Research Methodology

Dog Bite Atlas uses a source-first research process designed to make state-specific legal information easier to verify and less dependent on generic summaries.

1. We define the actual question

Before researching a page, we identify the practical question a reader is trying to answer. For example: whether a state imposes strict liability for a dog bite, how long a person generally has to bring a personal-injury claim, or whether homeowners insurance may respond to a dog-related liability claim.

2. We identify the jurisdiction

Dog bite law is not uniform across the United States. We determine whether the issue is governed primarily by state statute, common law, local ordinance, agency procedure or a combination of those sources.

3. We prioritize primary sources

Whenever reasonably available, we look first for the strongest source for the specific proposition:

4. We use secondary sources carefully

Law-firm articles, legal databases, news reports and other secondary sources can help identify issues or terminology, but they are not automatically treated as proof of a legal rule. Where a primary source exists, we prefer to verify the point there.

5. We separate the rule from the application

A statute may appear simple while the outcome of a real case depends on facts such as where the incident occurred, whether the person was lawfully present, whether the dog was provoked, who controlled the property or whether a special deadline applies.

Our pages therefore distinguish between a general rule and the factual questions that may change how the rule applies.

6. We record review dates

Pages containing legal rules may display a “Last reviewed” date. That date means the page was checked against the sources used for the legal information; it does not guarantee that no law or procedure has changed after that date.

7. We avoid false precision

We do not present settlement calculators, deadline tools or generalized dollar figures as definitive legal outcomes. Where a tool provides an estimate or general deadline framework, we explain the assumptions and warn that exceptions may apply.

8. We connect readers to original sources

Important guides include links or citations to the statutes, agencies or other authorities used in the research whenever practical. The purpose is not only to summarize the rule, but to let readers inspect where the information came from.

9. We update when reliable evidence changes

If a law changes, an agency revises its procedure or a reliable source shows that a page is materially outdated, we review and update the affected content under our Corrections Policy.