Dog Bite Lawyer in Greensboro NC

Some dogs are good-natured and trusted as household companions. While dogs can make loyal pets, they also have the ability to inflict severe wounds in an attack. Even a typically friendly dog could bite in certain situations, causing severe and potentially catastrophic injuries.

If a dog has bitten or otherwise injured you in Greensboro, you could be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, pain, suffering, and other losses. The experienced Greensboro dog bite attorneys of Ward Black Law are ready to help you seek the compensation you need to rebuild your life after a dog attack.

Contact us today to learn more about your legal options in a free initial consultation.

When Is a Dog Owner Liable for an Injury?

Some states have so-called “one bite” laws that hold dog owners liable for bites and other injuries only if the dog had previously attacked someone. However, North Carolina has strict liability laws that hold dog owners responsible for injuries or property damage their dogs inflict in most circumstances.

Therefore, if someone else’s dog bit or otherwise injured you in North Carolina, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. Because North Carolina has no one-bite law, you are not required to prove the owner was negligent as long as their dog meets the statutory definition of “dangerous” or “potentially dangerous” or if your injury meets the definition of a “severe injury.”

Defining a Dangerous Dog

North Carolina General Statute § 67-4.1 defines a “dangerous dog” as:

• A dog that severely injured or killed a person “without provocation”
• A dog that has been designated “potentially dangerous” by animal control authorities because it previously engaged in certain behaviors
• A dog that has been owned, harbored or trained for dogfighting

The law goes on to define a “potentially dangerous” dog as:

• A dog that has inflicted a bite resulting in a “severe injury,” which is any injury that results in broken bones or disfiguring lacerations or that requires hospitalization or cosmetic surgery
• A dog that has killed or severely injured a domestic animal while away from its owner’s property
• A dog that has approached any person in a “vicious or terrorizing manner” or in “an apparent attitude of attack” while away from its owner’s property

NC Dog Bite Laws

Under North Carolina law, owners who know or reasonably should know their dogs to be dangerous are prohibited from:

• Leaving a dangerous dog unattended on their property, unless the dog is confined indoors, inside of a secure pen, or in some other form of restraint
• Allowing a dangerous dog to leave their property without a leash, muzzle, or some other form of secure restraint
• Transferring ownership or possession of a dangerous dog to another person without notifying local animal control authorities and alerting the other person of the dog’s dangerous tendencies or classification

Any dog owner who violates these laws can face Class 3 misdemeanor charges, punishable by up to 20 days in jail and $200 in fines. If a dangerous dog attacks someone and causes physical injuries that require $100 or more in treatment, the dog owner can face Class 1 misdemeanor charges and more serious penalties, including up to 120 days in jail.

Specific exceptions to North Carolina’s strict liability for dog bites do exist. Owners are not liable for dog bites or other injuries when the dog in question:

• Is working with a law enforcement officer to carry out the officer’s official duties
• Is engaged in lawful hunting activities
• Is working as a hunting, herding, or pest control dog that causes injury to the type of domestic animal related to the dog’s work
• Injures a person who was trespassing, committing or attempting to commit a crime, or provoking the dog in some way

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Here are just a few examples of some typical dog bite injuries:

Insurance Coverage for Dog Bite Injuries

Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies cover liability expenses when a policyholder’s dog causes injuries. Typical limits for dog bite liability coverage range from $100,000 to $300,000 per incident.

If you were bitten by the dog of someone you know, like a friend, neighbor, or family member, there’s no need to feel guilty or awkward about filing a compensation claim. In most cases, the dog owner is unlikely to pay for your expenses out of pocket.

Types of Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

If you have been injured in a North Carolina dog bite incident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses associated with the treatment of your bite injuries
• Lost wages from any time you were forced to miss work while recovering
• Projected losses in your future earning capacity from a permanent disability
• Pain, suffering, and lost quality or enjoyment of life

Filing a Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit

If you believe you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit after a North Carolina dog bite injury, you need to understand how the statute of limitations laws may impact your case. North Carolina’s statute of limitations gives you just three years to file a personal injury lawsuit.

This three-year period begins on the date of the attack. If you wait to file until after the time limit has expired, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to pursue compensation. An experienced attorney can help you identify essential deadlines and prevent administrative mistakes from derailing your case.