Dog Bites in North Carolina

Man's best friend is not always as friendly as we think. Nearly five million people are bitten by dogs each year. While not all dog bites are considered severe, approximately 800,000 dog bite victims seek medical attention. Dog Bites result in approximately 16 fatalities a year. Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to determine which dog breeds are more likely to bite, attack or kill. A dog bite is one personal injury that can result in extreme suffering, particularly if your child is bitten by a dog, your dog bites someone, or you yourself are the victim of a dog bite or dog attack.

Public education regarding dog bites, dog attacks, dog bite safety and prevention is essential to community safety. Education can reduce the likelihood of you or someone you love being bitten by a dog, but may not prevent it from happening. The most important and effective way to protect yourself and the ones you love is to know your rights. If you do fall victim to a dog bite, knowing your rights can make a world of difference in how being bitten by a dog can affect your life, family and future.

Click here for Dog Bite Prevention & Safety Tips

If you or someone you love is bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Losses may be recovered from the dog owner and/or the owner's insurance company provided that you have a valid claim. Dog bite victims endure estimated losses of more than $1 billion a year and count for about one third of all Homeowner's Insurance Claims. Damages may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages and future expenses that you may incur. A NC dog bite attorney can help you through the healing process by acting as your advocate and protecting your rights as a dog bite victim.

What steps should I take to protect my rights after being bitten by a dog?

You have the right to recover any damages suffered as a result of your injuries. Dog Bite Laws differ from state to state. In some areas, cities and counties can adopt and enforce their own programs for dog control. These local ordinances, like leash laws for example, may apply to dog ownership, handling and liability. These rules and regulations are enforced along with state law. State dog bite laws are based on one of two liability statutes: the One Bite Rule and the Strict Liability Rule. The One Bite Rule basically states that a dog is allowed 'one free bite' for which the owner cannot be held liable the first time the dog bites or inflicts injury to another. There are a few exceptions to this rule. Some states and municipalities have identified particular traits and defined what is considered a 'Dangerous Dog' and a 'Potentially Dangerous Dog.' Under the One Bite Rule, if the dog bite victim can prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous or should have known the dog was potentially dangerous, the One Bite Rule would not be a factor in the dog bite case. The Strict Liability Rule lives up to its title. If a dog bites someone, the owner is liable for any and all injuries sustained as a result of the dog bite. First time biter or not, the owner is liable regardless of whether the owner was negligent or aware of the dog's violent tendencies. There are certain conditions that can release a dog owner from being held liable for the dog's actions, such as trespassing.

To learn more about the One Bite Rule and the Strict Liability Rule, please see our Dog Bites: One Bite Rule and the Strict Liability Rule page.

Dog Bite Law can be confusing and quite intimidating if you are not familiar with it. We can help. If you or someone you love is bitten by a dog, our experienced dog bite lawyers are here for you. We understand what you are going through and most importantly, we know the law. We will protect your rights.

Prevention is key but protection is vital.

Contact us for more information regarding Dog Bite Laws in North Carolina or review our Dog Bites: Laws in North Carolina (NC) page.

One Bite Rule and the Strict Liability Rule page

Dog Bite Prevention & Safety Tips

Dangerous Dogs & Potentially Dangerous Dogs

Protecting Your Rights After a Dog Bite

Dog Bites: Laws in North Carolina (NC) page