If you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite in Greensboro, secure the right legal representation to get the compensation you deserve. At Shipman & Wright, our dedicated Greensboro dog bite attorneys bring a wealth of experience to every case we handle. With an in-depth understanding of Greensboro’s dog bite laws and a commitment to client care, our team is prepared to advocate on your behalf. We aim to alleviate your stress and allow you to focus on recovery while we pursue justice and the maximum compensation for your injuries. Trust Shipman & Wright to be your ally in this challenging time. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Why Trust Shipman & Wright In Your Greensboro Dog Bite Claim?
Selecting Shipman & Wright as your legal representative is the stand-out choice for several reasons:
- Decades of Experience in Dog Bite Claims: Founded in 1980, Shipman & Wright has cultivated a rich understanding of personal injury law in Greensboro, including our focus on dog bite cases. Our team includes esteemed lawyers like Gary Shipman who has been honored as “Lawyer of the Year” for his work in Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs.
- Comprehensive Case Handling: From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, Shipman & Wright offers complete legal support. We manage all aspects of your claim, including evidence collection, dealing with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigating your case in court.
- Understanding of Greensboro’s Legal Environment: Given North Carolina’s contributory negligence law, an understanding of Greensboro’s laws and important players in the legal community is important to being successful in your claim.
- Risk-Free Representation: We understand the financial strain that can follow a dog bite incident. Shipman & Wright offers our services on a contingency fee basis. This means you owe nothing unless we win your case as we are confident in our ability to achieve a successful outcome for you.
The Importance of Legal Representation in Greensboro Dog Bite Cases
Engaging an attorney for a dog bite case in Greensboro is critical to making sure your rights are fully protected so that you are justly compensated for your injuries. Here’s how our Greensboro dog bite lawyers become indispensable in these situations:
- Comprehensive Damage Assessment: Quantifying the full spectrum of damages after a dog bite—ranging from medical bills and rehabilitation costs to psychological counseling and lost earning capacity—can be challenging. Our dedicated Greensboro dog bite attorney will consult with experts to make sure every potential impact is accounted for.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters will attempt to minimize payouts in their initial offers. Our skilled attorneys can level the playing field using our negotiation experience to secure a fair settlement that covers all aspects of your recovery.
- Trial Preparedness and Support: If the opposing side will not provide a fair offer, taking your case to court may be necessary. In such instances, our dog bite attorneys will handle all aspects of the litigation process, from filing the lawsuit within statutory deadlines to presenting a persuasive case on your behalf.
- Stress Reduction and Supportive Guidance: Dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite can be an emotionally taxing experience. Instead of adding to your stress, let our Greensboro dog bite lawyers handle the legal aspects so you can concentrate on your physical and emotional recovery
Dangerous Dog Laws in Greensboro Dog Bite Claims
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 67-4.4 outlines strict liability for owners of dangerous dogs in Greensboro. The law states:
“The owner of a dangerous dog shall be strictly liable in civil damages for any injuries or property damage the dog inflicts upon a person, his property, or another animal.”
By clearly defining the liabilities dog owners face when their pets cause injury or damage on property they do not own or lease, dog owners must adequately control and secure dogs found dangerous or else face the consequences.
The designation of a dog as “dangerous” under North Carolina law triggers specific legal obligations for the owner. For dog owners, this means that if their dog is known to have a dangerous nature—whether due to previous attacks, aggressive behavior, or any other indicators—they must take heightened precautions to prevent their dog from causing harm. Failure to do so exposes the owner to liability for any damages or injuries their dog might inflict.
Statute of Limitations in Greensboro Dog Bite Injury Claims
In Greensboro, the statute of limitations for dog bite injury claims plays a critical role in determining the timeframe within which a victim must take legal action. The statute of limitations is essentially a legal deadline to file a claim. This deadline is established under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52:
“§ 1‑52. Three years. Within three years an action…(5) For criminal conversation, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract and not hereafter enumerated, except as provided by G.S. 1‑17(d) and (e).”
This means victims have three (3) years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit against the responsible dog owner. While the three-year limit is the general rule, there are exceptions that can extend or toll the statute of limitations in certain circumstances.
For example, if the dog bite victim is a minor (under 18 years of age), the statute of limitations does not begin to run until they reach the age of majority. They would then have until their 21st birthday to file a claim. Also, if the victim is incapacitated or deemed legally incompetent at the time of the incident, the clock on the statute of limitations may be paused until the disability is lifted. A Greensboro dog bite lawyer can help you understand the nuances of North Carolina’s dog bite laws.
Contact Our Greensboro Dog Bite Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has suffered from a Greensboro dog bite injury, don’t deal with the aftermath alone. Our team at Shipman & Wright is here to provide the support and advocacy you need to secure the compensation and justice you deserve. The complexities of dog bite laws can feel overwhelming, but our experienced attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process. Call Shipman & Wright today to schedule a consultation and discover how our Greensboro dog bite injury attorneys can help you move forward in this challenging time.