After a Dog Attack, You Deserve Justice
Dog bites can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, and victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of recovery. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. As a trusted North Carolina dog bite lawyer, NC Injury Law is dedicated to helping victims get the compensation they deserve.
We understand the fear, pain, and frustration that come with a dog bite, and our focus is on protecting your rights. With a proven track record of helping dog bite victims across the state, we know what it takes to secure fair settlements.
How a North Carolina Dog Bite Lawyer Helps
A dog bite injury can be overwhelming, and trying to handle everything on your own can make recovery even harder. A North Carolina dog bite lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue a settlement for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Your Dog Attack Lawyer Gathers Evidence
A dog bite attorney helps build your case by collecting and organizing key evidence. This often includes medical records, photos of your injuries, and statements from witnesses who saw what happened. Your lawyer may also review animal control or police reports and look into the dog’s history, including past bites.
Your lawyer will examine the details, such as where the bite occurred, whether the dog was properly restrained, and what safety measures were in place. Medical professionals may provide insight into the severity of the injuries or their lasting effects. This thorough approach can strengthen your position during negotiations or in court.
A Dog Bite Attorney Deals With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies try to minimize dog bite injury claims. They often minimize the severity of the victim’s injuries and emotional trauma. Quick settlement offers may not fully account for losses. Adjusters often ask questions designed to undermine your case.
A North Carolina dog bite lawyer communicates with insurers and negotiates for the compensation you deserve.
Taking a Dog Bite Injury Case to Court
When a fair settlement isn’t possible, a dog bite lawyer can take your case to court. This process allows a judge or jury to consider the evidence and hear your side of the story. Your lawyer can manage each step of the legal process, present the facts clearly, and represent your interests throughout the case.
NC Injury Law: Trusted Dog Bite Attorneys
Our dog bite lawyers have helped countless victims. We’ve sat with parents whose children were mauled by pit bulls, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and mixed breeds. We’ve listened to adults describe the terror of being attacked by vicious dogs.
We understand the impact of animal attacks and are here to fight for victims.
25+ Years Fighting for Dog Attack Victims – Our legal team has handled hundreds of animal attack cases. We understand North Carolina’s dog bite laws.
Access to Medical Experts – Dog bite injuries require specialized treatment. Our dog bite lawyers work with plastic surgeons, infectious disease specialists, hand surgeons, orthopedic specialists, and psychologists who document the full extent of your injuries.
Proven Track Record – We’ve recovered over $50 million for North Carolina injury victims, including substantial dog bite settlements.
No Fees Unless You Win – Our dog bite lawyers work on a contingency basis. You pay nothing upfront, no hourly fees, no costs. We only get paid when you receive compensation.
North Carolina Dog Bite Law
North Carolina has specific rules about when a dog owner is liable if you’re attacked. A dog bite lawyer can explain how these laws apply to your situation and help you understand your legal options.
Strict Liability for Dangerous Dogs
According to N.C. Gen. Stat. §67-12 and Stat. §67-4.1, dog owners are automatically responsible for bites:
- If a dog bites you between sunset and sunrise while off the owner’s property and not under reasonable control.
- If the dog meets the legal definition of “dangerous.”
A dog is considered dangerous if it has killed or severely injured a person without provocation, severely injured a domestic animal off the owner’s property, or has been declared potentially dangerous by animal control due to aggressive behavior.
Strict liability means you do not have to prove the owner knew the dog was aggressive.
One Bite Rule
People often hear that North Carolina follows a “one bite rule,” meaning a dog owner gets one free pass before being held responsible. That idea is oversimplified and can be misleading.
For a first bite:
The injured person usually must show that the dog owner knew, or should have known, the dog could be dangerous. Evidence can include past aggressive behavior such as growling, snapping, or lunging, past bites, or statements describing the dog as aggressive or overly protective.
After a documented bite:
Once a dog has bitten someone, it is typically considered dangerous under the law. If the same dog attacks again, the owner has little room to deny responsibility because they were already aware of the risk and failed to prevent another injury.
Landlord and Property Owner Liability for Dog Attacks
Sometimes the dog’s owner isn’t the only one who could be responsible for a bite. Landlords can be held responsible if they allow dangerous dogs on their property, especially when lease rules or prior complaints about the dog have been ignored.
Property owners who know a dangerous dog is on their land have a duty to protect visitors from potential attacks.
Animal rescues and shelters may also be liable if they adopt out a dog with a known history of aggression and don’t share that information.
Our dog bite attorneys look at all possible parties who could be responsible.
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
If you’ve been injured by a dog, you can recover damages for the losses and hardships caused by the attack. A dog bite lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a claim. Compensation is meant to cover not only the immediate costs of your injury but also the long-term effects it may have on your life.
In general, compensation for dog bite injuries can include:
- Medical expenses – bills for emergency care, surgeries, therapy, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost income – wages you miss while recovering from your injuries.
- Pain and suffering – physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack.
- Disfigurement and permanent scarring – lasting injuries that affect your appearance or quality of life.
- Punitive damages – in cases where the dog owner acted with extreme recklessness or disregard for safety.
A dog bite attorney can help evaluate your case and work to recover the maximum settlement.
What to Do If a Dog Bites You
A dog bite can be frightening and painful, but taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and your legal rights. Acting quickly after an attack can reduce the risk of infection, document your injuries, and preserve key evidence.
- Seek medical attention – Even minor bites can become infected. You may need a rabies vaccine. Get treatment and follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Report the bite – Notify local animal control or the police to create an official record of the attack.
- Document your injuries – Take photos of bite wounds, bruising, and scratches. Keep copies of all medical records and bills.
- Gather information – Write down the dog owner’s contact details and the names of any witnesses while the details are fresh.
- Contact a dog bite lawyer – An experienced lawyer can explain your rights and guide you through the claims process.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Our team at NC Injury Law is here to help you.
Dog Bite Attorney Frequently Asked Questions
What if the dog owner claims I provoked the attack?
Dog owners often try to shift blame to avoid responsibility, and this happens frequently in cases involving children. Under North Carolina law, however, “provocation” has a narrow legal definition. It generally means deliberately abusing or tormenting the dog—not simply petting it, being nearby, or walking past it.
A dog bite injury lawyer can investigate what happened, review the evidence, and counter attempts to blame you unfairly for the attack.
How much does a dog bite lawyer cost?
You pay nothing upfront when hiring a dog attack lawyer at NC Injury Law. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning your lawyer only gets paid if you receive compensation. This allows you to get legal help without worrying about out-of-pocket costs.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the injury. If you miss the deadline, the court will generally dismiss the case. It’s important to contact a dog bite attorney as soon as possible. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence before it disappears.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you are bitten by a dog in North Carolina, don’t wait to get legal help. At NC Injury Law, our experienced team has handled dog bite cases for over 25 years. We will guide you through every step of the legal process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, so you can focus on your recovery. Let us fight for the justice you deserve.
Call (800) 800-8000 or fill out our online form now for a free case evaluation.
