Shelby Dog Bite Lawyer

Dedicated Dog Bite Injury Attorney in Shelby, NC

When you or a loved one has been injured by someone else’s dog at the Shelby Dog Park, while visiting a friend at their home, or while walking through your neighborhood, it is vital to know your legal options for recovering compensation. The dog owner may be liable for your injuries, but you need to know the North Carolina dog bite laws that apply to your case and the value of hiring an experienced Shelby dog bite lawyer to handle your case.

Representing Victims of Dog Attacks in Shelby, NC

The team at Roberts Law Firm, P.A. has decades of proven experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases for clients in Shelby and the surrounding communities of Cleveland County. When another person’s dog has injured you or a family member, you have the right to claim compensation for the resulting damages, but it is important to understand North Carolina’s “One Bite” rule and whether this applies to your case.

The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that there are roughly 90 million dogs in the US and about 45% of homes have at least one dog. Every year, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs, and some of these incidents result in severe injuries. In North Carolina, a dog owner may be protected from liability the first time their dog bites someone, but only the first time. After the first bite, they are strictly liable for any harm their dog causes to anyone else.

Our firm can review the details of the incident you experienced, determine which North Carolina dog bite laws apply, and explain your options for claiming compensation. You may be eligible to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation under the strict liability rule if the dog has bitten someone else previously, or you may have grounds to claim damages if the dog owner was negligent in any way that resulted in the incident.

Building a Dog Bite Claim in Shelby

North Carolina’s One Bite rule protects dog owners because any dog can potentially bite someone unpredictably, even if the dog has no known history of aggression. Under this rule, the dog owner is not liable for the first bite, but they will be required to follow specific rules and prevent their dog from harming anyone else in the future. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and it’s important to consult an attorney right away after a dog attack in Shelby.

The dog owner may also be found liable for their pet attacking someone even if the One Bite rule technically applies. If they were negligent in the handling of their dog, or if they allowed the dog off-leash in an unsecured yard without supervision, they can be held liable for the damages their dog caused. A Shelby dog bite lawyer can determine whether you can pursue compensation for your damages and which dog bite laws apply to your case. When the attack occurs on private property, these cases can also intersect with premises liability principles.

If you are eligible to file a personal injury case against the dog owner, then your attorney can help you recover compensation for the economic and non-economic damages you suffered. You could potentially obtain compensation for medical bills and other economic losses, and you also have the right to claim compensation for your pain and suffering. You’re more likely to reach a favorable conclusion to your case with an attorney representing you.

The team at Roberts Law Firm, P.A. has years of experience helping injured clients recover from all types of accidents. We know how traumatic dog attacks can be, and our goal in every case we accept is to help our client recover as fully as state law allows. If you think you have grounds to file a dog bite claim, reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how a Shelby dog bite lawyer can assist you.

FAQs

What Will Happen to the Dog After It Bites Someone in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, after a dog bites someone, it must be medically quarantined so animal control authorities can determine whether it carries rabies or other infectious diseases. After it has been medically cleared, it is returned to its owner. However, if the dog is found to be unmanageably aggressive, or if it poses a threat to public health, the court may order it to be euthanized.

What Are a Dog Owner’s Defenses Against a Dog Bite Claim?

A dog owner’s defenses against a dog bite claim could include the One Bite rule if the dog has never bitten anyone before, but even when this rule does not apply, the dog owner may have other defenses available to them. They may be able to prove that the victim provoked the attack in some way or that they were trespassing. Additionally, North Carolina’s contributory negligence law would prevent a plaintiff from claiming damages if they share fault for their injury.

What Damages Can I Recover From a Dog Bite Claim in Shelby?

The damages you could recover from a dog bite claim include any economic losses you suffered, such as your medical bills and the income you cannot earn during your recovery. You can also claim compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced. A Shelby dog bite attorney can accurately determine the full potential value of your claim.

Why Should I Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Shelby?

You should hire a dog bite lawyer in Shelby to have a better chance of reaching a positive conclusion to this case. Your attorney can help you determine which North Carolina dog bite laws apply to your case, what damages you are eligible to claim, and the greatest potential challenges you could face as your case unfolds. You’re more likely to obtain suitable compensation with an attorney representing you.

Shelby, NC Related Dog Bite Injury 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 Injury Case

The attorneys at Roberts Law Firm, P.A. have more than 40 combined years of experience ready to be applied to your dog bite claim in Shelby. We can help you build your case and pursue compensation for your damages, but it’s vital to get started as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Shelby dog bite lawyer.