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A dog bite can drastically alter the course of your life in a matter of seconds. A dog may provide little warning that it’ll act aggressively, and the shock of the attack can cause lifelong physical injuries and permanent emotional distress. As if the pain isn’t enough, you’ll also have financial concerns. Expenses related to the bite can quickly pile up, leaving you wondering how you’ll afford everything while recovering from your injuries. 

Thankfully, you may not have to shoulder the costs on your own. You can seek compensation after a dog bite — but the laws surrounding these attacks are complex, and we don’t recommend tackling it alone. A North Carolina dog bite attorney can ease stress by helping you navigate the process and obtain the payment you deserve. No amount of money will undo the dog bite, but a lawsuit can aid your recovery as you continue to improve.

Dog bites vary in severity. In the mildest cases, the bite doesn’t break the skin, significantly reducing the infection risk. But even injuries from mild dog bites — especially on the neck, face, hands, and feet — can worsen. In the most serious instances, a dog bite can cause permanent disfigurement or fatalities. If you’re the victim of a bite that breaks the skin, you’ll need immediate medical care, even if you don’t feel like the injury is serious. A medical provider will treat the wound with antibiotics and offer necessary vaccinations to reduce the risk of infection. 

North Carolina Dog Bite Laws

North Carolina follows the “one-bite” rule for dog bites, which means that dog owners aren’t liable if their dog bites someone for the first time. The idea is that the law shouldn’t punish an owner if they did not know that the dog would act aggressively. But this doesn’t mean they’re automatically off the hook, as exceptions exist. North Carolina county and city ordinances vary, which is why consulting with a knowledgeable lawyer is essential.

An owner may claim they have no knowledge of a dog’s aggressive temperament, but if there’s evidence that they knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous because of past behavior, they can be found liable. The dog owner may try to conceal this evidence by saying they had no idea the dog might be prone to biting, but that can be easily disproved in some circumstances. 

North Carolina also follows strict liability for dog bites, meaning that an owner of a dangerous dog is considered at fault after an attack. A dangerous dog has injured or killed someone unprovoked, approached someone in a vicious or terrorizing manner while not on the owner’s property, trained or owned for dog fighting, or killed or injured a domestic animal off the owner’s property. If a dog is considered dangerous, the owner is strictly liable — even if they claim they didn’t know the dog was a risk. 

You should also consider the state’s contributory negligence law. Under this rule, a victim cannot recover damages if they contributed to the accident in any way. Someone who is only slightly at fault is barred from receiving compensation. The defense sometimes argues that a victim provoked a dog into biting, even if it’s untrue. As you can see, the laws surrounding the topic are complicated.

Compensation You Can Recover After a Dog Bite

Once you start to consider all the financial implications of a dog bite attack, you’ll wonder what you’ll be able to recover. There are both economic damages, like medical expenses, which you can quantify. Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, don’t have a dollar amount directly attached. Your attorney will help you determine what compensation is fair.  

Medical Expenses: The average dog bite victim will rack up thousands of dollars in medical bills. In more acute cases, someone may be on the hook for much more than that. An attorney can help you get compensation to account for your expenses. 

Pain and Suffering: Post-traumatic stress disorder may develop after a dog bite, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. You may struggle to move forward because of the distressing memories of the attack.

Lost Wages: If you spend time away from work while recovering, you can ask for compensation to replace lost wages. You may also account for future earnings if your injuries impact your ability to work down the road.

Effect on Employment: If you continue to work but your injuries prevent you from operating at full capacity, you’ll consider this when filing a lawsuit and determining how much you want to receive.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When a dog bite injury makes it difficult to enjoy activities that once brought you pleasure — say, going on a hike, traveling, or engaging in hobbies — you’ll be allowed to ask for compensation. 

Disfigurement: Dog bites regularly cause permanent scarring and damage, which can cause significant physical and emotional distress. You’ll likely need medical documentation of the injury and how it will affect your life in the future.

What To Do After A Dog Bite

After a dog bite, you should prepare to take several steps. First, you should seek medical attention and ensure that the injury is documented. Medical records are an essential part of any dog bite claim. You must also get the owner’s information — their homeowners’ insurance may cover medical expenses if the incident happened on their property. You should also plan on reporting the incident to your local health department to ensure the dog is adequately quarantined.

Contacting a North Carolina dog bite lawyer is essential after a dog bite. The laws are complex and vary by region, so finding an attorney who is expertly familiar with the intricacies of dog bite laws is a must. Importantly, a dog bite lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. Whitley Law Firm Injury Lawyers has over 80 years of combined legal experience and represents dog bite victims across North Carolina. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, which means we don’t receive anything unless we win your case. Call (919) 785-5000 or contact us online to schedule a free evaluation. 

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