Can You Still File a Claim If You Didn’t Get the Dog Owner’s Name?

It is extremely upsetting to be bitten by an animal. Dog bite victims often find themselves in pain, confused, and unsure of what to do next. In the chaos of the moment (especially if the dog runs off or the owner leaves the scene) it’s not uncommon for an injured person to realize later that they didn’t get the name or contact information of the dog’s owner.

If you’ve been in this situation, you may be wondering if you can still file a claim. The good news is, yes, it’s possible, and an experienced Atlanta dog bite lawyer can guide you through the process.

Why the Owner’s Information May Be Missing

Dog attacks don’t always happen in calm, clear-headed circumstances. There are many reasons an injured person might not obtain the dog owner’s details right away:

• The owner fled the scene. Whether out of fear, guilt, or simply not understanding their legal responsibility, some owners walk or run away.
• The dog was loose. Sometimes dogs escape fenced yards or are running off-leash in parks or neighborhoods without an obvious owner nearby.
• Injuries and shock. A bite victim may be bleeding, frightened, or in shock, and simply not thinking clearly in the moment. Getting emergency medical care may take priority over identifying who the dog belonged to.
• Unattended dogs in public. In some situations, dogs may be tied up outside a store or left in a common area of an apartment complex with no one in sight.

Even if you didn’t get the dog owner’s name at the time of the incident, there are still several steps you can take to identify them and pursue a claim.

First, speak with any witnesses who may have seen the attack. Nearby residents, store employees, or people passing by could have valuable information. You should also look into whether any security cameras in the area may have captured the event. Footage from local businesses, homes, or traffic intersections might show the dog, the owner, or both.

Reporting the bite to local animal control or authorities is also important. Their records may include past complaints involving the same dog, which can help you track down the owner. You can distribute flyers, post on local forums, and use online community platforms to gather tips and locate the responsible party, too.

You May Still Be Able to Recover Compensation

Once the dog owner is identified, you may be eligible to file a claim under their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, which often covers dog bites. Even if the owner remains unidentified, your own insurance or other avenues, like victim compensation funds or premises liability, might provide some financial relief.

A skilled Atlanta dog bite lawyer can investigate the incident, work with local authorities, and take steps to find the responsible party. Don’t let the chaos of the moment prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve.

Where was the dog’s owner when you were attacked? When you don’t have the owner’s information, contact the attorneys at Zagoria Law as soon as possible to explore your options. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.