If you are a victim of a Goldsboro dog bite incident, finding an experienced legal team that will care for you can make all the difference. At Shipman & Wright, our Goldsboro dog bite attorneys are committed to delivering exceptional legal service for your case. We use our knowledge of Goldsboro dog bite laws to defend your rights and secure the compensation you rightly deserve. We seek to provide you with peace of mind during this difficult time so that you can focus on your well-being while we handle your claim. Choose Shipman & Wright to give your claim the attention and dedication it demands. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Why Select Shipman & Wright for Your Goldsboro Dog Bite Claim?
Shipman & Wright is full of experienced and knowledgeable lawyers offering victims and their families the dedicated legal assistance they need. Here’s why Shipman & Wright is the optimal choice in your Goldsboro dog bite case:
- Experience in Dog Bite Litigation: Shipman & Wright is deeply rooted in personal injury law and dog bite cases. Our firm’s history, dating back to 1980, is marked by our tradition of excellence in this area. Our lawyers include Gary Shipman achieved “Lawyer of the Year” in Personal Injury Litigation.
- Personalized Approach to Every Case: Shipman & Wright prioritizes a personalized strategy for each client. We believe in crafting tailored solutions that address the unique aspects of your case.
- Record of Success in Achieving Fair Outcomes: Our team has a proven track record of negotiating and litigating dog bite claims to successful conclusions.
- Contingency-Based Representation: Recognizing the financial pressures that can accompany a dog bite injury, our services are offered on a contingency fee basis. We are confident in our ability to secure compensation for you.
Securing Justice with a Goldsboro Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bite incidents can inflict physical wounds and emotional/financial strain. The assistance of a skilled legal professional is essential. Here’s the role our Goldsboro dog bite lawyers will have in your claim:
- Understanding of North Carolina Dog Bite Legislation: North Carolina dog bite laws have specific statutes and legal precedents that govern liability and compensation. Our dog bite lawyer brings an in-depth understanding of these laws, including the applicability of “one-bite” rules.
- Determining the Value of Your Claim: Assessing the full extent of damages—both immediate and long-term—is a complex but critical process. Our Goldsboro dog bite attorneys will meticulously calculate medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages applicable to your claim.
- Handling Your Negotiation and Advocating for You in Court: Our Goldsboro dog bite attorneys will be assertive in negotiating with insurance companies. We are experienced and will not let them pressure you into a lowball settlement offer. If needed, our lawyers are experienced in the courtroom and will prepare your claim to be strongly argued in front of a judge or jury.
- Emotional Support and Guidance: Some firms treat their clients like a number. We believe that you deserve much more than being treated just as a customer. We understand that these are challenging times and are here to provide you with emotional support and guidance through the twists and turns. Throughout the whole process, we will advise you on all of your options so that you can feel assured that your case is being handled with diligence. Read about what our clients have to say about their experience working with our firm.
Common Causes of Goldsboro Dog Bite Claims
Goldsboro dog bite claims can come from a variety of circumstances and behaviors. Here are some frequent causes of Goldsboro dog bite claims we see at Shipman & Wright:
- Lack of Socialization: Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized may react aggressively to unfamiliar people or situations. Lack of socialization can lead to fear-based biting incidents, especially if the dog feels trapped or threatened.
- Fear or Protective Behavior: Dogs often bite out of fear or when they perceive a threat to themselves, their offspring, or their owners.
- Pain or Sickness: A dog that is experiencing pain or is ill might bite if someone touches or approaches it in a way that exacerbates its discomfort.
- Prey Drive: Some dogs have a high prey drive and may chase and bite if something moves quickly past them, such as a running child or cyclist. This instinctual behavior can lead to serious injuries.
- Poor Ownership Practices: Owners who fail to train, control, or adequately secure their dogs contribute significantly to bite incidents. This includes allowing dogs to roam freely or not using leashes in public spaces.
- Territorial Aggression: Dogs are naturally territorial and may bite to defend their space, whether it’s their home, yard, or even a vehicle. Intrusions into what the dog perceives as its territory can trigger aggressive responses.
- Prior Acts of Aggression: A dog that has a documented history of aggressive behavior, including previous attacks on people or animals, may be classified as dangerous.
- Involvement in Dog Fighting: Dogs that have been trained for or involved in dog fighting are automatically considered dangerous under North Carolina law.
Contributory Negligence in Goldsboro Dog Bite Claims
Contributory negligence plays a significant role in dog bite injury claims. If the victim of a dog bite is found to have contributed in any way to their own injury, they may be barred from recovering any compensation at all from the dog’s owner. North Carolina is one of the few states that apply such a stringent standard for personal injury claims.
For example, if a victim visits a friend’s house and is warned by the owner that the dog is known to be aggressive, the victim may be found contributorily negligent if the victim decides to pet the dog anyways and is injured. In North Carolina, if evidence shows that the victim knew of the dog’s dangerous tendencies due to the warnings of the owner, the court may bar the victim from recovering anything at all.
The contributory negligence doctrine can dramatically affect the strategy for pursuing a Goldboro dog bite injury claim in Goldsboro. Legal counsel will meticulously weigh whether the evidence presented strengthens or weakens the case and assess the risk of deciding what to present. The challenge of proving the dog owner’s total fault, coupled with the need to demonstrate the victim’s lack of contribution to the incident, makes skilled legal representation from a Goldsboro personal injury attorney not just beneficial but essential.
Contact Our Goldsboro Dog Bite Lawyers Today
Secure the legal representation you deserve with Shipman & Wright’s Goldsboro dog bite lawyers. Our team is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of victims affected by dog bite incidents. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take, and we’re committed to guiding you toward a resolution that addresses your needs. Reach out to Shipman & Wright today to arrange your consultation. Let our Goldsboro dog bite attorneys provide compassionate support and legal counsel to help you move forward. Call us today for your free consultation.