Durham Dog Bite Lawyers Know How to Protect Your Rights

Dogs are a common part of many people’s lives in the Bull City, but being attacked by another person’s dog can be a traumatic experience that can leave you, or your child, injured and fearful. In Durham County, dog owners are required to keep their dogs under restraint when they’re away from their property, and it’s considered unlawful to take a dog on a walk without a leash.

If you are bitten by an unleashed or aggressive dog, consult with us for some answers, help, and guidance on what to do next – at no cost or obligation. Call 1-866-900-7078 today for a free case evaluation.

What Is the “One Bite Rule” in Durham?

If you, or someone you know, suffer from a dog bite injury in Durham, your chances to recover compensation can depend on the dog’s known history. North Carolina is one of 16 states that follow what is commonly known as a “One Bite Rule,” also known as the “First Bite Rule” or “One Free Bite Rule.”

The “One Bite Rule” often shields the owner of domestic animals from liability for the animal’s first victim. The name is somewhat misleading in that the rule applies to any injury inflicted by the dog, whether or not it was caused by a bite. The idea is that the dog owner had no way of knowing that the dog was dangerous prior to the first instance of injury so they should not be held liable for the actions of the dog that first time.

Why Does Intent Matter in a Durham Dog Bite Case?

Intent matters because in North Carolina, a dog owner is not strictly liable for a canine-inflicted injury unless he or she intentionally, knowingly, and willfully allowed a dog at least six months of age to “run at large” at night unaccompanied by its owner or a member of the owner’s family. This is a higher standard than in many states, which is why it is especially critical to consult with a dog bite lawyer in Durham.

When Is a Dog Owner Liable for an Injury?

If the “running at large” prohibition mentioned above is not violated, the dog owner might still have liability if the dog:

• killed or inflicted “serious” injury on a person
• was used or kept for dog fighting
• was previously declared dangerous by a governmental entity

The Animal Services Division of Durham County’s Sheriff’s Office investigates dog bite and dangerous dog reports. After an investigation, a dog is deemed by a sheriff’s deputy to be “dangerous” if it has killed or severely injured a human or “potentially dangerous” if it has killed or severely injured a domestic animal.

Victims of dog bites can file a lawsuit against the owner of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog for damages and losses resulting from a bite.

Do you have a case? How much are you owed? For a free case evaluation, call 1-866-900-7078 now.

Why You Should Consider Consulting With a Durham Dog Bite Attorney

There are a few key reasons why you may want an experienced dog bite lawyer to represent you in your dog bite case:

• Family/friend hesitation. You may feel uncomfortable pursuing compensation from a friend or family member, but you may have no other choice. A serious dog bite can have a long-term devastating impact emotionally and financially. Even a “minor” bite can have long-term health implications, including rabies, cellulitis, and canimorsus infections.
   
  It’s important to remember that the dog owner will likely have insurance and thus it’s the insurer who you would be seeking compensation from – not your family, friend, or neighbor. And your attorney knows how to handle the insurance company.

• Knowledge of complex North Carolina law and local ordinances. The complexity and layers of different dog bite laws in North Carolina make it difficult for most people to understand and may even prevent injured parties from considering a claim. But an experienced attorney can significantly increase your odds of success – don’t just accept the consequences of someone else’s actions.
• Pushy insurance companies. An insurer may push for a quick settlement that does not come close to covering the full, long-term cost of your injury. Agreeing to a quick dog bite settlement without taking these possible costs into account can leave you uncovered for future medical expenses and other costs. Your attorney knows insurance company tactics – and how to counter them.
• Trying to build the strongest possible case. You must prove that the other party acted negligently in causing the accident — such as by not fencing in a dangerous dog — and that your injury was a direct result of the other party’s actions or inactions. Your attorney can interview witnesses, gather evidence, and even hire as experts as needed to show the long-term impact of the attack.

Contact Experienced Durham Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Case Evaluation

The dog bite lawyers at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin know the ins-and outs of North Carolina dog bite laws and how they can affect your claim in Durham.

After a dog attack, you may be entitled to significant compensation for:

• lost wages
• medical expenses
• pain and suffering
• and more

Put our experience to work for you. Our personal injury attorneys are recognized professionals. Many have won awards, authored books, and taught seminars for other attorneys. We know how the “other side” works because we have several former insurance adjusters, defense firm attorneys, and even a former state senator on staff.

We’ve also created a You-First Policy that lays out our commitment to putting your needs first. Always.

To increase access to justice for people in need, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means no upfront costs and no hourly attorney fees to worry about. And, if we do not recover compensation for you from your dog bite injury case, you owe no attorney’s fee whatsoever! Guaranteed.²

Simply call 1-866-900-7078 now for a free case evaluation or contact us online. You can also visit us at our Durham office.

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