How to File a Dog Bite Report in Augusta, GA

Filing a dog bite report in Augusta can help you seek compensation for damages sustained in a dog bite incident causing injury. Filing a report is the first step to document a dog owner’s potential negligence. Even minor incidents should be reported and evaluated medically for injury potential. 

Dog bite reports are essential evidence in filing a claim. An Augusta dog bite lawyer can help you file a dog bite report and begin the vital steps in filing a claim with the owner’s insurance company or taking a case to court. John Foy & Associates offers superior, honest client services through technological advancements that allow you to access your case wherever it is convenient for you. Contact us when you need the Strong Arm on your side.

Filing a Dog Bite Report in Augusta, GA

Your health and safety are paramount following a dog bite in Augusta. Augusta Animal Services is required to investigate any animal bite as a potential exposure to rabies. To file a dog bite report in Augusta:

• Contact Augusta Animal Services by calling 706-790-6836 or after hours at 706-821-1080
• Contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department
• Call 911 for assistance when severe injuries occur or see a doctor after a dog bite who will report the incident for you

The bite report will provide critical documentation necessary to begin a claim with the insurance company. It is legally possible to file a claim even when a biting dog belongs to someone you know. An Augusta dog bite attorney can help you navigate sensitive claims involving friends or family, and steps to document a dog bite report are taken.

Why You Should File an Augusta Dog Bite Report

Filing a dog bite report may be an essential step in preventing future bites by a dog causing others injury or even death. A report should be filed because of potential safety threats, even when your injuries do not require medical attention. Filing an Augusta dog bite report provides the following:

• A documented record of a dog’s bite potential, creating a history of violations and a traceable vaccine record 
• Evidence in a personal injury claim
• A cause for action by a dog’s owner to take the proper steps to ensure the safety of others against dog bites 

Waiting to file a dog bite report may be used against you should you seek compensation for the damages you experience. Tactics used to reduce your claim can be costly. Working with a dog bite lawyer in Augusta can help reduce missteps that may minimize a claim and will provide further guidance on what to do if a dog bites you.

Essential Information in a Dog Bite Report

Review a dog bite report for accuracy once Augusta Animal Services has completed it. You may request an update or amendment to a report missing critical information. Check the report for the following details:

• Both the dog owner’s and your contact information
• Eyewitness contact information
• Date, time, and location of the incident
• A summary of events leading up to a dog bite
• Breed of dog that bit you
• Your account of the incident, as well as the owner’s perspective

Your perspective about a dog bite and the incidents leading to your injuries may differ from that of the dog owner. Eyewitness testimony may be pivotal in determining negligence. Locating eyewitnesses once they have left the scene of the incident can be challenging.

Take These Steps After a Dog Bite in Augusta, GA

Your actions following a dog bite can play a crucial role in a dog bite claim. There is evidence you will need to prove negligence in a dog bite injury claim. Taking these steps may help a dog bite lawyer in Augusta build a more substantial claim:

• Photograph your injuries if possible, and take a picture of the dog and the scene of the biting incident
• Attend follow-up appointments and adhere to a doctor’s orders
• Write your own personal account of the dog bite incident to avoid confusion about the events
• Speak with a dog bite attorney in Augusta

You may be unaware of the extent of your injuries immediately following a dog bite. Keeping a detailed account of your injuries and other damages can be pivotal in settling a dog bite case out of court. However, a dog bite lawyer in Augusta with John Foy & Associates can advise you on any potential benefits of pursuing your case in court.

Filing an Insurance Claim for an Augusta, GA Dog Bite

A personal claim will likely not be necessary against the dog’s owner unless your injuries are severe and their insurance coverage is inadequate to compensate for your damages. A claim should be filed against the dog owner’s homeowner or renter’s policy. There are many reasons you need a lawyer for a dog bite injury case in Augusta, including:

• A comprehensive evaluation to assess your total damages
• Investigating who owns a dog when an unconfined dog bites you or is without ID tags
• Serving as a contact for the insurance adjuster to protect your claim 
• Interviewing eyewitnesses to the incident and enlisting the help of expert witnesses when a case goes to court
• Negotiating a fair settlement for a dog bite or proceeding in court

A dog bit attorney in Augusta will ensure a civil action is filed within the statutes of limitations, allowing you the right to proceed with a trial. Quick settlements are often offered by the insurance company to remove the potential for further legal action. An Augusta personal injury lawyer with experience in dog bite injury cases and dog ownership laws can help you answer the question, “Am I receiving a fair settlement offer for my injuries?“

Speak to an Augusta, GA, Dog Bite Lawyer 

Each dog bite incident has unique circumstances that should be documented thoroughly in an Augusta dog bite report. A report creates the evidence necessary to file a claim with the insurance company or proceed with legal action in court. John Foy & Associates provides free, no-obligation consultations, allowing you to discuss a claim with an Augusta dog bite lawyer.