How to File a Dog Bite Report in Macon, GA

Many Macon families revolve around dogs, and most of them are friendly, appropriately handled, and well-trained. However, when they aren’t, the consequences can be devastating. In such traumatic experiences that leave you injured, the expertise of a Macon dog bite lawyer, who has your best interest in mind, is crucial. 

When you have a dog bite lawyer with John Foy & Associates, you have a firm behind you that values your time, experience, and peace of mind. In our time fighting for Georgia residents, we have recovered over one billion dollars in compensation. We feel strongly about helping people by holding negligent parties accountable and giving a voice to our clients. One of the first steps in establishing evidence in your dog bite case, and a step that can reassure you and build your confidence, is filing a Macon dog bite report. 

The Importance of a Macon Dog Bite Report

A dog bite report after a dog bite or attack is crucial evidence for your case, whether you have a dog bite lawyer or choose to fight for compensation yourself. If the dog’s owner has homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covering an animal attack, this report may act as proof of the incident. A police report may serve a similar function, but they will typically contact animal control, resulting in a dog bite report with them as well. 

In addition to making it possible for you to recover compensation through the owner’s insurance provider, a dog bite report may be essential in any court proceedings if they do not have insurance. If they do have a policy that will pay your claim, you may still end up in court if you and your attorney don’t find an agreement with the insurance company. Regardless of how you choose to continue with your situation, the dog bite report may help. 

In addition to your interests, filing a dog bite report is in the best interest of your Macon community. When you file a report, it allows Macon-Bibb County to assess the care and condition of the animal while placing appropriate restrictions on the owner to ensure everyone’s safety. Failing to make the report may mean that a person with an aggressive or fearful dog will continue to care for it negligently and risk the well-being of the public.

Recovering Compensation with a Dog Bite Report

A dog bite report is just a tiny part of the evidence John Foy & Associates will try to use to recover compensation for your injuries. However, you do have to report a dog bite in Georgia if you want to receive compensation. You cannot recover compensation without reporting your injuries and the incident itself. 

Filing a Macon Dog Bite Report

Determining the best place to file your dog bite report can be tricky. Additional documentation won’t hurt, so you certainly can make a report with the police by calling them at the scene of the bite. They will come and assess the situation, get witness statements, and likely get Macon-Bibb animal control involved. 

In the city of Macon, animal control is housed within the Sheriff’s department, meaning you will file your report through the Sheriff’s website. Here, you will find a section for bite cases that provides information on who to contact and how to report a Macon dog bite. 

Information in a Macon-Bibb County Dog Bite Report

The details requested regarding your dog bite may vary slightly depending on the circumstances of your bite. However, an animal bite report required by the Bibb County Health Department requests basic information such as:

• Your name and contact information
• Location of the bite
• Location of the animal 
• Owner’s name and contact information
• Rabies vaccination status of the victim 
• Rabies vaccination status of the animal 

After a Dog Bite Report

When you file a dog bite report in Macon, the Office of Animal Welfare is notified. Under Municipal Code 5.26, they will investigate whether the animal should be classified as dangerous or vicious. These classifications are based on the animal causing significant injury, with significant injury being defined as an injury that:

• Creates a substantial risk of or causes death
• Broken or dislocated bones
• Lacerations requiring multiple sutures or disfiguring avulsions
• Lacerations that require surgical repair or hospital admission
• Causes impairment of organ function 
• Transmits a disease

When this assessment is made, the owner is notified through certified mail and has 72 hours to take prescribed precautions. This investigation and the classification of the animal that bit you may significantly support your compensation case. 

Multiple Offenses Affects Liability

Georgia takes the responsibility of pet owners very seriously. In 2012, the Responsible Dog Ownership Bill was passed, which clarifies the expectations and penalties for dog owners. If the dog that attacked you had already displayed aggressive behavior toward others, they might be held 100% responsible for all of your injuries.

Even if the animal did not previously cause significant injury, the owner may still be responsible for your injuries if prior behavior indicates the dog may become aggressive. This may be shown through a vet or doggy daycare records that your attorney can request. It may even be something that the owner’s friends and family can speak about. 

Get Help with your Macon Dog Bite Report Today

Handling your own case to recover compensation can be a full-time job if you aren’t experienced in the paperwork and appropriate legal procedure. If you are still wondering why you need a dog bite lawyer, consider the support John Foy & Associates can provide simply from having experience in cases like yours. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything until we recover compensation for you. 

Contact us for a free case consultation to discuss the details of your attack. After speaking, we can educate you on the options we may be able to provide and help you determine the next steps to your full recovery. Allow John Foy & Associates to support you in healing.