Charlotte Dog Bite Lawyer
Many families in Charlotte share their homes and lives with canine companions, enjoying the many benefits dogs can bring. However, while these loveable creatures may be man’s best friend, they can sometimes inflict serious and life-threatening injuries.
If you or a loved one was bitten by an aggressive dog, you may face various physical, emotional, and financial difficulties. From high medical bills to pain and suffering, and time missed from work while you recover or tend to a loved one, a serious dog attack can affect the whole family.
Whitley Law Firm has helped people with serious personal injury claims for over five decades, so we know getting things back on track after a severe injury can be challenging. As such, we dedicate our experience and knowledge to supporting you at this difficult time.
To learn more about partnering with our Charlotte dog bite lawyers, call (919) 785-5000. Finding out if we can help doesn’t cost anything – your first consultation is free!
Our Charlotte Lawyers Offer Compassionate Advocacy for Dog Bite Victims
Due to a dog attack’s physical and emotional toll, having someone in your corner who understands your situation is vital. As such, we do things differently at Whitley Law Firm regarding the level of care we provide for our clients.
We devote as much time and energy to your well-being during the legal process as we do to providing exceptional legal representation. This means we take time to get to know you and listen carefully to the difficulties and challenges you’re facing so we can protect your best interests. In addition, we provide the following services:
- A careful investigation into what happened to identify potentially liable parties and preserve evidence
- A thorough financial analysis of the full extent of your current and anticipated economic damages
- Background checks on the owner and their dog
- Complete management of your case administration and communications with all involved parties, such as insurance companies, medical experts, eyewitnesses, and other officials
- Fast responses to your questions, regular case updates, and easy ways to reach your attorney
- Advocacy during settlement negotiations or court proceedings
Moreover, you can make as many appointments as needed, and we provide our legal services on a contingency-fee basis. This helps to make things manageable financially, as we never ask our clients to pay any costs or fees upfront. Instead, we use our resources to build and pursue your claim, only recovering our costs upon obtaining a favorable settlement or court verdict on your behalf.
Our Charlotte Dog Bite Lawyers Can Seek Recovery for These Damages
North Carolina laws define the types of compensation you can recover. Yet, to secure these losses, you must prove the owner was negligent to succeed in your claim. Typically, this involves gathering evidence that shows the dog owner failed to ensure your safety.
From our investigation, we gather, preserve, and organize evidence to build a robust case to demonstrate the dog owner’s negligence and evaluate your current and ongoing financial damages. Compensation could account for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Property damage costs (such as broken glasses)
- Lost wages
- Permanent disability
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
We can also explore whether you can recover the cost of anything you spent out of pocket. For instance, if you spent your own money on reconstructive surgeries, childcare costs, or temporary transportation costs, we could include those expenses in your case’s value.
We Understand the Laws That Apply to Your Civil Dog Bite Case
There are many laws that apply to dog bite cases in North Carolina––some of which can get downright complicated to understand. We’ve highlighted the most relevant laws below and how they could affect your compensation claim:
Contributory Negligence Law
North Carolina is a “contributory negligence” state. This means if you are found to have contributed in any way to the attack, you may not be able to recover financial damages. For instance, the dog’s owner may allege that you provoked the animal, leading to the bite. They might also claim that you trespassed on their property, and the dog bit you to protect the property.
We don’t have tolerance for baseless accusations in dog bite injury cases. If the other party blames you, we can use the dog’s veterinary records, eyewitness testimony, and other information to prove your side of the story.
Strict Liability Law
In North Carolina, dog owners are generally responsible for any injuries their pets cause, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had any reason to believe it might attack. This is known as “strict liability” because dog owners are “strictly liable” for the injuries their pets cause.
This law applies to all breeds of dogs and covers not only bites but also other types of injuries caused by dogs, including scratches, infections, or injuries caused by being knocked to the ground. As we build your case, the other party’s lawyers will build theirs. Therefore, it’s vital that we gather the evidence needed to bolster your claim.
Charlotte’s Leash Laws
In Charlotte, dogs must be kept on a leash or inside fenced areas when outside, per city and county leash laws. These rules aim to ensure the safety of other dogs and members of the community. Failure to comply with leash laws can result in a fine or penalties.
North Carolina’s Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations sets the time limit within which you can file a lawsuit for damages resulting from others’ negligence. In North Carolina, dog bite victims generally have two years from the attack to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries.
Dealing with insurance companies and paperwork is likely the last thing on your mind if you or a loved one is seriously injured. Let our dog bite attorneys lift this responsibility from your shoulders.
With our team’s support, you do not have to worry about building a solid evidence-backed case, evaluating your financial damages, dealing with insurance adjusters, or negotiating for fair compensation. Instead, you can focus entirely on your recovery and being with your family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in Charlotte, NC
It’s understandable to have many questions about your claim or lawsuit. We want you to understand each of your options moving ahead, so you can make decisions that feel right for your situation. Commonly, Whitley Law Firm gets questions from dog bite claimants asking:
Does It Matter What Dog Breed Bit Me?
In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter whether you were bitten by a chihuahua or a Great Dane; if another party’s animal caused you to suffer catastrophic injuries, you have financial recovery options. Yet, per the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, some apartment complexes have banned dog breeds, such as pitbulls, rottweilers, and wolf hybrids.
If you were bitten by a banned dog breed while visiting an apartment complex, this could add another layer to your case. But it’s nothing our team can’t handle. We can navigate your case’s many layers and build a compelling case against the negligent party.
How Long Does It Take to Recover Damages in a Dog Bite Case?
Some cases take weeks, while others take months. The length of your particular case depends on many factors, all of which we can manage.
Whitley Law Firm hopes to resolve your serious injury case as soon as possible. This involves holding the insurance company to its word and upholding all case-related deadlines.
How Much Could I Recover Through a Dog Bite Injury Claim?
The cost of your recoverable damages depends on these elements:
- The severity of your condition
- Whether your injuries will continually affect your life
- Whether you’ve spent any money out of pocket (and, if so, how much)
- The details of the dog bite
- Whether you contributed to the incident in any way
- The cost of your financial losses
- The extent of your pain and suffering
Our team knows the work that goes into building a compelling case. From the moment you entrust us with your claim, you can breathe easily. We’ll take care of everything.
What Injuries Allow Me to Seek Damages After a Dog Bite?
A dog bite can inflict these injuries:
- Nerve damage
- Infections
- Torn ligaments
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord trauma
- Loss of vision
We advocate for dog bite claimants who have suffered life-altering injuries. Our lawyers aim to make the financial recovery process as stress-free as possible.
Worry Less, Heal More: Our Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Are on Your Side
If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, we know how traumatizing it can be and the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you may face. We also understand the complexities that can arise with your case.
You deserve to be fairly compensated when someone else’s negligence changes your world, and we are here to help you secure financial justice. To learn how Whitley Law Firm’s family can support your family, contact us for a free case evaluation at (919) 785-5000. We’re happy to answer your questions and provide guidance about your next steps at no cost. Let’s get you on the road to recovery today.
