Hickory Dog Bite Lawyer

Experienced Dog Bite Injuries Attorney in Hickory, NC

Most people in the Hickory area enjoy interacting with dogs, whether at the St. Stephens Dog Park, at friends’ and neighbors’ homes, or while walking through their neighborhoods. However, dogs can bite and cause serious injuries unexpectedly, and it is crucial to know your legal options if this happens to you or a loved one. A skilled Hickory dog bite lawyer is a crucial resource after you or a family member has been injured by someone else’s dog.

Representing Victims of Dog Bites in Hickory, NC

The attorneys at Roberts Law Firm, P.A. have nearly 40 combined years of experience representing injured clients in Hickory and the surrounding communities of Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba Counties. When a dog bites and injures someone, North Carolina law determines whether the dog owner is liable for the resulting damages based on the dog’s history. It’s vital to understand how these laws affect your case and what type of compensation you could recover.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 4.5 million people suffer dog bites throughout the US each year. In 2023, insurance companies paid out more than $1.12 billion in compensation for claims pertaining to dog bites. Your Hickory dog bite attorney can help you determine which dog bite laws apply to your case and how you can recover compensation for your damages.

When a dog attacks someone, the victim could suffer severe injuries not only from the dog, but also from the secondary impact of hitting the ground. Victims of dog attacks may suffer broken bones, head injuries, damage to internal organs, as well as puncture wounds, crushing injuries, nerve damage, and injuries that may require the assistance of a dedicated back injury lawyer, in addition to lacerations from the dog’s teeth and claws. Your attorney can help you pursue accountability and compensation for your damages after such an incident.

Building Your Dog Bite Case in Hickory

North Carolina’s dog bite laws are more complex than in other states. There is a “One Bite” rule that generally protects a dog owner from liability, but only the first time their pet bites someone. However, a dog owner can be liable for a bite if they were negligent in the handling of their dog, and strict liability applies if a dog that is known to be dangerous bites or otherwise injures someone. Your attorney will help you determine which laws apply to your case.

The plaintiff in a dog bite case must also show that they were lawfully present wherever the attack occurred, and they must not have intentionally provoked the dog in any way. Your Hickory dog bite attorney can help you establish fault for your damages and then calculate the full extent of the economic and non-economic losses you are eligible to claim from the defendant.

Ultimately, dog attacks are damaging and traumatic. Many victims struggle with intense physical and psychological effects from these incidents, and if you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, you are likely to wonder about your legal options for claiming compensation. The team at Roberts Law Firm, P.A. can provide guidance and support, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn more about the legal services we offer for dog bite cases in Hickory.

FAQs

What Happens to the Dog After it Bites Someone in North Carolina?

After a dog bites someone in North Carolina, state law requires the owner to surrender the dog for a ten-day quarantine period. During this period, the dog will be examined to determine whether it carries rabies or other infectious diseases and to evaluate its temperament. Usually, the dog is returned to its owner after this quarantine, but if it is determined to be dangerous, the court may order it to be euthanized.

What Damages Can You Claim in a Dog Bite Case in Hickory?

In Hickory, the damages you can claim in a dog bite case depend on the nature and severity of the harm the dog has caused. You may have grounds to claim compensation for medical expenses, and you can also claim lost income if you are unable to work while you recover from your injuries. Additionally, an injured plaintiff has the right to claim compensation for the pain and suffering they have experienced.

What Does Contributory Negligence Mean in a Dog Bite Case?

In a dog bite case, contributory negligence means that the plaintiff bears some liability for the attack in question. For example, if the evidence shows the plaintiff abused or otherwise provoked the dog, contributory negligence is likely applicable. Under North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence law, any fault on the part of the plaintiff disqualifies them from claiming compensation from the defendant, even if the plaintiff is found only slightly at fault.

How Long Does it Take to Settle a Dog Bite Claim in Hickory?

In Hickory, the time it could take to settle a dog bite claim depends on the specifics of the case, whether liability is disputed, and the scope of damages sought by the plaintiff. Your Hickory dog bite lawyer can explain what to expect as your case unfolds and help you resolve your case as efficiently as possible, hopefully reducing the time you must wait to receive compensation for your damages.

Why Should I Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?

You should hire a dog bite lawyer to increase your chance of reaching a favorable outcome in your case. Even if liability for the incident seems clear to you, holding the defendant accountable is likely to be far more difficult than you expect. You need a skilled attorney on your side to help you accurately calculate the full extent of the damages you are eligible to claim and guide you through your case as smoothly as possible.

Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyer Team to Discuss Your Case

Roberts Law Firm, P.A. has a strong record of successfully handling many types of personal injury cases for clients in Hickory and throughout the surrounding areas of North Carolina. If you or a loved one has been injured by someone else’s dog, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Hickory dog bite lawyer.

Hickory, NC Dog Bite Related Resources:

• Dog Bite Laws in NC: What Victims Need to Know