Editorial Policy
This policy explains how Dog Bite Atlas selects topics, researches legal information, separates editorial content from commercial relationships and decides when content should be updated.
Our editorial objective
We aim to answer real questions people have after a dog bite or animal attack without overstating what can be known from general information. Our content should help a reader understand the relevant issue, identify the primary sources behind it and decide what information or professional help they may need next.
Topic selection
We prioritize topics that have clear practical value, including state-specific liability rules, filing deadlines, reporting procedures, insurance questions, evidence preservation and attorney-selection issues. Search demand may help us identify questions people are asking, but it does not by itself justify publishing a page.
We do not create separate pages for minor keyword variations when one strong guide can answer the same underlying question.
Originality and usefulness
Every substantive page must have a distinct reason to exist. Depending on the topic, that may include state-specific legal research, a comparison table, a checklist, a decision framework, an official-source summary, a process guide or a practical tool.
We do not intentionally publish pages that merely paraphrase other websites or repeat generic legal statements without adding practical context.
Legal sourcing
Important legal rules should be supported by primary or authoritative sources whenever reasonably available. These may include statutes, legislative websites, courts, state or local agencies, state bar resources and insurance regulators.
If a rule is unsettled, fact-dependent or subject to meaningful exceptions, we try to say that clearly instead of presenting an oversimplified statement as universal.
Editorial independence
Advertising, sponsorships and attorney listings do not control our legal explanations or editorial conclusions. Payment cannot buy a favorable legal interpretation, a fabricated ranking or removal of accurate editorial information.
Attorney listings
Attorney and law-firm listings are governed by our Attorney Listing Policy. Sponsored placement, when available, will be identified as sponsored or advertising.
Updates
Legal content may be reviewed when a statute changes, a relevant court decision is issued, an agency changes its procedure or reliable information indicates that a page may be outdated. A visible review date may be displayed on pages containing legal rules.
Corrections
Material errors are handled under our Corrections Policy. We prefer to correct verified inaccuracies rather than silently preserve outdated information.
Use of AI and automation
Automated tools may assist with research organization, drafting, comparison and quality control. They are not treated as authoritative legal sources. Important legal claims are checked against appropriate sources before publication.