At Speaks Law Firm, we help victims of animal attacks by seeking compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Do You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in North Carolina?
If you have been injured by a dog bite, you may be experiencing a mix of pain, shock, and trauma, and you may feel unsure or hesitant regarding your next steps. Dog bite injuries can be catastrophic and even deadly. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are 4.5 million dog bites annually in the United States, and 20% of those bites become infected. Given these dangerous implications, you should speak with a dog bite lawyer if you have been the victim of a dog bite in North Carolina.
Despite how cute or harmless a dog may appear, the public is at risk when the animal is untrained, has irresponsible owners, or is genetically predisposed to aggression. Owners should be held accountable when their animals cause a bite injury, as failure to do so can also lead to additional dangerous bite attacks.
Understanding Strict Liability and the “One Bite Rule” in North Carolina
North Carolina follows a combination of the “one bite rule” and strict liability for dog bite injuries. This means a dog’s owner is not liable for a bite if they did not know the animal is dangerous. The owner can then be liable for a victim’s severe injuries once the dog has a record of dangerous behavior, regardless of any effort to prevent the attack. A dog is considered “dangerous” if it has a history of at least one unprovoked attack that led to a person’s severe injury or death.
The following scenarios are exceptions to the “one bite rule,” meaning strict liability would apply immediately:
- The dog was loose at night when the bite occurred
- The dog could be considered potentially dangerous because it had been trained for fighting
- The dog followed the victim for more than 50 feet while growling and barking before the bite incident
- The owner had knowledge that the dog could be dangerous because of its aggressive behavior in the past
Other relevant North Carolina dog laws include:
- Dog owners can be liable for both injuries and property damage
- Owners cannot leave a dangerous dog unattended unless it is secured or safely confined
- Dogs considered “dangerous” must be leashed, muzzled, or restrained when not on the owner’s property
At no cost to you, contact our experienced dog bite attorneys at Speaks Law Firm today to schedule a free case review.
The Speaks Law Firm proudly serves people throughout eastern North Carolina, including Wilmington, Fayetteville, Jacksonville, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Bolivia, Burgaw, Whiteville, Lumberton, Leland, Shallote, New Hanover County, Pender County, Brunswick County, Columbus County, and Robeson County.
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Suffering an injury is incredibly difficult but getting the help you need shouldn’t be. All you have to do is call our office and we’ll start reviewing your claim right away.
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If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you need a fighter in your corner. Our attorneys will fight for the maximum amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages.
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We work on a contingency-fee basis. This means you never have to worry about hidden fees or upfront costs. In fact, we don’t get paid at all unless we win for you!
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Why Choose Speaks Law Firm?
Accidents can happen at any time. You can be as careful as you can be, but you can never predict the action of others out on the road. When this happens, you need someone to speak on your behalf to fight for your rights. Speaks Law Firm is here for you.
- Our People. Our team is our main differentiator. We hired each one for their solid background and experience in the field. This all-star cast of talented, dedicated, and accomplished legal professionals cares about your case. With over 20 years of experience, we will do our best to fight for your rights.
- Our Process. We have built collaboration into our process. Our legal professionals were selected to work at the firm due to their experience. They work together to build your case and help you reach your goals.
- Our Commitment. You need someone committed to fighting for your rights after an accident that places you in a vulnerable position. At Speaks Law Firm, our team works hard to provide our clients in Wilmington, NC, and the surrounding areas with sound legal service. We speak for you.
- Free Consultation. Our lines of communication are open. You can set up a free consultation if you need to discuss your personal injury case and find the right legal option for your situation.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in North Carolina
It can be challenging to think clearly after sustaining a dog bite or an attack from another animal. The first priority is your health, so you should seek medical treatment right away following a bite attack. Dog bites can become infected quickly. You should request proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination.
While at the scene, try to document as much as you can about the incident. This includes information about the dog and the identity of the owner. Determine whether any witnesses saw what happened, and collect their contact information to corroborate your story. Also, be sure to take photographs of the injuries from multiple angles.
By reporting the bite to animal control, you can determine whether the dog has a record of violent behavior. This step will also create documentation to support your case, and it can also help others who may be injured by the animal. Contact an experienced North Carolina dog bite attorney at Speaks Law Firm for a free case evaluation.
Potential Barriers to Recovery for Dog Bites in North Carolina
There are exceptions to dog bite liability to be aware of, including:
- Exemption for dogs carrying out official law enforcement duties
- Lawful hunting and other working dog activities where another domestic animal sustained the injury
- The dog was defending the owner against the bite victim
- The injured party was trespassing or attempting to commit a crime
- The injured party was abusing, tormenting, or otherwise provoking the dog
Many of these situations are fact-specific, so please don’t hesitate to contact our office to find out whether you have a personal injury claim.
Homeowners Insurance Companies Often Pay Victims Compensation for Dog Bites
The Insurance Information Institute reports that homeowners’ insurance companies paid $797 million in dog bite claims in 2019. Approximately 85% of homeowners have insurance that covers a multitude of misfortunes, including dog bites.
Victims are sometimes hesitant to seek compensation for a dog bite injury because they don’t want to ruin a friendship or cause tension in the neighborhood. As you search for a dog bite lawyer, remember that it will typically be the insurance company, not the dog owner, that settles your claim.
When a dog or other animal has injured you or a loved one, being able to seek prompt medical attention without the fear of accumulating a mountain of medical bills is essential. Seek proper medical attention immediately, which will also contribute to the documentation of your injuries.
Delays Can Jeopardize Your Dog Bite Case
There are strict time limits that apply to how long you have to file a dog bite claim against an owner in North Carolina. Further, delays can cause evidence and memories to deteriorate. Consulting our lawyers for dog bites as soon as possible can keep your case on track and help you avoid mistakes.
Speaks Law Firm has a successful track record in securing compensation for dog bite injury victims. Put our experience to work for you. Contact us today to schedule a free case review with our legal team in Wilmington, NC.
For more information about how we can help you avoid costly mistakes after an Auto Accident Injury in North Carolina contact us by filling out the “How can we help you?” form at the top of this page.
I was hurt in a car accident in Wilmington, North Carolina. My medical bills are outrageously high. The driver who caused the accident has the minimum insurance limits ($30,000.00) that are required by law. The adjuster has offered to pay the policy limits ($30,000.00). Should I get an attorney? What should I do?
State law requires each vehicle owner to carry at least $30,000.00 of liability insurance coverage. You can purchase more. Many people carry at least $100,000 in liability coverage per person and $300,000 per occurrence.
The liability insurance policy for the vehicle of the responsible driver is required to pay for the medical and other expenses of those who were not at fault. The policy will pay up to the limits of the policy. In other words, where there is $30,000.00 (or $60,000.00) of liability coverage, the insurance company could be required to pay that entire amount, but no more.
Where the damages are greater than the limits of the insurance policy, the injured person must look for other sources of recovery. These are some of the questions your lawyer will ask in order to comprehensively address this complex issue:
- Does the responsible driver have a different liability policy that you could access?
- Was the responsible driver working for his employer at the time of the accident?
- Does the responsible driver have an umbrella insurance policy?
- Does the injured person have underinsured motorist coverage?
- Does the responsible driver have assets that could be seized and sold in order to pay some or all of the judgment beyond the limits of the insurance policy?*
* This particular analysis can be complicated. Before you reject the insurance companies offer to settle the case for the policy limits and proceed with a lawsuit, you must think clearly and carefully. If you were seriously injured by the negligence of another person, you are probably angry. Who could blame you? I would be. Of course, you want the person responsible for the accident to pay for the damage they caused. In fact, the law requires it.
However, ifthe negilgent driver does not have the assets to pay for damages beyond the limits of the insurance policy, you will be wasting valuable time and money. You may want to perform an asset search in order to determine whether this is a viable option. The process of securing and enforcing a judgment can be expensive. If the responsible person does not have sufficient assets, then you will have wasted time and money for no reason.
Where damages exceed insurance coverage you need an experienced personal injury lawyer more than ever. A good lawyer may be able to find additional sources or recovery. He or she may be able to perform an informal asset search. From that he will be able to determine whether you should you accept the policy limits or fight for more.
Even if there is not enough money to pay all of the medical expenses from the available insurance policy, an experienced personal injury attorney can help. He may be able to negotiate down the amount of the outstanding medical bills. He may be able to use financial leverage and statutory laws to get your bills paid and still put a substantial amount of money in your pocket. Call or contact us now to find out how we can help you maximize your recovery in your auto accident and injury case.