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 to schedule 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. Our Wilmington personal injury lawyers at Shipman & Wright stand out for several key reasons:
- Experienced in dog bite law: We have a deep understanding of North Carolina’s dog bite statutes, ensuring your case is handled with competence.
- Committed attorneys: Our 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 dog bite attorney in Wilmington from Shipman & Wright to be your advocate during this challenging time.
What Our Wilmington Dog Bite Attorney Will Do For You
Having a knowledgeable lawyer by your side can significantly affect the outcome of your dog bite claim. Here’s how we can help:
- 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 in court: We will handle all legal proceedings, should your case need to be tried in court to recover the compensation you truly deserve.
Understanding 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).
Consulting with a Wilmington dog bite lawyer will give you the best sense of what your legal options are and if you could be considered at fault.
Potential 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.
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.