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When Your Back Is Against The Wall

North Carolina Dog Bite Lawyers

Fighting For Dog Bite Accident Victims 

At Lanier Law Group, P.A., we have a reputation for building such solid personal injury cases that the opposition often throws in the towel. If a dog bite or attack has caused you injury, our legal team is ready to provide you with aggressive representation at every turn.

We understand that dog attacks cause more than physical pain—they are terrifying experiences that can leave emotional scars in addition to the physical ones. Everyone at our law office, from our hardworking staff to our experienced North Carolina dog bite lawyers, is here to support you.

Were you or your loved one attacked by a dog? Contact Lanier Law Group online or call (855) 757-4204 to request a free, no-obligation consultation with our North Carolina dog bite attorney. Se habla español. 

The Most Dangerous Dog Breeds

Any dog is capable of causing injury, but smaller dogs usually do not have the strength to inflict catastrophic injuries. Certain breeds tend to be more aggressive than others. No matter what type of dog causes you harm, our experienced North Carolina dog bite attorneys are here to help you file a claim.

Statistically, some of the most dangerous breeds of dogs are:

  • Pit bull
  • Rottweiler
  • German shepherd
  • Doberman pincer
  • Husky
  • Alaskan malamute
  • Chow-chow
  • Dalmatian

Our lawyers have extensive experience handling dog bite claims. If a vicious animal attack caused you to suffer serious injuries, or if a neighbor's nervous dog attacked your loved one, contact our office. We can quickly assess your case and help you file a claim against the liable party/parties.

Understanding the One-Bite Rule

North Carolina is one of 18 states that still follow the one-bite rule. Under this law, a dog owner is not responsible for an attack if the dog was not previously dangerous or vicious. However, if the dog has been involved in at least one biting incident, its owner is responsible for all subsequent attacks. This does not mean that if a dog with no history of viciousness bites you, you can’t seek compensation. Bite victims may bring a claim against an owner if the dog was running around loose at night or if, for some reason, the dog was likely to be dangerous to others. In other words, if the owner was in some way negligent, you may bring a claim—even if the dog has never attacked anyone before.

Common Injuries in Dog Bite Accidents

Common injuries include:

  • Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: Dog teeth can cause deep puncture wounds, which may be prone to infection. Lacerations can damage skin, muscle tissue, and nerves. Stitches or surgery may be required to repair the damage in severe cases.
  • Infections: Dog bites risk infection, especially if bacteria such as Capnocytophaga, Pasteurella, or staphylococcus are present. Infections like tetanus or rabies may develop if the dog has not been properly vaccinated. Immediate medical attention is essential to minimize these risks.
  • Nerve Damage: Dog bites can cause serious nerve injuries, particularly if the attack involves areas like the hands, feet, or face. Nerve damage could lead to loss of function, numbness, or chronic pain. Rehabilitative therapy or surgery may be required to repair these injuries.
  • Scarring and Disfigurement: Bites that occur on visible areas like the face, arms, or legs can lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement. This often requires corrective surgery, including plastic or reconstructive procedures. Emotional distress frequently accompanies visible scars, affecting a victim’s quality of life.
  • Psychological Trauma: The emotional toll of a dog bite can be just as severe as the physical injuries. Victims could suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or a newfound fear of dogs. Children are especially vulnerable to emotional trauma, which may require counseling or therapy to overcome.
  • Broken Bones: In particularly aggressive attacks, victims may suffer broken bones, especially if they fall during the attack or if the dog clamps down on a limb. Common fractures occur in the hands, wrists, or arms and may necessitate casts or even surgery to heal properly.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Dog Bite Accident Claim?

Potential damages may include:

  • Medical Expenses: The immediate medical costs of a dog bite injury can be significant, from emergency room visits to surgeries, medications, and follow-up care. Ongoing treatment, such as physical therapy or reconstructive surgery, can add to these expenses. Compensation could include all current and future medical bills related to the injury.
  • Lost Wages: If the injuries from a dog bite stop you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost wages. Whether your injuries caused you to miss work temporarily or left you unable to return to work long-term, compensation can cover the income lost due to your recovery.
  • Pain and Suffering: Dog bite victims often endure both physical pain and emotional suffering. In addition to covering medical costs, you may be able to seek compensation for the physical and emotional toll the injury has taken on your life. This can include compensation for chronic pain, disfigurement, and emotional trauma, like anxiety or PTSD.
  • Permanent Disability: In severe dog bite cases, victims may be left with a permanent disability. This can include nerve damage, loss of function in a limb, or lasting disfigurement. Compensation can account for the long-term impact of such disabilities on your life, including ongoing medical care and diminished quality of life.
  • Emotional Distress: Dog bites could result in psychological injuries, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. If you have suffered emotional distress because of the trauma of the attack, you may be able to recover damages for counseling and therapy costs. Children, in particular, may require extensive therapy to cope with the emotional aftermath of a dog attack.
  • Property Damage: In some instances, a dog attack may result in damage to personal property, such as clothing, jewelry, or bicycles. Victims can seek compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing any damaged belongings.
  • Punitive Damages: In extreme cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the dog owner’s actions were reckless or egregious. This type of compensation punishes the owner for their behavior and deters others from engaging in similar conduct.

Contact Our Dog Bite Attorney in North Carolina Today

Lanier Law Group is relentless when it comes to pursuing damages for dog bite victims. We have multiple offices located throughout North Carolina, including in Burlington, Durham, Piedmont Triangle, Greenville, Asheville, Charlotte, Wilmington, Raleigh, and Fayetteville. You owe us nothing unless you obtain a settlement, so there is no risk in reaching out to a North Carolina dog bite lawyer at our firm today to discuss your case.

Schedule your free initial consultation with our North Carolina dog bite lawyer when you call (855) 757-4204. We can travel to you if needed.

We Fight for Our Clients

*Featured Case Results, Settlements, & Trial Wins From Our Attorneys
  • $750,000 Apartment Complex Maintenance Negligence
  • $300,000 Premises Liability

    Personal Injury premises liability settlement for a client standing on a ladder painting a closed garage door when the door was inadvertently opened causing him to fall 7 feet onto concrete.

  • $300,000 Premises/Inadequate Security

    Our client was violently attacked with a baseball bat by another customer while shopping at a discount store.

  • $207,500 Premises Liability

    A client suffered a puncture wound and severe nerve damage when he stepped on a nail in the threshold of a door.

  • $125,000 Premises Liability: Trip and Fall on Apartment Stairway
  • $70,000 Premises Liability Claim/Homeowner’s Insurance Claim

We Never Back Down From a Fight

Featured Reviews, Testimonials & Results
    "20 out of 10 stars."
    There are times in your life you are so hurt and feel life has a grudge against you. Nothing in your life is going right. I lost the most important person in my life to death, of which I knew mistakes were made because I witnessed it with my own eyes. When you contact a law group you most of the time get all business and a matter of fact conversation. I want all to know that from the first phone call they listened to my lengthy story, sobbing most of the time with so much compassion. They never made any promises but offered assurances that no stone would be unturned. They fulfilled every word they said. They restored faith that I had lost. Until you are in a position like mine you can never know how invaluable Lanier Law Group is. They were wonderful while maintaining their professionalism. They treated me like a family member. They really do care about their clients. But most of all they are the best at what they do. I worked in the court system for years so I knew how attorneys and law firms basically operated. Understanding the law and it's interpretation is the ultimate key to winning any case. Also know that if an attorney/attorneys study and review your case and know that you don't have a chance in a court of law and are big enough to tell you that instead of giving you false hope, you then my friend have a group with valuable shared values. I have so much respect for everyone in this Law Group. I recommend Lanier Law Group, P.A. to anyone who needs representation, they are in your corner. 20 out of 10 stars.
    - Diane W.
    "Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members"
    I started working with Lanier Law Group in 2020 on my Social Security Disability case. They from start to finish were awesome. My case manager Janet Hanks and attorney, Ashley Sappenfield were always available to answer all my questions. I did not have to do much but sit back and let them handle whatever was needed. My case took too long (2 years) and if I did not have Janet and Ashley My case would still not be approved. I would recommend Lanier to anyone to get the job done and approved. Do not go to another firm with your case, who promise the world and do not see it to completion and do not think another firms would have worked as hard as they did on my case. Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members to handle any cases of this type and other legal services they provide. They went above and beyond!
    - Phillip J.
    "So thankful for your expertise and professionalism"
    Mrs. Gonzalez did an awesome job of explaining everything in detail and keeping me informed on the status of my case. Despite poor customer service with the insurance company, Mrs. Gonzalez was able to fix what they could not. Mrs. Gonzalez was very helpful with helping me understand things that I was not aware of when dealing with insurance claims. I am so thankful for her expertise and professionalism.
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    "Always ready to answer any questions I may have"
    The staff kept me well informed in a more than timely manner and was always ready to answer any questions I may have.
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    "The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service!"
    The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service! My main contact was Denise.
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    "Great experience"
    Great experience. Tish was very helpful as my case progressed and explained all of the steps to me, leaving me with very few questions. Shea was also very helpful during the negotiation process.
    - Nyesha B.

Don't Hire Just Any Firm

Take Control of Your Case Today With the Help of Lanier Law Group
  • We Never Back Down
    Our attorneys are confident taking cases to trial and will always seek to maximize your compensation.
  • We're Here For You 24/7
    Regardless of when you contact our firm, we're here to make sure that you get the answers you need. We also offer weekend appointments and consultations.
  • We're In Your Corner
    Every case we take on has a team of dedicated professionals assigned to make sure that we're delivering the best possible service and results.
  • We Come Prepared

    After an injury, every second counts. We are available to meet with you in person, virtually, or at your location to provide the highest quality legal counsel.