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A dog attack is a terrifying experience for a person. When your physical or psychological trauma from the attack has had a debilitating impact on your life, and you do not know where to turn for help, reach out to a Gaffney dog bite lawyer at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC.
If you decide to work with our personal injury lawyers, you could heal from your injuries while we focus on the legalities of your insurance and civil claims. Find out how the dog bite claims process works when you contact us for help.
Can You Sue for a Dog Bite Injury?
After a dog bite, you may have the opportunity to file a civil lawsuit against the liable party. However, before doing so, you can file a claim with the dog owner’s insurance company.
Generally, dog owners have insurance coverage that pays for damages from dog bites. This could include homeowner’s insurance, renters insurance, or even general liability insurance. If your insurance claim does not adequately meet your needs, or the dog owner does not carry insurance coverage, an insurance settlement may not suffice.
In this case, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation. Dog bites fall under a specific type of personal injury called premises liability.
If you are unsure whether you have grounds for a claim, you can find out more by contacting us.
Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Victims of dog bites are known to suffer an array of injuries when attacked or bit. These injuries can be physically traumatic and emotionally damaging. Some of the common injuries associated with dog bites in Gaffney include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis, including quadriplegia or paraplegia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Nightmares, flashbacks, and insomnia
- Generalized anxiety and panic disorder
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
There are many other injuries you could be diagnosed with following a dog bite or attack. The type of injury you are diagnosed with will not necessarily have an impact on the outcome of your case, but the ways your life has been affected by your injuries will influence your eligibility for compensation.
What Are the Grounds for a Dog Bite Claim?
It may not always be clear whether you have grounds to file a dog bite claim. When you are struggling to figure out what your next steps could be, consider reaching out to Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC. We can examine your case to determine liability and assess your losses. Some of the things we may consider include:
- Did the dog’s owner exercise reasonable control over their dog?
- Are you dealing with considerable financial losses as a result of your dog bite injuries?
- Is there emotional trauma you are currently dealing with?
If your dog attack or injuries have affected you emotionally, physically, or financially, you can hold the dog’s owner accountable under North Carolina strict liability laws.
Who Is Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Cherokee County, NC?
The dog’s owner does not need to be proven negligent for them to be liable. If a dog is considered a “dangerous dog,” meaning they have previously shown a propensity towards violence or aggression, the dog’s owner must be held strictly liable.
North Carolina follows strict liability laws under N.C. Gen. Stat. §67-4.4 for dog bites. This means dog owners will always be held accountable for their dog’s actions- whether they have previously been or are declared dangerous. Dogs who have previously attacked or killed another animal may be considered dangerous.
If you are unsure whether the dog’s owner in your case could be held accountable for your injuries, you can find out by discussing the details of your case with your Gaffney dog bite lawyer.
What Laws Could Influence Your Dog Bite Settlement?
There are multiple laws in place that could impact the compensation you are awarded in your dog bite settlement. Two of the most important laws you must be aware of include:
- The statute of limitations – Under G.S. §1-52,dog bite lawsuits must be filed before the three-year statute of limitations expires, or your case will no longer be heard by the Gaffney civil courts.
- North Carolina contributory negligence laws – North Carolina’s contributory negligence laws could impact your ability to seek compensation, but our lawyers will work to prove you weren’t responsible for the incident.
You can expect the defense to try to blame you for causing your injuries or argue that the statute of limitations has already passed in your case, in the hopes of reducing their financial liability. With a dog bite attorney advocating for you, you will be ready for whatever the defendant may attempt to argue in the hopes of avoiding liability in your case.
Connect With Our Gaffney Dog Bite Lawyer for Legal Help
Have you or your child suffered catastrophic or life-threatening injuries due to a dog attack? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Get help making the liable party pay for their negligence.
Contact Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC now for a no-cost, risk-free consultation today. A compassionate team member is standing by to review your case and determine your best course of action. We want to help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve after a preventable dog attack.
