Dog Bite Attorney in Jacksonville NC
Dog bites can cause serious, sometimes permanent, damage to a victim’s nerves and muscles. Bite wounds often require multiple surgeries and leave visible facial scarring and other permanent reminders which can affect a person’s self-esteem. These events can also have a serious financial impact, with medical bills and time taken away from work quickly adding up.
At The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., our Jacksonville personal injury attorneys have been helping accident victims in North Carolina recover the compensation they need and deserve since 1962. We are prepared to help you explore your legal options following a serious animal attack.
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Are Dog And Pet Owners Responsible For Their Animal’s Actions?
In North Carolina, the owner of a dangerous dog is strictly liable when the animal attacks someone. However, the owner must know or should have known that the dog is potentially dangerous. North Carolina law defines a dangerous dog as one that has:
- Killed or seriously injured another person, resulting in broken bones, disfigurement, cosmetic surgery, or hospitalization, without being provoked
- Killed or seriously injured another animal while off the owner’s property
- Approached someone off the owner’s property in a vicious or threatening way, seeming like it might attack
- Been trained for dog fighting
When a dangerous dog attacks someone, the owner will be responsible for compensating the victim for their injuries and losses. However, the owner may not be liable if the dog bite victim was abusing the animal, trespassing, or committing a crime.
If the owner is strictly liable for a dangerous dog, you shouldn’t have to prove the owner was negligent to recover compensation. In other cases, you may have to prove the owner’s negligence by showing they didn’t take reasonable care to prevent the attack.
After an animal attack, a dog bite lawyer from The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A. can work to prove the dog owner’s liability. We can help paint a complete picture of the impact that a dog bite injury has on its victims in an effort to help victims secure full and fair compensation.
Will The Dog Owner Have To Pay Out Of Pocket?
In many cases, a dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy will treat a dog bite the same as it would any other type of premises liability claim. If this is the case, the insurance provider will likely be responsible for providing you with compensation. However, if the dog is a stray or if the owner does not carry homeowners insurance, then different avenues of legal recourse may need to be explored.
What is The Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite Injury Claim?
For personal injury claims, such as a dog bite injury, the time limit to file your injury claim is three years. This time limit is known as the North Carolina Statute of Limitations. If that three years lapses and you have not filed your dog bite claim, you will have forfeited your opportunity to do so. So, while three years may seem like a long time, it is essential that you begin action on your claim as soon as possible. A personal injury claim will require a substantial amount of research and investigation by our law firm. So, time is essential. The clock is ticking!
Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyers If You Or Your Child Has Been Hurt In An Animal Attack
If you or a loved one has been physically and mentally traumatized by a dog attack, we would like to hear from you. Call The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., 910-378-0556, or contact our law firm online today to schedule a consultation and learn more. With offices in Jacksonville, we provide personal injury representation to accident victims across North Carolina.
