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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
Dogss
Protecting Your
Rights After a Dog Bite
Dog Bites: Laws in North Carolina (NC) page
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