Despite being called “man’s best friend,” dogs can also cause harm. If someone else’s dog bit you, you should get medical care immediately. You need to focus on getting well instead of dealing with insurance companies.
When you are ready to take action, an experienced Charlotte dog bite lawyer from Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys will be ready to help you.
We have a long history of getting results for our clients, and we treat them like family, as our satisfied clients will attest. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you.
Why Do Dog Bite Injuries Happen in Charlotte?
Dogs bite for several reasons. The most common reasons for dog bites in Charlotte include the following:
- Fear – Dogs naturally want to protect themselves. If they encounter something threatening or scary, they may bite. They can feel threatened in unfamiliar environments, when handled roughly, when someone approaches too quickly, or when they hear loud noises.
- Pain – Pain can cause dogs to act in ways they normally wouldn’t. When they hurt, they may even bite their owner. Injuries, illnesses, or surgeries could all cause a dog to feel pain.
- Protective behavior about resources – Dogs who haven’t been well-socialized may be more prone to guarding their resources. Resources could include food, toys, beds, and even some people.
- Play – All puppies bite as a natural part of their play, but they should be trained not to bite as soon as possible. When they weren’t trained not to bite, play biting can become a serious, dangerous problem.
What Are Common Injuries from Dog Bites?
At Elrod Pope, we frequently handle dog bite cases. The injuries we commonly see in these cases include the following:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Facial injuries
- Eye injuries
- Torn muscles and tissues
- Impact injuries (traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries).
What Are the Dangerous Dog Laws in North Carolina?
North Carolina law defines a dangerous dog as one that has killed or severely injured a person or that has been designated by the county or animal control to be dangerous. Additionally, any dog kept for the purpose of dog fighting, or trained for dog fighting, is automatically a dangerous dog.
When a dangerous dog injures someone, “strict liability“ applies. The injured person doesn’t have to prove that the dog’s owner was at fault in any way for the injuries. If a dangerous dog injures someone, the dog’s owner is liable for the injured person’s expenses.
However, if a dog that isn’t a dangerous dog injures someone, North Carolina’s “one-bite rule” applies. Under this rule, the dog’s owner usually won’t be held liable if their dog bites someone, and it’s the dog’s first offense.
Are the Dog Laws Different in Mecklenburg County?
Because Mecklenburg County is in North Carolina, all the North Carolina laws apply to the cities and towns in the county. However, Charlotte has some additional rules. Under Charlotte animal control laws, dogs must be under sufficient physical restraint to control them, whether the animal is on the owner’s property or off the premises.
If the dog is on a leash, the person holding it must be old enough and large enough to control the animal. If there’s an invisible fence in place, the owner must post a visible, permanent sign that says there’s an invisible fence.
If a dog is tethered to a stationary object, the tether must have a swivel on both ends, be a minimum of 10 feet long, and be made of a metal chain or coated steel cable. Only one dog can be on a tether, and the dog must be four months or older. Additionally, dogs cannot be legally in public parks unless they are on a leash at all times, except in off-leash areas.
What Should You Do If a Dog Bites You in Charlotte?
Get medical care immediately if a dog bites you. If the dog is a stray, try to restrain it so it can’t hurt anyone else. Your next steps should be the following:
- File an incident report with the facility if you’re in a public place.
- Get the manager’s name, contact information, and the business’s insurance information.
- Call the police or animal control.
- Contact a Charlotte dog bite lawyer.
Your attorney can communicate with the dog’s owner for you, which is an advantage if the dog belongs to a family or friend. Your Charlotte dog bite lawyer can send a demand letter to the insurer for the money you deserve for your injuries.
What Damages Are Available to Charlotte Dog Bite Victims?
You can seek compensation for your injury when you’ve been bitten by someone else’s dog. In many cases, your dog bite claim could secure money for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- PTSD
- Property repair or replacement.
What Happens If You Are Partly to Blame for the Dog Bite?
North Carolina has a pure contributory negligence law. Under this law, a person who is injured in any accident, including a dog bite incident, is barred from obtaining compensation if they contributed to the accident that harmed them. In the case of a dog bite, if the injured person provoked the dog on purpose, they wouldn’t be entitled to any compensation for their injuries.
If you suffered a dog bite, don’t let the insurance company determine whether you were at fault. They will try to shift some of the blame to you so they don’t have to pay your claim. You and your lawyer should discuss your chances of succeeding if you take your case to court for a determination of fault.
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Injury Claim in North Carolina?
North Carolina law allows you three years from the date of your injury to file a dog bite lawsuit against the dog’s owner. If you file your lawsuit late, the court doesn’t have to hear it. Additionally, losing the threat of a lawsuit removes your best leverage against the insurance company. Don’t let this happen. Get in touch with a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact a Charlotte Dog Bite Lawyer
When a dog bites and injures you, you need a Charlotte dog bite attorney like the ones at Elrod Pope. We have a reputation for trust, compassion, and case results that we’ve built over 45 years.
Our clients aren’t “just another case” to us. They’re valued members of our family and our community. We serve clients from six offices in North Carolina and South Carolina. We’re available 24/7.
Contact our office today for a full confidential, free consultation about your case. Let us use our skills to pursue the compensation you deserve.
