Greensboro Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog Bite Attorney in Greensboro, NC

A dog bite or animal attack can be life-changing.  Animal bites can be dangerous, causing disfigurement, pain or even death.  North Carolina law states that when a dog bites and injures you, you can pursue compensation from the dog owners for their negligence. A Greensboro dog bite lawyer at Riddle & Brantley can help. If you live in Greensboro, North Carolina or the surrounding area call us at 1-800-525-7111 for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced North Carolina dog bite lawyer.

There are no upfront costs and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive compensation.

Dog Attack Injuries

Any dog that is not properly trained, unleashed, or fenced in could attack even without warning.  At Riddle & Brantley, our Greensboro dog bite lawyers are dedicated to protecting people who have suffered a dog bite injury. You may be owed financial damages for your medical expenses, missed work, and pain and suffering.

The injuries suffered in dog bite incidents can be serious, including but not limited to:

• Soft tissue injuries
• Cuts, scrapes, and contusions
• Broken bones
• Loss of limbs (amputations)
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Emotional trauma like PTSD
• Death

Proving Fault in Dog Bite Incidents

Regardless of the cause and seriousness of a dog attack, dog owners have a responsibility to keep their animals under control. Dog bite injury claims can be difficult to pursue, and liability is often contested.

North Carolina law states that the injured victim must prove one or both of the following:

• The animal was dangerous
• The owner was negligent

However, there is one exception to this legal requirement in cases involving a “wild animal” (one that cannot be domesticated such as a snake or tiger) attacking you. These cases are extremely complicated and seeking the help of an experienced Greensboro dog bite lawyer is always recommended.

Filing a Dog Bite Claim

If you are injured by a dog in Greensboro, North Carolina, you may be able to file a claim against the owner of the animal under legal doctrines such as statutory liability or negligence. The personal injury attorney reviewing your case will be able to advise you on which direction to take.

There are 3 primary liability situations involving dog bites in North Carolina:

• Wrongfully keeping a vicious dog — In these cases it is important to prove the dog had a known propensity for aggression, based on previous history. It must be proven that the owner of the dog knew or should have known that the animal was dangerous.
• Violation of a leash ordinance — In some jurisdictions, dogs are required to be leashed in all public areas. Should a dog bite someone while unleashed, the owner of the dog could be liable for the victim’s injuries.
• Strict liability for injuries inflicted by a “dangerous dog” — Under North Carolina law a “dangerous dog” is one that has, without provocation, inflicted severe injury or death on a person. This determination is usually made by the authorities at animal control. If the dangerous animal inflicts these injuries again, the owner is strictly liable for the damages. Under the strict liability doctrine, a dog bite victim does not have to prove the owner was negligent in order to recover compensation.

Rabies Laws in North Carolina

Under North Carolina law, it is mandatory the dog be placed under a 10-day quarantine to observe for signs of rabies. The quarantine is usually carried out at a licensed veterinary hospital, an animal control facility, or at the pet owner’s property if the dog is in a secure location.

What is the One-Bite Rule?

North Carolina imposes a One – Bite Rule. Any dog that has bitten someone or another dog once is potentially classified as a dangerous dog and the owner of the dog must take extra precautions to ensure others are safe around their dog. Furthermore, North Carolina law NCGS 130A-196 requires that all animal bites be reported to the local Health Department. This law holds true even if you have been bitten by your own pet, have declined medical attention, or feel that the bite was an accident.

Dog bites can be horrifying and damaging to the victim physically and emotionally. Children may develop permanent fears of dogs after a bite. If you or a loved one live in Greensboro, North Carolina or the surrounding area and have been bitten by a dog call Riddle & Brantley. One of our experienced Greensboro dog bite lawyers can evaluate your claim and, if you decide to hire us, help you pursue maximum compensation.

“They made a hard time in my life easier to endure.”

–Melissa C., Riddle & Brantley client

Call for a Free Case Review

At Riddle & Brantley, our Greensboro dog bite attorneys have more than 225 years of legal experience and want to make sure neglectful pet owners are held responsible for their actions and prevent a similar attack from happening in the future.

Call Riddle & Brantley at 1-800-525-7111. We are here to help. Justice Counts for you and your loved ones.