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The Dunbar Bite Scale
The Six Levels of the Dunbar Bite Scale
The scale ranges from Level 1 (least severe, no physical contact) to Level 6 (fatal). Here’s a clear breakdown based on the official authorized version:
- Level 1: Aggressive, fearful, or obnoxious behavior (growling, snarling, lunging, snapping in the air) but no teeth-to-skin contact. This is a warning sign—often called a “pre-bite” or air snap. No injury occurs, but it signals the dog needs training and socialization to prevent escalation. It could also be proof of the dog’s tendency to bite, albeit unsuccessfully.
- Level 2: Teeth make contact with skin, but no puncture. There may be slight nicks, redness, abrasions, minor bleeding from lateral movement (teeth scraping), or bruising, but no vertical punctures from the canines. This shows the dog has some bite inhibition (control over force).
- Level 3: One to four shallow punctures from a single bite, with no puncture deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth. There may be minor lacerations (often in one direction, e.g., from the victim or dog pulling away) or slight bruising. This is the first level where skin is truly broken and medical attention (cleaning, antibiotics, possible stitches) is usually needed.
- Level 4: One to four punctures from a single bite, but at least one puncture deeper than half the length of the canine teeth, often with considerable bruising (dog held on and bore down) and/or lacerations in multiple directions (from shaking the head). This indicates significantly less bite inhibition and higher risk.
- Level 5: Multiple bites or attacks involving at least two Level 4 bites (or multiple incidents with Level 4 severity). These are serious, repeated attacks showing poor control and high danger potential.
- Level 6: Fatal attack resulting in the victim’s death.
Why the Dunbar Scale Matters in Georgia Dog Bite Cases
Georgia dog bite law follows comes mainly from O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7. If a dog has a prior history of aggressive or biting, without provocation, the owner can be held responsible for damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring, etc.), especially if the bite occurs in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property.
The Dunbar scale helps in several ways:
- Injury severity and damages — Higher levels (e.g., Level 3+) often involve deeper wounds, infection risk, plastic surgery needs, nerve damage, or emotional trauma, leading to stronger claims for compensation.
- Evidence of negligence — A Level 4+ bite may support arguments that the owner knew (or should have known) of the dog’s dangerous propensities and failed to properly restrain or confine the dog or to warn others.
- Objective standard — Courts, insurance adjusters, and experts sometimes reference the scale to evaluate claims consistently, moving beyond emotional accounts to focus on damages.
If you’ve suffered a dog bite in Georgia—whether a minor Level 2 graze or a severe Level 4 attack—document everything: photos of wounds, medical records, witness statements, and any animal control reports. These can help classify the bite and strengthen your case.
Final Thoughts
The Dunbar Bite Scale provides a clear, evidence-based framework for understanding dog bites, emphasizing that not all “bites” are equal. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Georgia (in areas like Henry County, Fayette County, Clayton County, or metro Atlanta), don’t delay seeking medical care—and consider consulting an experienced dog bite attorney. The attorneys with The Georgia Dog Bite Lawyer can review the details of your case and help ensure you receive full and fair compensation.