A dog bite incident can leave deep scars—both physically and emotionally. At Shipman & Wright, our Wilmington dog bite lawyer understands the complexities involved in dog bite cases and stands ready to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries, emotional distress, and other damages. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Wilmington, reach out to Shipman & Wright at (910) 762-1990 for a free consultation today.
Why Choose Shipman & Wright To Represent You?
After being bitten by a dog in Wilmington, having the right legal support can be the difference between recovering all the compensation you are entitled to receive or none at all. The Wilmington dog bite attorneys at Shipman & Wright stand out for several key reasons:
- Experience in Dog Bite Law: We have a deep understanding of North Carolina’s dog bite statutes, ensuring your case is handled with competence.
- Committed Main Attorneys: Our Wilmington personal injury attorneys are personally involved in each case, offering unmatched legal representation.
- Client-Centered Approach: Your recovery and satisfaction are our top priorities.
- Free Consultation: We start with a no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your case.
- Contingency Fee Basis: You pay no attorney fees unless we secure compensation for you.
Trust a Wilmington dog bite attorneys from Shipman & Wright to be your advocate during challenging times.
Understanding Dog Bite Claims in North Carolina
Dog bites are not just about physical injuries; they are also about the emotional and financial toll they can take on victims’ lives long-term, underscoring the need for victims to seek fair compensation. However, recovering compensation after a dog bite can be complicated, with insurance companies often doing whatever they can to minimize how much they pay out.
Statistics show that victims represented by experienced attorneys secure significantly more compensation than those without. This difference highlights the importance of having an experienced Wilmington dog bite attorney who can ensure justice is served and fair compensation is recovered.
Liability in North Carolina Dog Bite Claims
In North Carolina, liability for a dog bite largely depends on whether the dog was previously known to be dangerous. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. §67-4.1, a dog is considered legally dangerous if it has previously seriously injured a person unprovoked or has been trained for dog fighting. In such cases, the owner may be held strictly liable for any injuries caused to others by their dog.
Additionally, the “one-bite rule” may apply, making the owner liable if they were aware of the dog’s potential to cause harm but failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent such actions. Contributory negligence is also a key factor in dog bite cases. If the victim was negligent, such as by teasing the dog, this could be cause for invalidating their claim (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-139).
Compensation Available For Dog Bite Victims
Victims of dog bites in North Carolina are entitled to various damages, addressing both the immediate and long-term impacts, including but not limited to:
- Medical Expenses: To cover all treatment-related costs.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for time off work due to the injury.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property Damage: To cover any personal property damaged during the incident.
Understanding what damages you are eligible for after being bitten by a dog is critical in ensuring comprehensive compensation.
The Statute of Limitations For Dog Bite Claims in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations sets a critical time limit for filing a dog bite lawsuit—generally three years from the date of the incident (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52). However, specific circumstances can extend or shorten this period. Furthermore, while this time limit does not apply to insurance claims, initiating an insurance claim quickly is advised. This makes it essential to consult with a qualified Wilmington dog bite lawyer from our team promptly.
How You Benefit From Having an Experienced Wilmington Dog Bite Attorney on Your Side
Having a knowledgeable Wilmington dog bite lawyer by your side can significantly impact the outcome of your dog bite claim. Here is how:
- Case Evaluation: We can determine the strength of your claim and identify the responsible parties.
- Documenting Your Medical Treatment: We can assist you with documenting your medical treatment to support your claim.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We can negotiate with the liable insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation without being lowballed.
- Legal Representation: We will handle all legal proceedings, should your case need to be tried in court to recover the compensation you truly deserve.
Contact Shipman & Wright for an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney in Wilmington
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Wilmington, you deserve to be compensated for injuries, and our Wilmington dog bite attorneys are committed to securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Reach out to Shipman & Wright today for a free consultation. Begin your journey towards recovery with a law firm that truly cares about your well-being.