National statistics show that millions of people are bitten by dogs each year. Of those, nearly one in five require medical attention, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Being bitten by a dog can be a painful and frightening experience. We help people throughout North Carolina who were bitten by dogs obtain financial recoveries to address the harm stemming from an animal attack.
Injuries commonly associated with dog bites:
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Skin punctures
- Lacerations and scarring
- Infections
- Rabies from unvaccinated dogs
- Emotional trauma
If you have been bitten by a dog, we will evaluate the facts of your case to determine if legal liability can be established and, if so, the potential value of your claim.
Determining liability in dog bite cases
If a dog over six months old runs at large (meaning unaccompanied by a person) and bites someone, the owner is liable for the victim’s injuries. The same holds true when a dog that is classified as a dangerous dog bites a person. This is sometimes referred to as the “one-bite rule,” because it requires some awareness of the animal’s propensity to attack people. Even in cases where neither of these factors is present, dog owners can be liable for negligence depending on the specific facts of the situation. There are also instances where owners would have strong defenses to liability, such as if the person bitten was knowingly trespassing, was teasing or tormenting the dog or was in the act of committing a crime. Our attorneys will investigate the circumstances to discover whether negligence can be proven. If so, we will advocate strongly to get you a legal remedy.
Dog bite claim assessment and value
The value of a dog bite claim is generally based on the extent of a person’s injuries and damages. Damages are the losses you have suffered from being attacked. They can include the following:
- Payment of medical expenses
- Lost wages if you miss work while recovering
- Loss of earning capacity if you cannot work anymore
- Physical and mental pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and distress
Statute of limitations for North Carolina injury claims
Following a dog bite, there is a deadline for filing a claim, called the statute of limitations. It is three years from the date of the incident. If you fail to file within this time period, you likely will lose your right to legal relief. If you’ve been bitten by someone else’s pet, you should reach out to us as soon as possible so that critical evidence can be located.
