Dogs are our best friends and companions, but an aggressive, uncontrolled, or untrained dog can pose a significant hazard. Dog bites injure thousands of people in North Carolina every year and are the most common cause of ER visits for animal attacks. A dog bite injury can leave you physically and mentally scarred, with expensive medical bills to pay.
If a dog has injured you, contact the attorneys at Ted A. Greve & Associates, P. A. today. Dog owners are responsible for their pet’s behavior, and you may be able to pursue compensation from the owner. We believe that victims shouldn’t have to deal with the consequences of other people’s irresponsible behavior.
Contact us today to speak to a dog bite lawyer in Concord, NC.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Concord, NC
North Carolina’s dangerous dog law governs liability for dog bites. According to this law, owners of a dangerous dog are strictly liable for injuries from their dogs, meaning the injured party does not have to demonstrate that the owner was negligent to recover compensation. A dangerous dog is one that:
- Has killed or seriously injured someone before without provocation or
- Has been determined to be dangerous by a relevant animal control authority
Under these laws, dogs bred or trained for fighting purposes count as dangerous dogs. Dog owners are also strictly liable for damages their dogs cause if they permit their dogs to run at large at night without supervision.
North Carolina’s One-Bite Rule Explained
In cases where strict liability may not apply, common law in North Carolina establishes that bite victims can still recover compensation if they can demonstrate the owner was negligent in controlling their dog. Negligence for dog bites in North Carolina falls under a version of a one-bite rule. If the owner has previous knowledge of their dog’s aggressive behavior and fails to take reasonable precautions when controlling their dog, they can be liable for bite injuries.
The Role of Contributory Negligence in Dog Bite Cases
Dog owners may not be liable for injuries their dogs cause if the bite victim was trespassing or provoked or injured the dog before the event. In North Carolina, the contributory negligence doctrine can completely bar victims from recovering financial compensation even if they share just 1% of the fault for their injuries.
Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite Claim
North Carolina does not have a separate statute of limitations for dog bites, so it is the same as for other personal injury cases. The law allows an injured person three years from the date of injury to sue the at-fault party. If three years elapsed from the date of the bite attack, you won’t be able to file a lawsuit for financial compensation anymore. Hence, it is imperative to move quickly and start the claims process as soon as possible.
Why Hiring a Concord, NC, Dog Bite Lawyer Is Essential
You should always hire a Concord personal injury attorney to manage any dog bite injury claim. An attorney can maximize the chances of getting a successful outcome and minimize the chances that your claim could be denied.
Navigation Through North Carolina’s Dog Bite Laws
Dog bite law in North Carolina is complex, and there are several theories under which a victim could potentially recover compensation. An attorney can help you decide whether strict liability applies in your case or whether bringing a negligence claim would be more effective.
Assistance in Proving Liability and Contributory Negligence
If a dog bite victim is even partially responsible for their injuries, they may not be entitled to recover damages. An attorney can analyze the evidence to build a case and narrative demonstrating your lack of fault and liability.
Immediate Steps to Take Following a Dog Bite in Concord, NC
If you are injured in a dog bite, it is important to act quickly. The sooner you take steps, the sooner you can recover compensation for your injuries.
Seeking Medical Attention: Identifying the Severity of a Dog Bite
The first thing to do is get medical attention for your wounds. Dogs have a powerful bite force, and their sharp teeth can produce irregular tears and lacerations. The most common means of categorizing dog bite severity is the Dunbar Bite Scale, which divides bites into six levels.
- Level 1. No teeth-to-skin contact
- Level 2. Skin-to-teeth contact and slight bleeding
- Level 3. One to four shallow puncture wounds
- Level 4. One to four deep puncture wounds and lacerations
- Level 5. Multiple level 4 injuries from a single attack
- Level 6. Death
Although not necessary, categorizing your injuries on a scale helps insurance companies and courts objectively analyze the extent of your wounds.
Reporting the Bite: When and How to Report to Local Authorities
Once you have received medical attention, you should report the animal to the local authorities, such as the police or animal control. Through reporting, you can identify whether it is a dangerous dog and whether its authorities have cited the owner for the dog’s dangerous behavior before.
Find a Dog Bite Lawyer in Concord
Next, talk to a dog bite attorney in Concord. An attorney can initiate the insurance claims process and provide general legal advice in your situation.
Compensation You Can Seek After a Dog Bite
Dog bite victims have a right to pursue compensation for any losses they suffered because of their injuries. A typical dog bite injury settlement can include money for:
- Emergency and future medical expenses
- Lost income from being unable to work
- Diminished earning capacity due to disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of life enjoyment
How Our Concord, NC, Law Firm Can Help Your Dog Bite Case
Ted A. Greve & Associates, P. A., has been proudly serving the Concord area for years as fierce advocates for the injured. Our attorneys understand how injuries impact lives and can assist you with your claim or lawsuit. Our personalized and empathetic lawyers understand how to effectively fight for your interests and will work tirelessly to recover your due compensation.
Contact Us Today to Schedule Your Free, No-Obligation Consultation
Send us a message online, or call the offices of Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A., today for a free, no-obligation case consultation with a dog bite lawyer in Concord, NC.
