Call Us Now
Email Us Now
Chatham County, NC (May 21, 2026) – An 85-year-old woman died after three dogs attacked her in Chatham County on Tuesday, May 19. The attack happened around 11 a.m. in the 200 block of Alston Road near Apex.
The victim was identified as Betty Alston. Her daughter told reporters that Alston was in her own yard when the dogs attacked her. A family member later found the dogs near Alston’s body and scared them away.
Investigators have not said where the dogs came from. The animals have been removed, and authorities confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community.
The North Carolina Medical Examiner is working to determine the official cause of death. More details may be released as the investigation continues.
Our hearts go out to the Alston family during this tragic time.
Can a Family Sue After a Fatal Dog Attack in Chatham County, NC?
Yes, in North Carolina, a family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the dog’s owner after a fatal attack. The claim must be brought by a personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. North Carolina grants families three years from the date of death to file.
North Carolina follows a version of the one-bite rule for dog attacks. Under this rule, an owner may not be liable if the dog had no prior history of aggression. However, if the dog was running at large or the owner knew the dog was dangerous, strict liability may apply regardless of past behavior.
In Chatham County, many residential roads like Alston Road sit on large rural lots where dogs may roam freely. Homes along routes like U.S. 64, U.S. 15-501, and North Carolina Highway 87 are sometimes set far back from the road. Dogs off their property and off leash can create serious risks for neighbors, walkers, and others nearby.
After a fatal dog attack, a family may be able to seek compensation for funeral costs, medical bills, lost income, and other damages. North Carolina also allows families to seek compensation for the loss of companionship. In some cases, the claim may also include the pain the person experienced before death.
Since North Carolina is a contributory negligence state, even a small share of blame can prevent recovery under this rule. That makes early documentation, witness statements, and animal control records especially important.
If a dog that attacked (or even killed) someone belonged to a neighbor or was a stray dog that someone had been feeding or housing, identifying the responsible party is a key first step. Local animal control records, prior complaints, and witness accounts can help show whether someone knew or should have known about the risk.
A wrongful death attorney can guide families through the legal process after a fatal dog attack. That may include identifying the dog’s owner, reviewing animal control records, and gathering witness statements. Legal guidance can also clarify what options may be available and what evidence may be needed to move forward.
Our team at Brent Adams & Associates has experience helping families across North Carolina after serious injury and wrongful death cases. We can help you understand how liability, insurance issues, and filing deadlines may affect your case.
If you lost a loved one in a dog attack, you can call Brent Adams & Associates at (910) 249-6891 to speak with our team.
Note: This article is based on information gathered from publicly available sources and reports. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, some details may change as additional facts become available. If you believe any part of this content is inaccurate or incomplete, please contact Brent Adams & Associates so it can be reviewed and updated accordingly.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. Reading this article does not establish an attorney-client relationship, nor should it be interpreted as a solicitation for legal services. If you have been injured or require legal guidance, you should seek immediate medical care and consult a qualified attorney. Any images used are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual individuals, vehicles, or locations involved in the incident.
