A dog bite can cause serious injuries. If you were the victim of a dog attack, a Raleigh personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.
DeMayo Law Offices has recovered over $1 billion for our clients. A dog bite lawyer in Raleigh from our team can help you file a claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and obtain a fair settlement for your injuries.
How Can a Raleigh Dog Bite Lawyer Help Me?
Dog bite claims can get complicated fast. A Raleigh dog bite lawyer can:
- Look into the incident: A lawyer can gather witness statements, animal control records, medical reports, and other types of evidence that support your case.
- Negotiate with the insurance company: Insurers often downplay dog bite injuries and blame the victim. An attorney can counter these tactics and push for a fair settlement.
- Filing a lawsuit: If negotiations fail, a lawyer can take your case to court and fight for full compensation.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Raleigh, call (877) 333-1000
What Compensation is Available in a Dog Bite Case?
The value of your dog bite claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and how they affect your life. A successful claim may include:
- Medical expenses: You can recover the cost of emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and other treatment related to the dog bite.
- Lost wages: You can seek reimbursement for lost wages while recovering, as well as reduced earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering: You can be compensated for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact the attack has had on your daily life.
- Scarring and disfigurement: You can recover damages for permanent scars or visible injuries, particularly if they affect your face, arms, or hands.
A Raleigh dog bite injury lawyer can help make sure your claim includes all of your losses.
Raleigh Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (877) 333-1000
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in NC?
In North Carolina, dog bite claims are subject to a statute of limitations. According to N.C.G.S. § 1-52, you typically have three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering compensation altogether, which is why it’s important to work with a Raleigh dog bite accident lawyer.
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Who is Liable for a Dog Bite in North Carolina?
Liability in dog bite injury cases in North Carolina depends on the facts of the incident. The state does not impose automatic liability on dog owners, but they can be held responsible under certain conditions.
An owner may be strictly liable if the dog has been legally classified as dangerous. In those cases, the injured person does not need to prove negligence. When a dog is not designated as dangerous, liability usually depends on whether the owner knew or should have known the dog had aggressive tendencies and failed to properly control it.
Violations of leash laws or animal control ordinances in Raleigh can also support a claim by showing unsafe ownership. However, the owner may not be held liable if you were trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing a crime at the time of the bite.
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Common Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks
Dog bites don’t just cause puncture wounds. Many victims suffer injuries that require extensive treatment and even lead to permanent scarring. Common dog bite injuries include:
- Deep lacerations and puncture wounds: These injuries often require stitches or surgery and can leave lasting scars.
- Infections: Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, including rabies and other bacterial complications.
- Nerve damage: Severe bites can damage nerves, leading to numbness, weakness, or chronic pain.
- Broken bones: Children and older adults are especially vulnerable to fractures during an attack.
- Emotional trauma: Anxiety, PTSD, and fear of animals are common after a serious dog bite.
If you suffered any of these injuries in a dog attack, a Raleigh dog bite injuries lawyer can help you recover compensation.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Raleigh
Though dog bites can be traumatizing, it’s still important to:
- Seek medical attention: Even minor bites can become infected or lead to serious complications like tetanus or rabies. A doctor can clean and treat the wound properly and document the injury, which will be important to your claim.
- Report the incident: Contact local animal control or police to report the attack.
- Document the scene and injuries: Take clear photos of the bite, the surrounding area, and any property damage.
- Gather information about the dog and owner: If possible, get the dog owner’s name, address, and contact information, as well as details about the dog’s vaccination status.
- Avoid discussing the incident with insurers: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or shift blame. Let your lawyer handle all communication with them.
- Reach out to a Raleigh lawyer for dog bites: Contact a lawyer to start putting together your injury claim.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Raleigh
If you or your child has been injured by a dog, don’t brush it off or assume it’s your fault. A Raleigh dog bite attorney from DeMayo Law can investigate the incident, gather evidence to strengthen your claim, and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation to get help with your claim.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
