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What should I do after being bitten by a dog in Charlotte?

Bice Law | Updated October 30, 2023

Dog Bite Injury - Charlotte Dog Bite Lawyer Have you been bitten by a dog in Charlotte? If you were injured after being bitten by a dog in Charlotte, you should take these steps for your safety and to protect your legal rights. Here are a few things you should do after being injured from a dog bite in Charlotte:

Ensure Safety

Your immediate priority after a Charlotte dog bite is to ensure your safety and well-being. If the dog is still aggressive or poses a threat, distance yourself from it and find a safe location.

Seek Medical Attention

Once you are in a secure place, assess the severity of the wound. If the injury is severe, deep, or bleeding profusely, call emergency services or visit the nearest hospital without delay. Prompt medical attention is essential to prevent infection and receive appropriate treatment, such as wound cleaning, stitches, and tetanus shots.

Gather Information

If possible, gather information about the dog and its owner. This information will be crucial for reporting the incident and ensuring that the dog is up-to-date on vaccinations, including rabies. Note down details such as the breed, color, size, and any distinguishing features of the dog. Note if the dog was leashed or unleashed. Additionally, obtain the owner’s name, address, and contact information. If there were any witnesses to the incident, ask for their contact details as well, as their statements may be valuable for legal purposes.

Report the Incident

Contact your local animal control agency or non-emergency police line to report the dog bite incident. Provide them with all the information you have gathered, including the dog’s description, the owner’s details, and any witness statements. Reporting the incident helps create an official record, ensures the appropriate authorities take action and protects others from potential harm by the same dog.

Document the Injury

Take photographs of your injuries immediately after the incident and continue documenting their progress over time. This visual evidence can serve as important documentation for insurance claims or legal proceedings, if necessary. Keep a detailed record of all medical treatments, expenses, and any psychological or emotional effects caused by the incident. This documentation will be useful when seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, or counseling services.

Consult with a Charlotte Dog Bite Lawyer

Depending on the severity of the dog bite injury, it may be wise to consult with a personal injury attorney who has experience handling dog bite injury cases. An experienced Charlotte Dog Bite Injury Lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help determine liability, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages. They can also provide valuable advice on your rights and legal options, increasing the chances of a successful outcome should you decide to pursue a legal claim. The Charlotte Dog Bite Lawyer at Bice Law has extensive knowledge and experience in handling dog bite injury claims. We have helped countless dog bite victims and their families throughout North Carolina.

North Carolina Dog Bite Laws

Dog bites can be traumatic and often lead to physical and emotional suffering for the victims. In North Carolina, like many other states, there are dog bite laws in place to protect both the victims and the owners of dogs involved in such incidents. Understanding North Carolina Dog Bite Laws is essential for all dog owners and anyone who may encounter dogs in their daily lives.

Strict Liability

North Carolina follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bite cases. This means that dog owners are generally held responsible for any injuries their dogs cause, regardless of whether the dog has shown previous aggressive behavior or the owner was aware of it. In essence, if a dog bites someone, the owner is liable for the injuries and damages incurred.

Leash Laws

In North Carolina, there are leash laws in place in many municipalities. These laws require dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash when in public areas. Violating leash laws can result in fines or penalties. By adhering to leash laws, dog owners can help prevent situations where their dogs may bite or harm others.

One Bite Rule

While North Carolina follows a strict liability rule, the state also adheres to the “one bite rule.” This rule suggests that the owner may not be held liable for the first bite if they were unaware of their dog’s dangerous propensities. However, once a dog has bitten someone, the owner is considered to be on notice, and any subsequent incidents can lead to legal consequences.

Negligence

In some cases, dog bite victims can also seek compensation based on the owner’s negligence. If it can be proven that the owner acted recklessly or carelessly, resulting in the dog bite, the victim may be entitled to damages. Negligence can include situations where the owner allowed their dog to roam freely in an area where leash laws apply.

Contributory Negligence

It’s important to note that North Carolina follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, which means if a dog bite victim is found to be partially at fault for the incident, they may not be entitled to any compensation. This is a strict standard, and even a small amount of fault on the part of the victim can potentially bar them from recovering damages.

While the state follows strict liability for dog bite cases, it also takes into account the one bite rule and the possibility of negligence on the owner’s part. To prevent dog bite incidents, dog owners should follow leash laws and take necessary precautions to ensure their dogs do not pose a threat to others. Victims should be aware of the contributory negligence doctrine and consult legal professionals if they need to pursue a dog bite claim. By being informed and responsible, we can create a safer environment for both humans and dogs in North Carolina.

After a Dog Bite | Contact The Charlotte Dog Bite Experts

At Bice Law, our firm has an expert Dog Bite Attorney in Charlotte fighting for injury victims. We offer FREE CONSULTATIONS and you pay nothing until we win!  Our firm offers dog bite, and other personal injury legal services to all of North Carolina. With Bice Law, you get more than the experience of a Charlotte Dog Bite Attorney. You’ll have a Frontline Injury Team behind you, stopping at nothing to get you what you deserve! Our firm fights for our injury clients from consultation to settlement, and the insurance companies know that we will take every case to trial if our clients have been mistreated.

While dogs provide companionship, it is important to recognize that dog bites can pose significant dangers. Dog bites can be a serious and traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. In Charlotte, North Carolina, Bice Law has a dog bite injury attorney who specializes in handling cases related to dog bites. Our firm is knowledgeable about the state’s laws and regulations related to dog bites, and we can help you navigate the legal process if you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog in Charlotte.

Bice Law is a dedicated Personal Injury Law Firm unlike any other. Our Firm’s Difference is that we focus on what we can do for our clients, not what they can do for us. You’ll find that most law firms practice several different areas of law. Bice Law specializes in only personal injury. Our firm doesn’t dabble in any other area of law that would take away from our team being the best Personal Injury Law Firm.

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