Dog Bite Lawyers in Raleigh, NC
What To Do After A Dog Bite
Despite the old saying that every dog is “entitled to one bite,” a dog bite victim in North Carolina may have a civil claim against the dog owner or other responsible party—even if the dog had never bitten anyone before.
If you or someone you love has been attacked by a dog, it is important to understand your legal rights and options. The experienced Raleigh dog bite lawyers at O’Malley Tunstall, PC, can review your case and help you pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve under the law.
In North Carolina, dog owners are responsible for injuries and damages caused by their dogs. State laws are significant because dog bites and animal attacks can be quite serious. Even a small dog whose owner swears it is harmless may become violent under certain conditions. Sadly, the victims who suffer most are usually small children, who may suffer lifelong physical and emotional wounds.
In order to ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries, it is important to work with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who has experience handling dog bite claims. The attorneys at O’Malley Tunstall, PC, have been successfully representing clients in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina for many years, and we are ready to put our skills and experience to work for you. Call us for a free consultation at (919) 277-0150 today.
What Are the Dog Bite Laws in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, there is no “one free bite” rule for dog bites. Under General Statute section 67-4-14, a victim can recover compensation from a dog owner or other responsible party if the victim can prove that:
The defendant is the owner or keeper of the dog; The victim was bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully on private property, and the victim suffered an injury as a result of the bite.
An experienced Raleigh personal injury lawyer can help you understand how these laws may apply to your case and help you pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve.
The amount of compensation you may be entitled to will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. In general, however, you may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, including the cost of any future treatment you may need, lost wages and income if you are unable to work, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
If your case goes to trial, a jury will consider all of these factors when determining the number of damages you should receive. An experienced Raleigh dog bite lawyer can help you understand what types of compensation you may be able to recover in your case.
What are Some Common Injuries From Dog Bites?
Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional injuries. Some common injuries caused by dog attacks include:
-Punctures, lacerations, and avulsions (tissue that is completely ripped away): These injuries can result in nerve damage, muscle damage, and bone fractures. In some cases, they may require surgery to repair.
-Infections, including rabies: If a dog bite punctures the skin, there is a risk of infection. If the dog that bit you was not vaccinated for rabies, you may need to undergo a series of painful rabies shots.
-Scarring and disfigurement: Many dog bite victims suffer permanent scarring and disfigurement as a result of their injuries. This can lead to emotional distress and a loss of self-esteem.
-Emotional injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Many dog bite victims suffer from PTSD as a result of their attack. Symptoms of PTSD can include nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, and depression.
-Crush injuries: These injuries occur when a large dog pins a victim to the ground. They can result in broken bones, internal organ damage, and nerve damage.
-Fractured bones: Dog bites can cause fractures, particularly in the bones of the hands, feet, and face.
-Amputations: In some cases, a dog bite victim may require amputation as a result of their injuries.
In some cases, dog bites can even be fatal. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured by a dog, it is important to understand your legal rights and options. The experienced Raleigh dog bite lawyers at O’Malley Tunstall, PC can review your case and help you pursue the full and fair compensation you are able to receive under the law in North Carolina.
How Can an Attorney Help With My Dog Bite Claim?
If you have been attacked by a dog, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Once you have been treated for your injuries, you should contact an experienced Raleigh dog bite lawyer to discuss your case. An attorney will try to prove negligence to secure compensation for you.
Negligence falls into two areas:
- Letting the dog run free in violation of clear leash laws
- Knowing the dog was a danger to others and doing nothing to prevent an attack
Most people like dogs and the companionship they provide. But careless or negligent actions that harm innocent people, especially children, are intolerable. At O’Malley Tunstall PC, serving Raleigh and Eastern North Carolina, we file personal injury claims in cases in which a dog has caused serious injury or death. Our lawyers are skilled in reconstructing the attack for injuries and showing every dimension of the injuries caused—physical, emotional, and financial.
As in all our personal injury work, we assertively seek maximum compensation for the harm done to you or your loved one. We seek damages not against the negligent dog owner, who may not have resources, but against the owner’s insurance company.
Is it Worth Having a Lawyer in My Case?
O’Malley Tunstall, PC is a Raleigh personal injury law firm that has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. We fight for the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on your recovery. We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.
When you hire O’Malley Tunstall, PC, we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your case
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Interview witnesses
- Work with expert witnesses
- Handle all communication with the insurance company
- Negotiate a settlement on your behalf
- Prepare your case for trial
Many complexities can arise in dog bite cases. It is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side who can handle all the details of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
The lawyers at O’Malley Tunstall, PC have a proven track record of success in dog bite cases. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients.
We represent clients on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not owe us any attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation for you. We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
You may be concerned about the cost of hiring an attorney, but you should not let this stop you from seeking legal help. Call us at (919) 277-0150 to schedule your free consultation with one of our Raleigh dog bite injury attorneys. We will meet with you and chart a strategy for winning your case.