Greensboro Dog Bite Lawyer
Many have positive, loving associations with dogs. However, spending time around “man’s best friend” is not without its risks. Even the most lovable canine companion can snap. Whitley Law Firm has handled many claims and lawsuits in which plaintiffs have suffered injuries from dog bites––and many of these cases resulted in compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
A Greensboro dog bite lawyer from our team can manage everything your case entails while you focus on healing. We offer client-focused care that feels like a warm hug, and with us, you have a shoulder to lean on. To begin your free, no-obligation case review, dial (919) 785-5000.
Our Dog Bite Lawyers Want to Support Your Greensboro Injury Case
As noted, Whitley Law Firm offers a free initial consultation with no obligation to you. If we’re a good fit for your circumstances, our personal injury team will manage everything on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay upfront attorney’s fees. You will not get billed for our work at all during the case.
At the end of the matter, we get paid a percentage of the settlement proceeds or court award. If you do not win, you do not owe us any legal fees. We treat our clients with respect, care, and compassion. We have more than 80 years of combined experience helping people who get injured because of the negligence of others. Come find out what “the Whitley Advantage” is all about.
Listen to What Our Clients Share About Our Legal Team
In 1974, we founded Whitley Law Firm for one reason: to help injured people navigate the most vulnerable periods of their lives. We’re inspired to offer quality legal care to those who want it most. In regard to our client-centered care, some have disclosed:
- “I realized I needed to hire an attorney shortly after being injured. I went to about five different ones to ask about my options. When I met Michele I knew right away she was who I needed and wanted on my side… I never felt alone again. She made herself completely available. The Whitley Law Firm makes you feel like family. I will use them again for any issues that may arise. They are also the only firm I will ever refer others to.” —J.T.
- “Don’t second guess getting a lawyer! Contact Whitley Law Firm and get the help you deserve! Thank you for everything Ben and Jocelyn! I can do nothing but praise Whit and his staff. They were just a blessing for us. I just referred my sister-in-law to them and I tell everyone to go there. No words can say how they treat their clients!” —M.T.
Our Firm Can Navigate the Laws That Apply to Your Dog Bite Case
You don’t have to be a lawyer yourself to recover compensation following a dog bite. Our team is well-versed in the laws that apply to your circumstances and how they affect your right to damages. We’re aware that:
North Carolina Operates on a One-Bite Rule System
North Carolina observes the one-bite rule. Unless the dog is of a breed with known “dangerous propensities” (for example, a pit bull or a rottweiler), owners are not generally on the hook the first time the dog bites someone.
When building your case, we must show that the dog’s owner knew that their dog could hurt someone but didn’t take proper measures to mitigate an attack. We could use the dog’s veterinary records, eyewitness testimony, and other supporting information to prove this factor.
We Have a Limited Time to File Your Dog Bite Lawsuit
If you wait too long to initiate legal proceedings, you could lose the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses.
The statute of limitations for most North Carolina personal injury cases is three years under G.S. § 1-52. The statute of limitations is the deadline for filing a lawsuit. G.S. § 1-53 sets the filing deadline for wrongful death lawsuits at only two years. After the deadline passes, the defendant is no longer liable for your losses.
Negotiating with the insurer, gathering evidence, and exploring your legal options do not extend your filing deadline. We understand that it’s critical to act within the allotted timeframe. If you wait too long to set your case in motion, you could lose the right to seek damages through litigation.
Our Greensboro Dog Bite Lawyers Advocate for These People
A dog bite injury can happen almost anywhere and often out of the blue. Most vulnerable to these injuries are small children, sometimes leading to trauma and phobias as they age. Not only do we advocate for children who can’t advocate for themselves, but we lend a helping hand to those injured as:
- House guests, including friends and family
- Plumbing and repair professionals
- Delivery personnel
- Neighbors
- Runners
- Cyclists
Regardless of how it happened, you have the right to explore your options. Don’t assume that you don’t deserve damages. Our lawyers can review your claim and fight for fair compensation.
Recoverable Damages in a Greensboro Dog Bite Case
There is no automatic dollar amount for dog bite injury cases because every situation is different. The amount of compensation you recover depends on the unique facts of your situation. Some of the categories of compensation we have won for our clients include the following:
- Medical expenses. These damages can include bills for the ambulance, emergency room, x-rays, diagnostic procedures, initial surgery, physical therapy, doctors, hospital, intensive care unit, prescription drugs, and pain management services.
- Ongoing medical expenses after the initial bite. Animal attacks can cause catastrophic wounds that require multiple rounds of surgical intervention, like plastic surgery, operations to release contractures and other debilitating scar tissue that restricts movement, and post-surgical physical therapy.
- Long-term care. After getting mauled by a dog, a person might have injuries from which they can never recover. These wounds can make them unable to live independently and require daily assistance.
- Lost wages. When a person suffers severe wounds from an animal attack, they will likely have to spend time away from work recuperating. They might also have future lost wages if their wounds negatively affect their working ability.
- Pain and suffering. Dog attacks can cause painful injuries and great distress. This category compensates the victim for the physical discomfort and emotional distress of the attack and injuries.
- Other intangible losses. Disfigurement is common from dog bites because these are jagged wounds, usually in places that are easily visible to the casual observer. Many people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a dog attack from the terrifying experience. Loss of enjoyment of life is common when the victim can no longer perform activities they enjoyed before the accident. All of these hardships are compensable.
Dog bites can be fatal, either from the initial wounds or from complications like rabies, tetanus, or other infections. We know that “we’re sorry” only goes so far when you’re living in the aftermath of a loved one’s passing. Yet, you may find that compensation for their end-of-life care costs, funeral, and burial empowers you to move forward.
Three Steps to Take After a Greensboro Dog Bite Attack
The purpose of the statute of limitations rule is to prevent the degradation of evidence or witness recollections of the event, among other things. It is in someone’s best interest, therefore, to act as quickly as possible. In the moments after the injury, there are three steps you can take to promote your case:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your medical records will be valuable evidence in the injury claim or lawsuit. Also, be sure to complete the prescribed medical treatment. You don’t want the other party to have any reason to deny or dismiss your allegations.
- Document the scene. Take photos of your injuries, the location where they happened and, if possible, the dog. Collect the names and contact information of eyewitnesses. Look around to see if nearby security cameras at homes, businesses, or intersections captured footage of the event or what happened before or after the attack.
- Begin a free case review with our Greensboro injury team. We want to perform a thorough investigation as soon as possible while the physical evidence is still fresh and before eyewitnesses’ memories fade.
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; you have financial recovery options. As noted, to advance your case, we must show that the dog’s owner knew of the dog’s aggressive tendencies but didn’t warn others or properly control the animal. If the dog was an inherently dangerous breed (like a pit bull), this will be straightforward to assert.
Work with a Greensboro Dog Bite Lawyer From Whitley Law Firm
If you suffered a dog bite, do not hesitate to contact our Greensboro dog bite lawyers to discuss all your legal options and go over your potential next steps. You want someone in your corner pushing for the best outcome possible. Connect with our family-owned-and-operated firm at (919) 785-5000.
