Belmont Dog Bite Lawyer

Experienced Dog Bite Injury Attorney in Belmont, NC

Whether you were attacked by a dog at the Daniel Stowe Conservancy Dog Park in Belmont, while walking through your neighborhood, or while visiting a friend at their home, it is crucial to know what to do in the aftermath of the attack. An experienced Belmont dog bite lawyer is the ideal resource to consult. The right attorney can explain North Carolina’s dog bite laws as they apply to your situation and help you recover compensation.

Legal Counsel for Dog Bite Claims in Belmont, NC

The attorneys at Roberts Law Firm, P.A. have more than 40 combined years of experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases in Belmont and surrounding communities of Gaston County, including dog bite cases. When another party is responsible for injuring you or a loved one, you have the right to pursue accountability and compensation. However, there are special rules for dog attacks you must understand if you intend to file a civil claim.

The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that there are about 90 million dogs in the US, and about 45% of homes in the US have at least one dog. Roughly 4.5 million people in the US are bitten by dogs every year, and children are not only more likely to be bitten but also more likely to suffer severe injuries.

Whether you are seeking compensation for your own injury or pursuing legal action on behalf of your injured child or other family member, it is important to hire a dog bite lawyer you can trust as soon as possible after the incident. Your attorney can help you determine your legal options, whether North Carolina’s “One Bite” rule applies to this case, and how much compensation you can legally claim for your damages.

Understanding North Carolina’s Dog Bite Laws

North Carolina enforces what is commonly called a “One Bite” rule, aimed at addressing the fact that even the most well-behaved and good-natured dogs can sometimes act unpredictably. Under this rule, a dog owner is not liable for the first time their dog bites someone. However, after their dog has bitten once, they will be held strictly liable for all damages the next time their dog bites someone. A dog owner can also be held liable for a dog bite due to negligence.

Your Belmont dog bite attorney can review available evidence to help you determine whether the One Bite rule applies to your situation or whether there is a record of the dog attacking someone else. If the dog was known to have bitten in the past, then the dog’s owner will likely be held strictly liable for the resulting damages. If so, your attorney can help you claim compensation for the economic and non-economic losses you suffered.

These cases can be challenging in many ways. Not only may you need to contend with North Carolina’s One Bite rule, but you could also face allegations of provocation or other contributory fault that would eliminate your ability to claim damages.  Ultimately, you have a greater chance of reaching a favorable outcome in your case with a Belmont dog bite attorney representing you.

The Roberts Law Firm, P.A. has the experience you need on your side for this type of case. We have successfully helped many dog bite victims recover, and we are confident we can leverage this experience on your behalf. If you are ready to learn how a Belmont dog bite lawyer can help with your recovery, reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn more about our legal services.

FAQs

What Happens to the Defendant’s Dog After the Bite?

After the bite, the defendant’s dog is required to undergo a quarantine. The dog must be examined for rabies and other infectious diseases, and then it will be released back to its owner if it is cleared. However, the dog owner may be required to follow specific restrictions after this, and if the dog is found to be a serious threat to public health or safety, then the court could order it to be euthanized.

What Are Defenses Against Strict Liability for a Dog Bite?

When strict liability applies to a dog bite case, there are still defenses that a dog owner may use to avoid liability for the victim’s damages. If the victim was illegally trespassing, or if they provoked the dog in any way, then strict liability would not apply. North Carolina also enforces a strict contributory negligence law, meaning if a defendant shares any measure of fault for their personal injury, they are barred from claiming compensation from the defendant.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive From a Dog Bite Claim?

The amount of compensation you can receive from a dog bite claim largely depends on the type of injuries you suffered and whether you have sustained any permanent harm. If the owner is found liable for the attack, you could potentially recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, lost future earning capacity, and the pain and suffering you experienced.

Am I More Likely to Succeed With My Case if I Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?

Yes, you are more likely to succeed with your case if you hire a dog bite lawyer. Even if you believe that strict liability applies and the defendant dog owner is clearly responsible for your damages, you are unlikely to reach a favorable outcome in your case without an attorney’s help. Having legal counsel you can trust significantly improves your chances of reaching a favorable conclusion to your case.

What Does it Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Belmont?

The cost to hire a dog bite lawyer in Belmont depends on your case’s outcome if you choose Roberts Law Firm, P.A. to represent you. We take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no upfront cost for hiring our firm. We only charge a fee if we successfully obtain compensation for your damages. This policy aims to make the legal counsel you need as accessible as possible.

Belmont, NC Related Dog Bite Injuries Resources:

• Dog Bite Laws in North Carolina: What Victims Need to Know
• North Carolina Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

Contact Our Team of Lawyers to Discuss Your Dog Bite Injuries Case

The team at Roberts Law Firm, P.A. has years of experience helping clients in Belmont and throughout Gaston County with all types of personal injury cases, including dog bite claims. You have a short time to pursue compensation for the injuries you suffered, so contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Belmont dog bite lawyer.