North Carolina Dog Bite Lawyer

If a dog has bitten you or a family member, you may feel angry and upset as you try to determine what your next steps should be going forward. Dog bites can quickly become infected and lead to other severe medical complications.

Many dog bite injury victims are forced to miss work, incur expensive medical bills, or experience emotional trauma due to the attack. As a result, North Carolina law allows individuals to file for compensation from dog owners who have been negligent in preventing their dog from attacking another person.

For this reason, it is best to hire an experienced dog bite lawyer to review your case and determine the available legal options. Contact the law offices of Brent Adams & Associates of North Carolina and ask to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

What is Strict Liability in North Carolina Dog Bite Cases?

North Carolina law follows the “one bite rule.” Under the one-bite rule, dog owners have strict liability if their animal attacks. Strict liability means they are liable and must pay civil damages for any injuries or property damage their dog inflicts on another individual, animal, or property.

However, North Carolina also states that dog owners are not liable for their dog’s first bite unless they have previous knowledge their animal was aggressive or a danger to others. Nevertheless, if the dog has a history of biting someone else, the owner will most likely be liable.

Some other legal stipulations in strict liability include:

The dog was running at large without a leash or in a secure area.
The owner knew or should have reasonably known the dog was dangerous or predisposed to bite or attack.

North Carolina dog bite laws can be complicated and challenging to navigate without the help of a knowledgeable lawyer who can review the case.

Do I Need a North Carolina Dog Bite Lawyer to File a Claim in a Dog Bite Case?

If you or a loved one, such as a child, have been bitten by a dog, you can file a claim against the dog owner. No law specifically states you must have a lawyer to file a claim. However, hiring a North Carolina dog bite lawyer who clearly understands the state dog bite laws is in your best interest.

The legal system can be overly complex and challenging for individuals who do not have legal training. Considering this, having an experienced North Carolina dog bite lawyer on your side is imperative so you can recover compensation for your injuries.

Additionally, many insurance companies try to blame the victim for the dog attack. Insurance providers are primarily concerned with maintaining their bottom line and not the well-being of those who make claims.

However, a knowledgeable attorney is familiar with the tactics that insurers often use to try and deny or devalue dog bite claims. The dog bite lawyers of Brent Adams & Associates are fearless when it comes to dealing with insurance companies. Our legal team will fight hard to ensure that dog bite victims receive the fair compensation they deserve.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Dog Bite Claim?

Individuals who have been bitten by a dog must seek medical attention immediately. Even a minor bite could lead to a skin infection if left untreated. In many dog bite cases, individuals may suffer large open wounds to their head, face, neck, and lower body. In extreme cases, the victim may also suffer fractures to their upper limbs.

As a result, the dog bite victim have the right to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are granted to dog bite victims to reimburse them for out-of-pocket expenses they incurred due to their injuries. Although the financial amount of damages is dependent on the victim’s expenditures, some of the most common economic damages include:

Lost wages.
Loss of earning potential.
Past and current medical expenses.
Property damage (if applicable).

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are typically awarded based on the unique factors involved in the dog bite attack. It should be understood that every dog bite case is different; therefore, if a settlement is awarded, compensation will vary.

Some of the most common non-economic damages include:

Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Loss of enjoyment of life
Permanent disfigurement and scarring
Loss of consortium

One of the most significant aspects of hiring a dog bite attorney is they can professionally evaluate your case and determine the appropriate amount of financial compensation. Many individuals are unaware that most homeowners insurance policies cover dog bites but may vary depending on how the policy is written.

Brent Adams & Associates has North Carolina dog bite lawyers with years of experience evaluating claims and a proven track record of recovering favorable client results.

Why Should I Choose Your Law Firm For My Legal Needs?

Unfortunately, many dog owners are negligent and do not take responsibility for their animals. As a result, countless individuals in North Carolina are attacked or severely bitten by dogs each year. Even though most people do not like the idea of filing a claim or lawsuit against another person, it is often the only way to hold the liable party accountable for their negligent actions.

Brent Adams & Associates understands that dealing with dog bite injuries can be overwhelming. However, our law firm also strives to fight to help each client obtain the fair compensation and justice they deserve.

If you or a family member has been bitten or attacked by someone else’s dog, you must hire an experienced NC dog bite lawyer to advise you of your rights and determine the available legal options. You pay us no money unless we win the case.

Contact Brent Adams & Associates of North Carolina at 919-781-7590 and ask to schedule a free consultation with a qualified legal team member.