Charlotte Dog Bite Lawyers

Helping Dog Bite Victims in Charlotte, NC

When a dog bites, the injuries can be severe and life-altering. In addition to the physical pain and suffering, victims may also experience emotional trauma and financial hardship. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

At Shane Smith Law, we understand the devastating impact a dog bite can have on your life. Our Charlotte dog bite lawyers can ensure you get the treatment and compensation you need to recover from injury. Let us hold the dog owner liable and maximize your entitled damages.

Call our office at (980) 246-2656 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with a dog bite attorney in Charlotte, NC.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Charlotte

After a dog bite, it is important to take the right steps to protect your health and your right to recover compensation. Here are some things you should do:

• Get to safety: If you are able, move to a safe location away from the dog.
• Call 911: Report the dog bite to the police and request an ambulance if you are seriously injured.
• Identify the dog and its owner: If you can, find out the dog’s name and breed, as well as the owner’s name and contact information.
• Take pictures: Use your phone to take pictures of your injuries, the dog, the scene of the bite, and anything else that may be relevant.
• Get medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after a dog bite. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and seeing a doctor will help ensure you receive the necessary treatment. Additionally, seeing a doctor will create a record of your injuries, which can be useful if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
• Report the bite: In Mecklenburg County, you must report a dog bite to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control within 24 hours of the incident. If the bite occurred outside of Mecklenburg County, you should report it to the appropriate local animal control agency.
• Do not give a statement to the insurance company: After a dog bite, the dog owner’s insurance company may reach out to you and ask you to provide a recorded statement. You are not required to do this, and it is generally not in your best interest. The insurance company is looking for any reason to deny your claim or pay you less than you deserve. They may try to twist your words or get you to admit fault. It is best to politely decline to give a statement and refer the insurance company to your attorney.
• Call a dog bite lawyer: An attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim.

Who is Liable for a Dog Bite in Charlotte?

Under North Carolina’s one-bite rule, a dog owner is generally only liable for a bite if the dog has bitten someone before or if the dog has shown aggressive tendencies in the past. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

In North Carolina, a dog owner may be held strictly liable for a bite if:

• The dog was running at large in violation of a local leash law or other ordinance
• The dog was not properly restrained and the bite occurred on the owner’s property
• The dog is a “dangerous dog” as defined by state law

If a dog owner is strictly liable for a bite, this means that the victim does not need to prove that the owner was negligent in any way. Instead, the victim only needs to prove that the bite occurred and that they suffered damages as a result.

Even if a dog owner is not strictly liable for a bite, they may still be held liable if the victim can prove that the owner was negligent. For example, if a dog owner fails to properly restrain their dog and the dog bites someone, the owner may be held liable for the victim’s injuries.

In some cases, a third party may be liable for a dog bite. For example, if a dog bite occurs on someone else’s property, the property owner may be held liable if they knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous. Additionally, if a dog bite occurs at a business, the business owner may be held liable if they knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous.