What to Do After a Dog Bite in North Carolina?

Getting attacked and bitten by a dog is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can face in North Carolina—especially for a young person. Whether you were visiting a friend in Leland and their family pet attacked you and caused injury, or you were out for a walk in Greenlawn Memorial Park in Wilmington and were approached and bitten by a dog, you need to know what to do after a dog bite in North Carolina. A abogado de lesiones personales is here to protect your rights.

Steps to Take After Suffering a Dog Bite Injury in North Carolina

Across the United States, 95 million households own at least one dog. We think of these animals as an extension of our family. The sobering reality is that over $1.5 billion is paid out by homeowner’s insurance companies for dog attacks every year, and dog bites rank as the 13th highest reason for non-fatal emergency room visits across the country.

When you or a loved one is attacked by a dog, there are certain steps that should be taken, whether or not the animal has a history of aggression. These steps, which can protect both your physical safety and the future of a potential legal claim, incluyen lo siguiente:

• Seek medical care. First and foremost, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some people may be tempted to brush off the bite injury, especially when it doesn’t seem too serious. The truth is, dog bites can quickly become infected, and certain infections can cause serious health conditions and even death. If the bite breaks through the skin of the victim, it needs to be treated by a medical professional right away.
• Report the attack. You should also report the dog attack to your local health department or animal control office right away. According to state law, any dog that attacks and bites a human being is required to undergo a quarantine period. If the dog has had its rabies vaccination, then this time can be spent at home. If not, then the dog will need to be kept at an animal shelter or nearby veterinary hospital.
• Collect owner information. If you are physically capable of taking such action, collect the owner’s name, phone number, and address. You should also ask the owner for proof that the dog is up to date on its rabies vaccinations. If it hasn’t, then you will likely need to experience certain preventive care and treatment for the disease, as rabies is almost 100% fatal in all cases where a human is infected.
• Gather evidence. It is then important that you begin to collect the necessary evidence. This can include pictures of your injuries before seeking treatment, the contact information of any party who may have witnessed the attack, and a photograph of the dog’s rabies vaccination tag, if they are wearing one. If not, this needs to be noted. All of this evidence can work to support your claim should you decide to pursue compensation.
• Consult a lawyer. Finally, if you plan on filing a claim against the dog’s owner, you will want to retain the counsel and representation of a trusted dog bite and personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney is here to help you better understand all of your legal rights and options and improve your chances of securing the fullest and fairest amount of compensation available.

How Dangerous Dogs Are Defined

Carolina del Norte follows a “one-bite rule” when it comes to dog attack injury cases. This means that strict liability is assigned for an animal attack when the dog has been deemed dangerous, often happening when they bite someone. If the animal has bitten someone before, then the owner can be held liable for any subsequent bite injuries that take place.

There are certain exceptions, however, and should you be attacked by a dog that has never shown aggression before, you should still speak with an attorney. To be considered dangerous, a dog needs to have:

• A history of causing severe bite injuries in at least one other case
• Killed or caused severe injury to another domestic animal that was not on the property of the dog’s owner
• Approached an individual when not on the property of the owner in a vicious or violent manner

Preguntas frecuentes

What Damages Can I Recover if I Was Bitten by a Dangerous Dog?

If you were bitten by a dangerous dog in North Carolina, then you may be able to recover certain forms of compensation. The kind of compensation you can recover will likely depend on the severity of your injuries. This compensation can include all related medical bills, lost wages if you are unable to work due to the injuries you’ve sustained, and pain and suffering damages.

What Injuries Are Common in a Dog Attack?

In a dog attack, the most serious and common injuries can include emotional, life-altering trauma, deep puncture wounds, severe lacerations in your skin and muscles, serious, sometimes fatal, infections, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, concussions, nerve damage, internal bleeding, and internal organ damage, spinal cord damage, facial scarring, and other forms of disfigurement.

Does a Dog’s Breed Matter in a Dog Attack Claim?

Technically, no, the breed of the dog will not be taken into account by the courts in a dog bite claim, as the court will be more focused on the dog’s behavior and the responsibility of the owner over specific dog breed stereotypes. However, for dog owners, it is wise to be aware that some homeowner’s insurance companies will not cover attacks by certain breeds, like “bully” breeds.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in NC?

In North Carolina, the amount it might cost to hire a dog bite lawyer or personal injury lawyer will vary on a case-by-case and lawyer-to-lawyer basis. However, most victims can expect certain factors to impact the final cost analysis of their attorney, including the duration and complexity of the case and the education and skill level of the lawyer.

Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer Today

When the time comes to hire a dog bite lawyer in North Carolina, the attorneys at Christina Rivenbark & Associates are here to protect you. Contact our Wilmington or Leland offices today to book a consultation.