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Have you or a loved one suffered a dog bite in Bessemer City, NC? We understand the trauma and physical pain that accompany such an incident. Medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress can disrupt your life. As you recover, you deserve to have someone in your corner who will fight for your rights.
Here at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we are familiar with the local area, from Centennial Park to the streets of downtown Bessemer City, and our Bessemer City personal injury lawyers are committed to helping our community members. Call us today for a free consultation. We can help you pursue the compensation you and your family deserve.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims in Bessemer City
A dog bite can lead to significant physical and emotional injuries, as well as financial burdens. The dog big attorneys with Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC help victims in Bessemer City pursue compensation for their losses. The damages you seek could include:
- Medical expenses: Covers emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments.
- Rehabilitation costs: Includes physical therapy, counseling, and other rehabilitative services.
- Lost income: Compensation for income lost due to time off work for recovery.
- Pain and suffering: Addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Addresses the long-term impact of visible injuries.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the negative effects on your relationship with your spouse.
If you have experienced a dog bite, our dog bite lawyer in Bessemer City will assess the damages available to you in your case. We will calculate the value of those damages, including the subjective non-economic damages, and request a fair settlement that addresses those losses.
How Our Personal Injury Lawyers Support Dog Bite Victims in Bessemer City
Navigating the aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming. A personal injury lawyer can provide legal support and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Here’s how a lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help you:
Case Evaluation and Investigation
Our Bessemer City dog bite lawyers begin by evaluating the details of your case. This stage involves gathering evidence, such as:
- First responder and police reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Photographs of your injuries
- Video if it is available.
We also investigate the dog’s history and the owner’s liability.
Legal Guidance and Representation
North Carolina follows a strict liability rule for dog bites under certain conditions, as outlined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 67-4.4. According to this statute, a dog owner can be held strictly liable. This means that the owner is responsible for the victim’s damages regardless of whether the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
Strict liability ensures that victims receive compensation for their injuries without needing to prove the owner’s negligence, streamlining the legal process and providing a clear pathway for those affected by dangerous dogs.
Building a Strong Claim
We compile all necessary documentation and evidence to build a compelling case. This evidence includes medical reports, proof of lost wages, and expert testimonies to substantiate the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
Negotiation for a Fair Settlement from the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Our lawyers handle all communications and negotiations with insurers, advocating for a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
Court Representation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our lawyers are prepared to take your case to court. We present a robust argument on your behalf, aiming to secure the compensation you deserve.
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years from the date of the injury, as specified in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52. This means that victims have a three-year window to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries. Failing to file within this period generally results in losing the right to pursue legal action.
Timely filing is crucial, as it ensures the preservation of evidence and witness testimony, which can be critical to the success of your case. You should consult with our lawyers as soon as possible after the injury. Prompt action can help us ensure you meet all legal deadlines and allow us to take appropriate action to protect your rights.
Support Throughout the Claim Process
From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, our team provides continuous support. We keep you informed at every stage and answer any questions you may have, ensuring you feel confident and supported throughout the process.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC for a free consultation today.
Establishing Liability in a Bessemer City Dog Bite Case
Proving liability in a dog bite case involves demonstrating that the dog’s owner is legally responsible for your injuries. At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, our dog bite lawyers help clients in Bessemer City establish the following four elements in their claim:
Duty of Care
The first step is to show that the dog owner had a duty of care to prevent their dog from causing harm. In North Carolina, dog owners are expected to keep their pets under control and take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of others.
Breach of Duty
Next, you must prove that the dog owner breached this duty of care. This could involve showing that the owner failed to properly restrain the dog, neglected to warn others of the dog’s aggressive tendencies, or violated local leash laws, per City Ordinance § 93.10.
Causation
Causation involves demonstrating a direct link between the owner’s breach of duty and your injury. You need to show that the dog bite occurred because of the owner’s negligence and that your injuries were a direct result of the bite.
Damages
Finally, you must establish that you suffered actual damages due to the dog bite. This includes providing evidence of medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses related to the incident.
Call Us Today About Your Bessemer City Dog Bite Case
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can guide you through your dog bite case. Our Bessemer City dog bite lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t let medical bills, lost wages, and pain overwhelm you.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal challenges while you focus on your recovery.
