Dog Bites
North Carolina dog bite and animal attack lawyers
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year.
- Almost one in five of those who are bitten—a total of 885,000—require medical attention for dog bite-related injuries.
- Each year, more than 30,000 people undergo reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs.
While many dog bites result in minor injury and go unreported, multiple fatalities also take place every year from extremely vicious dog attacks.
Unfortunately, children are the most common dog bite victims, and their faces are the most frequently targeted areas. A serious face injury can result in scarring, disfigurement, or nerve damage. Deep wounds inflicted during an animal attack, along with crushed or broken bones, need immediate medical attention. Depending on the situation, the psychological trauma may be worse than the actual physical injury.
Understanding your rights
Local statutes along with state laws dictate how the courts rule on dog bite cases. Negligence laws differ in North and South Carolina, and some outcomes depend on whether the victim contributed to the negligence or not. A one-bite law is in effect in North Carolina, providing a greater leniency for the first time a dog bites.
On the other hand, South Carolina has a strict liability dog bite law, and the owner is liable for his or her dog biting no matter what the circumstances are. Various local areas have leash laws or running-at-large laws that determine the ability of the court to hold the owner responsible. Nuances in the law make seeking legal counsel very important, and a skilled attorney can help you understand your rights.
How representation helps you recover damages
Our personal injury lawyers are powerful advocates and experienced litigators with decades of experience representing clients in dog bite cases. We file most claims under homeowner’s insurance coverage and often seek recovery of the following damages:
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If you or a loved one has been seriously injured from a dog bite, find out how we can help.
