Dogs are widely known as โmanโs best friend,โ but not in all cases. Unfortunately, dogs are also capable of causing severe injury and destruction, which happens more than you think. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than 4.7 million Americans suffer dog bites yearly. If you or a loved one has been bitten, contact the experienced Dog Bite attorneys at Daggett Shuler for help now.
Despite their presence in households across the country, dogs retain instincts and behaviors that, under certain circumstances, can result in bites and attacks. These incidents not only cause physical harm but also may result in considerable medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term psychological effects for dog bite victims.
While many dogs are well-behaved and pose no threat to humans, responsible pet ownership and awareness of canine behavior remain crucial in preventing such incidents. The unthinkable could happen when an owner knows that their dog is dangerous but fails to train or restrain it properly.
If a dog bites you or a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, damages, pain and suffering, and more. At Daggett Shuler, our dog bite attorneys are here to protect your rights and best interests as we fight to recover maximum compensation for your experience while you focus on healing. Speak with us for free today.
Regardless of the size and strength of the dog, a dog bite can cause severe damage. For example, bites could sever a finger, damage facial nerves, penetrate body organs, cause infection, and certainly cause emotional trauma. The damage can range from broken and fractured bones to significant scarring and deformities. It is not uncommon for the victim to be so severely injured that surgery is required. If complications arise, injuries could be fatal.
When a dog injures someone, it is the dog ownerโs responsibility. They may have had inadequate fencing or no dog lead, allowing the dog to run free. However, in the case of fencing, the property owner could be the apartment building owner, and the building manager could also be found negligent.
Sometimes, a person keeps a dog knowing it is aggressive and tends to attack certain people. It could target anyone who approaches it, especially children. Liability may also be attributed to a person in charge of the dog at the time of the dog bite. This may be a dog sitter, trainer, or anyone walking or handling the dog.
With an experienced and compassionate North Carolina dog bite lawyer, you can rest assured that you and your dog bite injury case are in good hands. At Daggett Shuler, our dog bite lawyers will secure the full and fair compensation youโre entitled to by law while ensuring that the party responsible for your dog bite injury is held accountable.
The North Carolina dog bite lawyers at Daggett Shuler are here to help those hurt or harmed in an accident through no fault of their own. You need an experienced personal injury law firm that will be in your corner and protect your rights every step of the way. Our mission is to help restore your health and livelihood after a serious injury. Together, weโll get your life back on track.
If a dog has bitten you, it's essential to take the following steps:
Dog bites can lead to severe infections and complications, so it's better to be cautious and seek medical care promptly.
As a dog bite victim, your legal rights can vary depending on the jurisdiction of the incident. Here are some general principles that often apply:
You can seek compensation for medical expenses related to treating the dog bite in many places. This can include hospital bills, doctor's visits, medication costs, and even future medical expenses if ongoing treatment is necessary.
You may have the right to file a lawsuit against the dog's owner or caretaker if their negligence or recklessness led to the dog bite. This could include improperly restraining the dog, failing to warn others of the dog's aggressive tendencies, or violating local leash laws.
Some jurisdictions have strict liability laws for dog bites, meaning the owner is responsible for damages regardless of the dog's history or if the owner knew of the dogโs potentially aggressive tendencies.
In North Carolina, there is a โone bite rule,โ under which the owner may only be liable if they were aware of the dog's dangerous behavior before the incident. However, there are exceptions to the limitations of liability in certain circumstances, such as if hospitalization is required as a result of the bite.
You may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress or psychological trauma resulting from the dog bite.
You have the right to report the dog bite to local animal control or health authorities, especially if the dog poses a risk of rabies or other diseases.
To protect your legal rights as a dog bite victim:
It's important to act promptly after a dog bite because the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the incident. Consulting with a North Carolina lawyer who understands local dog bite laws can explain your rights and help you pursue full and fair compensation.
The "one-bite rule" is a legal principle regarding liability for dog bites. Generally, it suggests that a dog owner is not liable for injuries caused by their dog's first bite or attack unless the owner knew or had reason to know that the dog was likely to cause harm to others. Essentially, it gives dog owners one "free" bite before they can be held legally responsible for damages caused by their dog.
North Carolinaโs one-bite rule means:
If youโve been injured in a dog bite incident, donโt navigate the legal process alone. At Daggett Shuler, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Our experienced team is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need.
Our dedicated personal injury lawyers have extensive experience handling dog bite cases. We understand the complexities involved in these types of cases and are committed to fighting for your rights and seeking the compensation you deserve. Consultations are always free, and we donโt get paid until you do. We want to ensure you have the information you need to make informed decisions about your case without any financial burden.
At Daggett Shuler, we take the time to listen to your story, understand the specifics of your situation, and tailor our legal strategy to fit your needs. Every case is unique, and we are here to offer personalized solutions and compassionate support. You can rely on us for trustworthy and effective legal representation. We are dedicated to advocating on your behalf and ensuring you receive the best possible outcome for your case.
Donโt wait to seek the justice and compensation you deserve for your dog bite. Contact Daggett Shuler now to schedule your free consultation. Our team is ready to help you understand your legal options and guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to protect your rights and secure your future.
Our attorneys have helped clients with legal support through workersโ compensation, Social Security Disability, personal injury, car accident claims, and more. Our clients know that we stand beside them when they are going through a difficult time. Read reviews from real clients, and if you had a positive experience with Daggett Shuler Law, please consider leaving a review.
Contact the attorneys at Daggett Shuler today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can depend on us.