When a dog attack occurs, the physical injuries can be devastating, and the emotional trauma can be just as severe. At Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A., our experienced dog bite lawyers serving Hickory, North Carolina, understand the complex legal, physical, and emotional challenges that dog bite victims face. We’re committed to helping you understand your rights under North Carolina’s dog bite laws and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer in Hickory, NC.
Understanding Dog Bite Incidents in Hickory, NC
Dog bites are more common than many people realize. In North Carolina, dog owners have specific legal responsibilities to control their animals and prevent them from harming others.
North Carolina follows what’s known as a “strict liability with exceptions” approach to dog bite cases. Under NC law, dog owners can be held liable for injuries their pets cause if:
- The dog was previously declared “dangerous” or “potentially dangerous.”
- The dog is over six months old and running at large at night
- The owner violated a local leash ordinance at the time of the attack
Additionally, North Carolina’s contributory negligence laws can affect your case. If you’re found even partially responsible for the attack, it may limit your ability to recover compensation. As such, having an experienced Hickory dog bite lawyer is essential to protect your rights.
The Importance of Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer
After suffering a dog bite in Hickory, working with an experienced dog bite attorney is crucial for several reasons:
- Understanding complex legal standards: North Carolina’s dog bite laws involve nuanced requirements that differ from many other states. The attorneys at Ted A. Greve & Associates understand these complexities and how they apply to your situation.
- Determining liability: We’ll investigate the incident thoroughly to identify all potentially liable parties, including the dog owner, property owner, or even a third-party responsible for the animal.
- Calculating fair compensation: Our team includes medical professionals who can accurately assess the full impact of your injuries, including future medical needs, to prevent you from settling for less than you deserve.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts. Our experienced negotiators will advocate aggressively on your behalf.
- Preparing for litigation: If the insurer does not offer you a fair settlement, our trial-ready attorneys are prepared to take your case to court to pursue the justice you deserve.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks can cause a range of injuries, from minor wounds to life-threatening trauma. Some of the most common injuries we see in Hickory dog bite cases include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations: Even seemingly minor punctures can lead to serious infections.
- Facial injuries: Dog bites often target the face, potentially causing permanent scarring and disfigurement.
- Nerve damage: Deep bites can damage nerves, leading to long-term or permanent loss of sensation or function.
- Broken bones: Powerful dog jaws can fracture bones, particularly in children or elderly victims.
- Infections: Dog mouths harbor numerous bacteria that can cause serious infections, including tetanus and MSRA.
- Emotional trauma: Many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fear of dogs, anxiety, or depression following an attack.
At Ted A. Greve & Associates, our team includes a chiropractic physician who understands the physical impact of these injuries and can help you get appropriate medical care and documentation for your case.
Steps to Take Immediately Following a Dog Bite
Taking the following steps can help protect your health and your claim:
Seek Medical Attention: Ensuring Health and Safety
Even if the wound appears minor, seek medical treatment immediately. Dog bites can cause infections, internal tissue damage, and other complications that aren’t immediately visible. Additionally, medical documentation will be crucial evidence in your case.
If possible, determine whether the dog is current on rabies and other vaccinations. This information can affect your treatment plan and may be relevant to your legal case.
Documenting the Incident: Photos, Witnesses, and Reports
Proper documentation can strengthen your case significantly. If you’re able, take these steps after seeking medical care:
- Photograph your injuries before treatment and throughout the healing process
- Document the location where the attack occurred
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses
- Keep all medical records and bills related to your treatment
- Document any time missed from work and other financial impacts
- Keep a journal detailing your pain, emotional distress, and recovery process
Our Hickory dog bite lawyers can help you gather and organize this documentation to build a strong case.
Reporting the Bite to Local Authorities
In North Carolina, dog bites should be reported to local animal control authorities. This creates an official record of the incident and may help identify whether the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. Animal control can also verify vaccination records and may place the animal under observation if rabies is a concern.
Filing a report doesn’t automatically mean the dog will be euthanized, but it does create an important record that can help establish the owner’s knowledge of their dog’s dangerous tendencies (a key element in many North Carolina dog bite cases).
Legal Process and Requirements for Dog Bite Cases in NC
North Carolina has specific legal requirements that affect dog bite claims:
- Statute of limitations: You generally have three years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation.
- Proving liability: Depending on the specific circumstances, you may need to prove the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
- Comparative negligence: North Carolina follows a contributory negligence standard, meaning if you’re found even partially at fault for the incident, you will be prohibited from collecting compensation.
- Insurance considerations: Many dog bite claims are covered by homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies, but insurance companies often fight these claims aggressively.
Our experienced Hickory dog bite attorneys will guide you through each step of the legal process, from initial investigation through settlement negotiations or trial if necessary.
Call Ted A. Greve & Associates
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Hickory, NC, call Ted A. Greve & Associates today for a free and confidential consultation. There’s no obligation, and taking this step can be the beginning of your journey toward physical, emotional, and financial recovery after a traumatic dog bite incident.
