After a dog bite incident, working with animal control can play a significant role in your personal injury claim. Animal control authorities are responsible for investigating animal-related incidents, ensuring public safety, and enforcing laws and regulations regarding pet ownership. When it comes to dog bite claims, their involvement can add important details to your case and help provide evidence that supports your claim. A lawyer, like a dog bite lawyer, can attest to the value that an animal control report brings to a dog bite case.
Documenting The Incident And Dog’s Behavior
One of the primary reasons to report a dog bite to animal control is to create a formal record of the incident. When animal control is notified, they will typically conduct an investigation, which can include interviewing witnesses, examining the location of the incident, and gathering information about the dog’s behavior and history. The details in an animal control report provide a reliable, unbiased account of the events, which can be valuable if there is a dispute about what happened.
In addition to documenting the specifics of your incident, animal control may investigate whether the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. If the dog has previously bitten someone or shown other forms of aggression, this information could strengthen your claim by showing that the owner knew or should have known about the dogβs dangerous behavior. In many cases, animal control reports are admissible in court and can serve as valuable evidence to support your claim.
Assessing Owner Responsibility And Compliance With Local Laws
Another important role of animal control is determining whether the dog owner complied with local animal control laws. These regulations often include leash laws, requirements for fencing, and licensing rules for dogs. If animal control finds that the owner violated any local laws or ordinances, such as allowing their dog to roam freely or failing to restrain the dog properly, this information can be helpful for your claim.
Supporting Insurance Claims And Legal Processes
A lawyer from Acadia Law Group knows that in most dog bite cases, youβll likely seek compensation through the dog ownerβs homeowners or renters’ insurance. Insurance companies often require evidence of the incident and may rely on information from animal control to evaluate the claim. A formal report from animal control can offer the level of detail insurers need, reducing the likelihood of disputes over what happened.
If the dog owner disputes the claim or denies responsibility, an animal control report serves as a third-party record that can support your account of the incident. This impartial documentation can make a difference in how the insurance company or a court views your claim. In some cases, an animal control report can also motivate insurance providers to settle the claim rather than risk going to court, especially if there are documented violations of local regulations or previous complaints about the dog.
Getting Legal Guidance For Your Dog Bite Claim
Working with animal control is an important part of addressing a dog bite claim, but there are additional steps to take to protect your rights. Having legal representation can help you navigate the process more smoothly, especially if your injuries are significant or if there is any dispute over the facts of the case. Our friends at Cohen & Cohen know it is important to work with a lawyer who is familiar with dog bite laws and who can coordinate with animal control to obtain the necessary reports and use this information effectively in your claim. Speak with a law firm when you are ready.
