed within the two-year period in O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. For a child, the deadline is generally tolled under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-90, which matters because childhood facial scarring can have long-term effects.

The bottom line

Scarring and disfigurement from a Georgia dog bite support a real and often significant claim for non-economic damages, covering future medical care, pain, emotional harm, and permanent appearance changes. Documenting the injury and its permanence is what gives this part of the claim its weight.

This article is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship, and Georgia law may change. For advice about a specific situation, consult a licensed Georgia personal injury attorney.

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