Every parent should know that more than half of the 4.7 million Americans who sustain dog bites are children. Dog bite prevention begins by starting to teach even very young children about appropriate behavior around dogs. Moreover, parents need to strictly supervise their children around all dogs – even a beloved family pet. If you or a loved one sustains a dog bite, you should consider seeking advice from an experienced North Carolina dog bite lawyer.
The Life with Dogs website reports that children are three times more likely to sustain dog bites. However, many adults also incur injury. In 2011, 5,577 postal workers suffered dog attacks across the nation, costing the U.S. Postal Service close to $1.2 million. During that same year, plastic surgeons performed more than 29,000 reconstructive procedures because of dog bite injuries. The website warns all people that even familiar dogs can display unpredictable behavior, particularly if they are ill or in pain, or if they perceive a threat to themselves, their food or even their toys.
State dog laws vary, and they vary further from one municipality to the next. North Carolina state dog bite law restricts owners of dogs more than six months old from running unaccompanied pets at night, and it imposes strict requirements on owners of known vicious dogs to protect others by keeping their pets appropriately restrained.
If you or a loved one sustains a dog bite from a puppy, you should seek legal advice. An attorney can assess the incident as it relates to local and state laws and determine the need for reporting the incident to local authorities. Or, your attorney may take other legal action to help ensure you can pursue compensation for any required medical treatment or other damages.
Dog bite laws in North Carolina are complex. If you or a loved one experiences a bite or a full attack by a dog, you need to seek assistance from an attorney with a clear understanding of the complex dog bite laws in North Carolina. A skilled dog bite lawyer at Lanier Law Group, P.A. can meet with you to discuss your claim at length, inform you of your rights and go over your options for taking legal action. Call us at (855) 757-4204 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help.