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Our Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

Bitten by a Dog?

It’s an unfortunate day that you have to look for a dog bite injury lawyer, whether in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, or the surrounding areas. Nobody wants to believe that their pet has the potential to attack, but it can and does happen. A dog bite can result in expensive medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and even scarring and disfigurement. Dog owners are responsible if they allow their pets to roam in violation of state leash laws. These laws are meant to protect public safety, security, and peace. These laws ensure that individuals can go through their lives without worrying about being attacked.

When those liberties and protections are violated, our personal injury attorneys are here to help. Miller Law Group, PLLC, has represented numerous families and individuals who were dog bites victims. In most cases, our firm has been successful in bringing action against the homeowner’s insurance policy of the individual who owns the dog. If you have questions or want a free consultation, please contact our firm at 919-348-4361.

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Dog in a muzzle

What Is The “One Bite” Rule?

Understanding North Carolina Regulations

In North Carolina, dog owners are allowed the “one free bite” rule. The “one free bite” rule means that owners of dogs are generally not held accountable until the dog demonstrates a propensity for violence. There are several exclusions to that, such as if the owner knew or should have known that the dog had bitten someone in the past, if the dog was running around at night unaccompanied by its owner, or if the dog had been trained for dog fighting. Once the dog has bitten an individual in the past, the homeowner becomes strictly liable for the next bite. There are other exceptions to this rule, and, ultimately, liability will be determined by the factors of your specific situation.

At Miller Law Group, PLLC, our attorneys are set on helping victims of dog bites across Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding areas. If a dog or someone you love has attacked you and you are dealing with damages, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We are here to support you.

How Do You Know If You Have A Dog Bite Case

From Dog Bite Severity to Evidence

You may be wondering if you even have the potential for a case in the event of a dog bite. The truth is that only an attorney who has listened to and evaluated the details of your case can give you legal advice. If you are seriously considering a case, please consult the legal counsel. However, a few known factors affect a case’s viability, as we’ve previously mentioned.

In most states, the owner is liable for the dog’s actions, and the injured party can claim compensation. As we’ve mentioned before, however, some states have “one-bite” laws, where the owner is only held responsible if they knew or should have understood that their dog was liable to bite someone, and they failed to act accordingly. Hence, you must understand the laws of your state to determine your legal case.

The severity of the bite plays a significant role in the legal case. You may have a stronger case if the dog bite was severe and resulted in substantial injuries.

Gathering evidence is crucial to building a compelling legal case. You must document the incident by taking pictures of the wound, the location of the incident, and any property damage that occurred. Suppose you can identify the dog and trace it back to the owner. In that case, it will also be incredibly helpful to narrow in on the case and identify if you have reasonable cause to seek compensation.

The statute of limitations refers to the time frame for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations in North Carolina for filing a dog bite lawsuit is three years. That means you have three years from the incident date to file for compensation before you are no longer allowed. As you can see, acting quickly and swiftly to seek proper legal counsel is crucial for your case.

As we said before, the only one who can accurately determine the viability of your case is your legal counsel. They can work with you to analyze the details of your case and find potential solutions. If you are looking for qualified counsel, we are here and ready to help. Connect with us today and get started on the right path today.

Medical treatment on an injured arm from a dog attack

What To Do If A Dog Bites You

When to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

It can be overwhelming if you or someone you care for has been the victim of a dog bite. You may not know what to do or how to handle the situation. In these moments, it’s always best to seek immediate guidance from medical professionals. The last thing you want is to allow bacteria to infect the wound and worsen the situation.

As we said before, stabilizing the injured person is the first action that should be taken. A medical professional can assess the damages, clean out the wound properly, and eliminate any bacteria or infection that may be present. Depending on the extent of the bite, antibiotics or a tetanus booster may also be necessary, but your provider will determine that.

To hold the owner responsible for the dog bite liable, you must provide evidence of what happened. Take photographs of your injuries and collect any footage that you have of the accident. If you have a record of the dog’s visual appearance or any records of previous attacks, that is also valuable evidence. Additionally, you will need to gather contact information from the owner and any witnesses present during the attack. It is essential to gather the dog owner’s information after being bitten by a dog. Ask for the dog owner’s name, address, and contact details and if the dog has received rabies vaccinations. Take note of the dog breed and its description. If there are witnesses present, ask for their contact details. This information will be vital for any legal or medical claim or reporting of the incident.

Reporting any dog bite incidents is crucial for various reasons. The authorities must know about such occurrences to investigate and ensure that the dogs receive proper training or, in severe cases, are removed from their owners. Moreover, reporting the bite will record the occurrence should there be any legal proceedings or insurance claims. Contact your local animal control center or law enforcement agency to report the incident.

A legal professional such as an attorney can help victims understand their rights and easily navigate their situation. A skilled dog bite attorney can assess your case and help build a strong claim against the responsible party. They can also handle all communication between parties involved and ensure you receive full compensation for your damages.

At Miller Law Group, PLLC, we are here to support victims of dog bites and their families. We understand the depth of suffering that individuals go through when a dog has victimized them and are here to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Please contact our firm via phone or email for more information or to request a free consultation today.

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At Miller Law Group, PLLC, we are guided by the principle of attaining justice for people who have been wronged in their personal or professional lives. We look forward to making you a part of our team.