Statesville Dog Bite Lawyer

Statesville Dog Bite Attorney

Dog bites can be completely unprovoked and unexpected. In rare cases, an attack could even result in death. If a dog owner’s negligence led their unleashed, dangerous pet to approach and attack you, you may be able to take legal action to seek monetary compensation. In order to ensure that you hold the dog’s owner accountable, you can hire a Statesville dog bite lawyer who understands the state’s laws as they pertain to dog attacks.

What Is North Carolina’s One-Bite Rule?

In North Carolina, the “one-bite rule” generally shields dog owners from liability for their dog’s first bite unless they have prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressiveness. However, if the dog has bitten someone before, the owner can be held accountable for subsequent bites. While this rule limits liability for owners of dogs with no history of aggression, exceptions exist.

Dog owners may be strictly liable if the dog was running loose or if the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. This means victims can pursue damages even in a first-bite scenario if the owner is aware of the dog’s propensity to bite.

What Should I Do If I Am Bitten By a Dog?

Being attacked by an animal can be a shocking and traumatizing experience. However, being aware of the steps to take following an attack can help you strengthen your legal claim should you choose to hire an attorney.

• Seek medical attention: Even a minor wound should be checked out to ensure that it does not become infected. Your first priority should be to seek medical attention. If you are bleeding and unable to drive safely, call 911 or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room.
• Report the incident: A serious dog bite should be reported both to animal control and law enforcement. Both may investigate to see if a local ordinance or criminal law was violated. Failing to report the incident could place other people at risk if the dog attacks again. The police report may also prove useful as evidence if you choose to take legal action against the dog owner.
• Gather evidence: Gathering evidence can help you later when negotiating a settlement with the dog owner or their homeowner’s insurance provider. If you decide to take legal action, evidence can help rebut any allegations that you were at fault for the incident. Therefore, it’s important to take photos of your injuries. Also, gather witnesses’ contact information and obtain the dog owner’s information.
• Consult with an attorney: If you are unsure about taking legal action, it could be useful to set up a consultation with a lawyer. By talking with a dog bite attorney, you can gain a better idea of whether you have a h2 case. An attorney can explain your rights and the obligations of the dog owner.

Damages You Can Seek in a Dog Bite Claim

If you do decide to take direct legal action against the owner of the dog, you can seek monetary compensation for multiple damages, including:

• Medical expenses: This includes all medical treatment costs for your injuries, including hospital bills, doctor visits, and prescription medications.
• Lost wages: You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or reduced earning capacity if your injuries keep you from returning to work.
• Pain and suffering: This encompasses compensation for emotional distress, physical pain, and other non-economic damages you suffered due to the dog bite.

In order to receive these damages, you must meet North Carolina’s three-year statute of limitations, which applies to dog bite cases and the majority of personal injury claims.

FAQs

Q: Is North Carolina a One-Bite State?

A: North Carolina is a one-bite state when it comes to dog bite liability cases. Therefore, dog owners may not be held liable when their pet bites someone for the first time. There are exceptions to that rule, however, and an attorney can examine your case to see if you have grounds for taking legal action against the owner of the dog who bit you.

Q: What Is the Dog Bite Law in North Carolina?

A: Dog bite law in North Carolina requires owners to secure their dogs on their property and to take steps to prevent their dogs from injuring anyone. The state provides definitions for “dangerous” and “potentially dangerous” dogs. North Carolina’s personal injury laws also allow injured parties to sue the owners of the dog when certain conditions are met.

Q: Why Do People Sue for Dog Bites?

A: There are several reasons why people pursue legal action for dog bites, with the primary motive being to seek financial compensation. Dog bites often result in significant injuries, leading to extensive medical expenses. By suing dog owners, victims can hold them responsible for their negligence. In addition, legal intervention could help prevent future dog attacks that could otherwise be tragic and avoidable.

Q: Can I Sue Someone If I Was Invited to Their Property and Their Dog Bit Me?

A: Yes, you can sue someone for a dog bite even if they invited you onto their property as a guest. If you enter someone’s house and they have a dog, it is reasonable to assume that they would not allow a dangerous dog to bite you. Premises liability laws mean that anyone who is injured while on someone else’s property can hire an attorney to examine the facts of the case. Property owners have a duty of care to prevent accidents like dog bites.

Schedule Your Statesville Dog Bite Lawyer Consultation Today

Dog bites can lead to serious physical and mental harm. However, your injuries do not have to be life-threatening to have grounds for suing the dog’s owner. Moreover, psychological trauma can be just as harmful to the victim as any physical injury.

The first step when holding the dog owner accountable is to hire a personal injury attorney who understands how to obtain fair monetary compensation for injured clients.

At Law Office Of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, we take pride in helping Statesville and Catawba, Burke, and Caldwell County residents receive fair compensation for their injuries following a dog bite. That may mean negotiating with an insurance company on your behalf or taking direct legal action against the owner of the dog who bit you. Whatever legal services you need, we’re here to help. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.