North Carolina Dog Bite Lawyers

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.