415+ Google Reviews
Were you bitten by a dog in Tryon, North Carolina? In this situation, you have the chance to seek legal assistance from the professionals at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC. You can reach out to a Tryon dog bite lawyer to receive personalized help with your claim.
Our team takes steps to help secure compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. Find out more by reaching out to us for assistance.
Facts About Dog Attacks Around the Country
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), dogs bite around 4.5 million people in the U.S. every year. More than 800,000 of these bites require medical attention, meaning about 20% of the people bitten sustain serious injuries.
While children sustain the highest percentage of dog bites, a dog could choose to attack anyone of any age, gender, or size. We believe in taking all dog bite claims in the Tryon area seriously. You can reach out to a Tryon dog bite attorney today to discuss the specifics of your claim.
We Understand North Carolina’s Dog Bite Laws
Each state around the country has the freedom to make their own laws governing dog bites. All of these states, including North Carolina, base the foundation of their dog bite legislation on the one-bite rule.
The one bite rule gives individuals a legal ability to seek compensation if they were bit by a dog that had previously bitten or attempted to bite someone else. This rule only applies if the dog’s owner knew about the previous attack or attempted attack.
North Carolina has supplemented the one bite rule with additional laws related to dog bite claims, including regulations focused on:
Statutory Liability
Several statutes address liability for dog bites in North Carolina. Under G.S. § 67-12, individuals may seek compensation if they sustained an attack from a dog running loose at night without an owner or other responsible figure. However, this regulation only applies if the dog is over six months old.
You may also seek compensation under G.S. § 67-4.1 if you were attacked by a “dangerous dog.” Dangerous dogs have previously injured or killed someone. Dogs also qualify as dangerous if they were previously declared to be so officially.
Negligence
Finally, the court system holds some pet owners responsible for animal attacks due to their negligent behavior. If a dog owner does nothing while their pet acts in a dangerous manner, they may demonstrate negligence. In this situation, you could receive compensation for your losses.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Tryon
You may feel unsure what steps to take following a dog bite in Tryon. A Tryon dog bite attorney can help you go over the best steps to take. Make sure you:
Gather Information About the Dog
If you know who the dog belongs to, write that information down immediately. If you do not recognize the dog or believe it to be a stray, you may take pictures or video of the animal. If you can easily contain the dog somewhere – such as in your yard – you may do so, but do not further endanger your health.
Contact Animal Control
It’s important to reach out to animal control as quickly as possible about an animal attack. Tell them everything that happened and give them your location. Follow any instructions they give you.
Get Medical Care
Dog attacks can leave you with serious injuries. We recommend calling 911 if you require emergency care. You can also drive yourself to a medical care facility to receive treatment. You may require a rabies vaccination to protect your health.
Speak to a Lawyer
Finally, you can reach out to a Tryon dog bite attorney for assistance after your attack. Your lawyer can step in to handle all your legal needs, allowing you to focus on recovering from your injuries.
Act fast to make sure your case does not go past the statute of limitations. You have two years to pursue legal action from the time of the attack according to G.S. § 1-52.
Can I Get Compensation for Being Bitten by a Dog?
You have legal options to secure compensation following an animal attack in Tryon. A lawyer can assess the facts of your case to see if it falls under any of the North Carolina’s dog bite laws. Depending upon your situation, you could receive damages to cover your medical expenses, including:
- Emergency medical care
- Time spent in a hospital
- Tests and procedures
- Physical therapy
We understand that many people find animal attacks very traumatic, especially younger children. You may experience nightmares or develop a fear of animals after an attack. In these situations, you may receive compensation for your pain and suffering.
You may also receive damages to cover your time off at work during your recovery. Find out more by reaching out to us today.
How Dog Bite Lawyers Help in Tryon
You do not have to try to handle your legal needs alone if you were attacked by a dog in Tryon. Instead, you can reach out to a lawyer for professional assistance. Our team takes steps to:
- Establish fault for the attack
- Review all the injuries and losses you sustained
- Help you file all paperwork on time
- Answer any legal questions you have
We understand North Carolina’s contributory negligence laws, which mean that you may not receive compensation if you contributed to the attack in any way. Allow us to walk you through the process of filing a claim and seeking compensation.
You may receive compensation by settling your claim with the insurance company representing the dog’s owner. In some cases, you could also pursue a lawsuit.
Speak to Us After a Dog Attack in Tryon
Our team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can step in to help you after an animal attack. Reach out to a Tryon dog bite lawyer today to get the personal support and attention you want. You can complete our online contact form or call us directly to learn more.
