After a dog attack, you may be left looking at punctures, bruising, or other injuries and wondering just how serious the bite was. The dog bite levels on the Dunbar scale give you a clearer way to understand what happened and the severity of the bite.
At Weatherby Law Firm, we handle dog bite cases throughout Atlanta, Decatur, and surrounding communities. Here, we’ll break down how the Dunbar bite scale works, what each level means, and what the severity of the bite could mean for your injury claim.
What Is the Dunbar Bite Scale?
The Dunbar bite scale, also known as the Ian Dunbar Dog Bite Assessment Scale, uses details such as skin contact, puncture depth, and the number of bites to classify an incident by severity.
The scale focuses on the bite itself. It does not determine whether a dog owner is legally responsible. Georgia law looks at the circumstances surrounding the attack and what the owner knew about the dog.
Who Created the Dunbar Scale and Why
Veterinarian and animal behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar has spent much of his career focused on dog training and behavior. He developed the bite scale to give professionals a consistent way to describe the severity of an incident based on what actually happened, rather than broad terms such as a “minor” or “serious” bite.
How the Scale Is Used Today
Your medical or animal control records may not assign a Dunbar level, but they may describe punctures, wound depth, bruising, lacerations, and other details that show the severity of the bite.
Our dog bite injury lawyers in Atlanta review those records along with animal control findings and previous incidents to document the severity of the attack and investigate what the owner knew about the dog.
The 6 Dog Bite Levels Explained
The Dunbar scale separates dog bites into 6 levels based on contact and injuries. This dog bite levels chart breaks down what defines each one:
| Level | What Happens | What You May See |
| Level 1 | The dog shows aggressive behavior, but its teeth do not touch the skin. | There is no physical bite injury. |
| Level 2 | The teeth make contact with the skin but do not puncture it. | Redness, scratches, or shallow marks may be visible. |
| Level 3 | A single bite causes one to four punctures, none deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine tooth. | Scrapes or lacerations may also occur if the person pulls away during the bite. |
| Level 4 | A single bite causes one to four punctures, with at least one deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine tooth. | Deep bruising may occur if the dog held on, bore down, or shook during the bite. |
| Level 5 | The incident involves at least two Level 4 bites or multiple attacks involving at least one Level 4 bite. | Multiple deep bite wounds can result in extensive injuries and a longer recovery. |
| Level 6 | The attack results in the victim’s death. | This is the most severe level on the Dunbar scale. |
Your injuries may not fit neatly into a level based on appearance alone. Photos, medical records, and an animal control report can provide a clearer record of the wounds and circumstances of the attack.
How to Read a Dog Bite Medical or Animal Control Report
Look for details such as the number and depth of punctures, bruising, lacerations, or tearing. These descriptions can help you compare the injuries with the Dunbar scale and provide a clearer record of the bite’s impact.
Why the Level of a Dog Bite Matters in a Georgia Injury Claim
The severity of a bite can affect the medical care you need and the losses that follow, but the Dunbar level does not determine whether a dog owner is legally responsible. That depends on what happened during the attack and Georgia law.
Georgia’s Dog Bite Law in Plain Terms
Under Georgia law, a dog owner may be responsible if they knew their dog could be dangerous and failed to keep it under control. A history of aggressive behavior or breaking local leash laws may provide valuable evidence.
These rules are separate from the Dunbar scale, so a previous incident does not need an assigned bite level to matter in your claim.
What Documentation You Need After a Dog Bite
- Take photos of your injuries soon after the bite and as they heal.
- Keep copies of your medical records and follow-up treatment information.
- Write down the dog owner’s contact information and anything you know about the dog.
- Get names and contact information from anyone who witnessed the attack.
- Report the bite to animal control to create a record of the incident.
How Dog Bite Severity Is Assessed After an Attack
Immediate Medical Assessment
A healthcare provider can document punctures, lacerations, bruising, and other injuries, along with the treatment and follow-up care you need.
Animal Control Investigation
Animal control may document the dog, its owner, what happened during the attack, and previous complaints or incidents involving the dog. That history can help show whether the owner knew about earlier aggressive behavior.
Veterinary Behaviorist Assessment
A veterinary behaviorist may evaluate the dog when there are questions about its behavior or risk of another attack. Unlike your medical records, this assessment focuses on the dog’s behavior and the circumstances surrounding the bite.
Common Mistakes After a Dog Bite That Can Hurt Your Claim
- Leaving Without Documenting the Attack: If possible, photograph your injuries and the bite area, and get contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses.
- Not Reporting a Minor Bite: Report the attack even if your injuries seem minor. An animal control report documents the incident and may uncover previous problems with the dog.
- Waiting to Get Medical Care: Delaying care can leave injuries untreated and make it harder to show what the wounds looked like soon after the attack.
- Giving the Insurer Too Much Information: Be careful how you talk to insurance claims adjusters, especially when giving a recorded statement or answering questions about the attack and your injuries.
- Skipping Follow-Up Care: Keep follow-up appointments and follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan, especially if your wounds are still healing or you have lasting symptoms.
If you were bitten in Atlanta, Decatur, or a surrounding community, Weatherby Law Firm can review what happened, the severity of your injuries, and what the evidence could mean for your claim. Contact us for a free case review. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Level 4 Dog Bite?
A Level 4 bite involves one to four punctures from a single bite, with at least one puncture deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine tooth. The dog may also cause deep bruising if it held on, bore down, or shook during the bite.
How Many Levels of Dog Bites Are There?
The Dunbar scale has six levels. They range from aggressive behavior without skin contact at Level 1 to an attack resulting in death at Level 6.
Does Georgia Have a One-Bite Rule?
Georgia is often described as having a “one-bite rule,” but that shorthand can be misleading. A previous bite can help show that an owner knew a dog had dangerous tendencies, but a prior bite is not always required. The facts of the attack and applicable local leash or at-heel ordinances can also affect a claim.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in Atlanta or Decatur?
Get to a safe place and seek appropriate medical care. If you can, photograph the wounds, get the dog owner’s and witnesses’ contact information, and report the attack to the appropriate local animal control agency.
Can I Sue if the Dog Has Never Bitten Anyone Before?
Potentially. A previous bite is one way to show that an owner knew about a dog’s dangerous tendencies, but it is not the only evidence that may support a claim. Previous aggressive behavior or an applicable leash or at-heel ordinance may also be relevant.