If you had just gotten word you are being blamed for having a vicious dog that had attacked someone who had stepped on your property when you were not at home, you will want to take the necessary steps to clear your names of any wrongdoing. When a person makes a false claim against a dog in an attempt to gain monetary compensation from an insurance company or court ordered fine, it becomes necessary to defend yourself with facts that will prove they are lying. Here are some steps you can take when dealing with a false dog bite accusation.

Find Out Medical Information

While you cannot ask a hospital or doctor for medical information about the party claiming to have been bitten, your lawyer may be able to find out some more specific information simply by reading through documentation the plaintiff's lawyer had sent to them about the case. Hiring a private investigator to watch the person can lead to clues about whether they are as hurt as they claim. They may be seen doing activities they would not be able to do if they are really hurt. Instead of resting and relaxing they may be seen going out on the town or playing sports. If this is the case, this information can be brought to the attention of the judge and jury to help tarnish their credibility.

Get Behavioral Documentation

Have anyone who had regular contact with your dog in the past give a statement about its demeanor. This would include veterinarians, groomers, and behaviorists as they are believable contacts. Gather documents from friends and family as well. If there are several people who have a positive summary of your dog's actions, this can help show your dog is not aggressive in any way.

Photograph Your Dog's Quarters

Show the living quarters your dog regularly uses by taking pictures to share with the judge and jury. Photos from all angles of the area where the bite supposedly occurred may give an indication on how the dog was feeling at the time the person was nearby. There may be clues showing the dog had been provoked. If there is a "No Trespassing Sign" Or "Beware Of Dog" sign on your property, show the location of it in your photographs to show the person had been warned not to get too close to the dog.

Ask Neighbors For Information

If there were neighbors at home when the incident had occurred, their statements may help prove your dog did no wrongdoing. Ask each of your neighbors if they had seen someone creeping around on your property or if they had heard your dog barking while you were not at home. Someone may have seen something that is not being verbally communicated. If someone has a surveillance video camera in the area, it may have captured footage of the person trying to get on your property while teasing your dog.

For more information, talk to a lawyer like Hoffman, Hamer & Associates, PLLC.