Lincolnton Dog Bite Lawyer

Lincolnton Dog Bite Attorney

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog (or otherwise attacked by a domesticated animal) in the Lincolnton area, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your injuries. A Lincolnton dog bite lawyer from the Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, could help you get it.

Dog bites can range from minor incidents requiring no more than basic first aid to extremely serious situations resulting in serious tissue damage and long-term emotional trauma. In the most extreme cases, dog attacks can even result in fatalities and wrongful death lawsuits. The Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, offers a team of dedicated Lincolnton personal injury attorneys who are ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Enlist the Support of a Skilled Animal Attack Attorney

When you choose to hire us for your dog bite case, we will put your goals and priorities first. For dog attack claims, this typically means seeking the maximum possible settlement, one which includes coverage for your medical bills, lost income, mental anguish, and any other legally compensable factors.

In addition to maximizing your settlement, we also strive to get our clients’ cases resolved on the most expeditious timeline possible so that they can quickly secure the funds they need to support themselves and their families while they heal from their injuries. We often try to achieve this through our peerless negotiation skills but are equally ready to litigate fiercely in court if a collaborative settlement agreement cannot be reached in your case.

No matter how complex or contentious your North Carolina dog bite case may be, you can trust that the Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, is well-equipped to help you navigate it successfully.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in North Carolina

In North Carolina, as in many other states, the owners of dogs and other pets can be held liable for injuries and other damages caused by their animals. The law allows you to take action against the owner of a dog that attacks you. Note that whether your attacker is a dog or another person, these civil actions are completely separate from any criminal charges that might stem from the same situation.

Where dog bite injuries are concerned, North Carolina operates on a “one bite” principle. This essentially means that a pet owner can only be held financially responsible for the damages caused by a dog bite if the claimant is able to demonstrate that the bite was the result of the owner’s negligence or willful misconduct.

This is referred to as a “one bite” rule because the courts are typically more lenient and forgiving with dog owners and animals who are experiencing their first issue with aggressive behavior. After that first bite occurs, however, the owner can no longer claim ignorance of the dog’s behavior problems, making a harsh judgment much more likely on a dog’s second biting incident.

This should not be misinterpreted to mean that every dog in North Carolina gets one “free” bite with no consequences. Dog owners can absolutely be held responsible for the injuries caused by a dog’s first-and-only biting incident if the evidence shows that their negligence or wrongdoing was the root cause of the attack.

The framework offered by North Carolina law tries to strike a balance that allows injured parties to seek compensation for damages while also providing some grace for honest mistakes or a dog that gets scared and reacts with uncharacteristic aggression to an unfamiliar situation. Despite these safeguards, very substantial sums can indeed be awarded to dog bite victims in North Carolina, so long as the evidence supports the injured party’s claims.

Dangerous Dog Bite Case

Another important legal concept to understand when looking at North Carolina dog bite cases is the state’s “Dangerous Dog” classification. This is important because the owners of “dangerous” dogs have special legal responsibilities that they must follow in order to keep their animals. The distinction can also play a major factor in settling a dog bite injury case.

In North Carolina law, a “dangerous dog” is one that meets one or more of the following criteria:

• A dog that has, in the past, severely injured or killed a human being without provocation.
• A dog specifically trained for fighting or trained in some other manner designed to deliberately bring out aggressive tendencies.
• A dog that was deemed “potentially dangerous” in a previous proceeding and whose behavior has not improved.

The “one bite” rule cannot be applied to these so-called dangerous dogs because their aggressive tendencies or behavioral issues are already known. Owners of known dangerous dogs therefore find themselves in a position much closer to strict liability when their animals attack someone.

Dog Bite Lawyer FAQs

Q: How Much Compensation Do You Get for a Dog Bite?

A: The amount of compensation you get for a dog bite in North Carolina varies drastically from case to case. Some dog bites are not legally compensable at all, while others can result in very substantial settlements or judgments in favor of the injured party. This mostly depends on the specific circumstances of the dog attack, the dog’s behavioral history, and the quality of your legal strategy.

Q: Why Do People Sue for Dog Bites?

A: People sue for dog bites in Lincolnton because they want–and deserve–financial recompense for the injuries and emotional trauma they’ve suffered. Large financial awards for serious dog bite injuries don’t just help support the injured party while they heal; they also send a clear and important message to negligent dog owners.

Q: Is There a Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, there is a statute of limitations for dog bites of three years. This means that you may not be able to file a claim for a dog bite if three years has passed since the incident. It’s advised to seek help from an experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible so a successful case can be built from the evidence.

The Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC: Your Trusted Lincolnton Dog Bite Team

If you’ve been injured by a dog (or other domesticated animal) in the Lincolnton area or surrounding Catawba, Burke, and Caldwell counties, please don’t hesitate to contact us for help. The first step is a compassionate consultation to discuss the details of your case. We can then evaluate the situation and let you know whether we might be able to help you seek a substantial compensation package for your dog bite injuries.