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Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are widely known as โ€œmanโ€™s 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.

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Dog bites can be serious injuries

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.

Man with an injured arm wrapped in a brace

Dog Bites Can Be Catastrophic. You Need an Injury Lawyer Who Will Make a Difference.

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 ownerโ€™s 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.

Two dogs attacking eachother

Experienced North Carolina Dog Bite Lawyers Are On Your Side

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 youโ€™re 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, weโ€™ll get your life back on track.

What to Do After Suffering a Dog Bite

If a dog has bitten you, it's essential to take the following steps:

  1. Clean the wound: Wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible. This helps reduce the risk of infection.
  2. Apply an antiseptic: After cleaning, apply a topical antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide or iodine to the wound.
  3. Control bleeding: If the wound is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding.
  4. Seek medical attention: Even if the bite seems minor, seeing a healthcare professional is crucial. They will assess the wound, determine if stitches are needed, and provide treatment to prevent infection.
  5. Report the bite: If the dog is unfamiliar or if you don't know the dog's vaccination status, report the bite to your local animal control or health department. This is important for tracking and ensuring the dog doesnโ€™t pose a rabies risk.
  6. Monitor for signs of infection: Watch for signs such as increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth around the wound, or pus. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical attention promptly.
  7. Follow-up: Follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider, such as taking antibiotics if prescribed, keeping the wound clean and dry, and attending any follow-up appointments.

Dog bites can lead to severe infections and complications, so it's better to be cautious and seek medical care promptly.

Dog barking in a fenced in yard

Know Your Rights as a Dog Bite Victim

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:

01

Right to Seek Compensation

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.

02

Right to File a Lawsuit

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.

03

Strict Liability 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 dogโ€™s potentially aggressive tendencies.

04

One-Bite Rule

In North Carolina, there is a โ€œone 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.

05

Emotional and Psychological Damages

You may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress or psychological trauma resulting from the dog bite.

06

Reporting to Authorities

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:

  • Document the Incident: Take photos of your injuries, where the bite occurred, and any visible signs of negligence (e.g., broken fences, lack of warning signs).
  • Seek Medical Attention: Even if the bite seems minor, seeing a doctor creates a medical record that can support your claim.
  • Keep Records: Keep copies of medical bills, medication receipts, and any other expenses related to the incident.
  • Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer: A personal injury lawyer can provide guidance specific to your situation and help you understand your legal options.

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.

Get a Free, No Obligation consultation today.

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Does North Carolina Follow the One Bite Rule?

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 Carolinaโ€™s one-bite rule means:

  1. Strict Liability: A dog owner can be held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog if the victim can prove that the dog previously exhibited dangerous behaviors or tendencies, such as aggression or biting.
  2. Negligence: Even if the dog has not previously bitten anyone, the owner can still be held liable if they were negligent in controlling their dog or preventing the attack.
  3. Leash Laws and Ordinances: In areas where leash laws or ordinances require dogs to be restrained, violations of these laws can also contribute to the owner's liability.

Talk With Us For Free

If youโ€™ve been injured in a dog bite incident, donโ€™t 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 donโ€™t 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.

Donโ€™t 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.

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