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A dog bite can turn your life upside down in an instant. In Dallas, NC, close to Gaston College and Cloninger Park, our community thrives with families and pets. Yet, when a dog bite happens, it brings not just physical pain but also emotional trauma and financial stress. You may face medical bills, lost wages, and the challenge of dealing with insurance companies.
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, our Dallas personal injury lawyers understand the impact of such an incident on your life. Our legal team dedicates itself to helping you with the legal process and securing the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.
North Carolina Dog Bite Laws: What You Need to Know
North Carolina follows specific laws and statutes to address dog bites and hold dog owners accountable. The state operates under a “strict liability” rule, meaning that dog owners can be held liable for bites and attacks regardless of the dog’s previous behavior. If a dog has a history of aggression or if the owner violated local leash laws, liability becomes even clearer.
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 67-4.4, an owner may be held responsible if their dog previously exhibited dangerous behavior or if the owner acted negligently in controlling the animal. This strict liability applies when a dog is “at large” or if it has a known history of dangerous behavior. However, if the victim provoked the dog or trespassed on the owner’s property, the owner’s liability might be reduced or negated.
Local ordinances in Dallas, NC, Code of Ordinances § 90.04, also play a role in regulating dog behavior. For example, leash laws require dogs to be restrained in public areas, reducing the risk of unexpected attacks. Violating these ordinances can further establish the owner’s negligence, strengthening your case.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites: What Dallas Victims Face
Dog bites often result in severe and painful injuries that require immediate medical attention. Victims frequently suffer from puncture wounds, which can lead to significant blood loss and damage to muscles, nerves, and tendons. These injuries pose a high risk of infection, especially if the wound is deep or not properly cleaned. Infections such as cellulitis and sepsis can develop, requiring intensive medical treatment and prolonged hospital stays.
Scarring remains another common consequence of dog bites. Facial bites, in particular, can cause permanent disfigurement, leading to emotional trauma and a loss of self-esteem. Victims may need reconstructive surgery or ongoing cosmetic treatments to address these scars, adding to their medical expenses.
Beyond the immediate physical injuries, dog bites can have long-term effects. Nerve damage might result in chronic pain or loss of function in the affected area. Psychological impacts, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and fear of dogs, can significantly affect a victim’s daily life and mental well-being.
The Financial Impact Your Dog Bite Injuries Will Cause
Medical costs for treating dog bite injuries can quickly escalate. Emergency room visits, surgeries, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and mental health counseling all contribute to the financial burden. The personal injury lawyers with Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can assess your full range of medical expenses, both current and future healthcare needs. We can add that to your personal injury claim for compensation and fight to get a fair settlement that addresses all of your losses.
Call a Dallas dog bite lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today for a free case consultation.
Seeking Compensation for Damages After a Dog Bite in Dallas
Dog bite victims in Dallas, NC, face a range of challenges beyond immediate medical expenses. Here are the types of damages you may pursue:
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
Our Dallas dog bite attorney at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, understands the importance of addressing all these damages to support your full recovery. Our dog bite attorney will strive to secure the compensation you deserve, not an average settlement. We want to help you rebuild your life after a traumatic dog bite incident.
How a Dog Bite Lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC Will Help You
A dog bite case involves many complexities, but an accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can guide you through every step. Here’s how we help:
- Case evaluation: We start with a thorough review of your case, understanding the details of the incident, your injuries, and the impact on your life.
- Evidence collection: Our team gathers crucial evidence, including police report, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage, to build a strong case.
- Legal strategy: We develop a tailored legal strategy, leveraging our knowledge of North Carolina’s dog bite laws and local ordinances to your advantage.
- Negotiating for fair compensation: We handle all communications with the insurance companies, ensuring they do not take advantage of you.
- Filing a lawsuit: If necessary, we file a lawsuit on your behalf, adhering to all legal deadlines and procedural requirements to protect your rights.
- Representation in court: Our lawyers represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to the judge and jury to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Ongoing support: Throughout the process, we provide continuous updates and support, addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
Our Dallas dog bite lawyers’ commitment to you goes beyond legal representation. We aim to alleviate your burdens and help you focus on healing. Keep in mind, though, that you have three years to file a lawsuit under N.C. Gen. Stat. §1-52. If you let this deadline lapse, you may lose the right to seek fair compensation through the courts.
Get Legal Support for Your Dallas Dog Bite Claim Today
Our dog bite attorneys from Dallas work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. We fight for your rights and strive to secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t face this challenging time alone.
Call us today for a free consultation and let us begin working on your behalf immediately. Your path to recovery and justice starts with a simple phone call.
