If you have been hurt in a dog attack, the Wadesboro dog bite injury lawyers at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, want to help you seek maximum compensation for the harm you experienced – from the cost of your medical care and lost wages to the toll that pain and suffering has taken on your life. We want to maximize the money you recover while minimizing the stress of filing a claim.
Call us today at (888) 305-4086 or contact us online for a free case review from our dog bite attorneys in Wadesboro, and let’s discuss your legal rights in detail.
How Our Law Firm Helps Dog Bite Victims in Wadesboro
At Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, we understand the physical and emotional distress and the financial burdens of a severe dog bite injury. Our experienced Wadesboro dog bite injury lawyers are dedicated to helping you throughout the legal process. We offer personalized attention and assertive representation to protect your rights.
When you work with our dog bite lawyers in Wadesboro, we will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong claim. We will communicate with the dog’s owner and their insurer for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Our goal is to seek maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other harms related to your dog bite injury. We will do so at no upfront cost to you. Instead, we’ll charge a fee only if and when we win your case.
NC Dog Bite Laws: One-Bite Rule and Potentially Dangerous Dogs
North Carolina provides dog bite victims with several ways to establish an owner’s liability for their injuries. One is through the “one-bite rule,” a common law tradition that the state has supported with legislation under Section 67-4 of the state code. Under this rule, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by a “dangerous dog” they own. A dangerous dog is one that has previously caused serious injury or death to a person or has been kept or trained to fight other animals.
Alternatively, a dog may be considered dangerous if it has been deemed by an authority designated by the county where it lives to have:
- Bitten someone and caused broken bones, disfiguring cuts, or injury requiring hospitalization or surgery
- Killed or seriously injured a domestic animal outside of its owner’s property
- Approached someone outside of its owner’s property in a threatening or vicious attitude, suggesting it will attack
When Can a Dog Owner Be Held Liable for Injuries?
A dog owner in Wadesboro can be held liable for injuries in several situations, including:
- The dog inflicted severe injury on a person or killed them without provocation.
- The owner was negligent in keeping a vicious dog.
- The owner violated a local leash ordinance, which led to the bite incident.
- The dog met the statutory definition of a dangerous dog.
- The dog was used or kept for illegal dog-fighting purposes.
A Wadesboro dog bite injury lawyer from Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, can investigate the attack and gather evidence to demonstrate that one or more of the above applies to your case. We can use this information to optimize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Potential Injuries from a Dog Attack in Wadesboro, North Carolina
Dog attacks can cause a variety of physical and emotional injuries, some of which may have long-lasting or even permanent consequences.
Examples of potential serious injuries include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations – These injuries occur when the dog’s teeth tear through skin and muscle tissue, resulting in painful wounds that carry a high risk of infection from bacteria in the dog’s mouth.
- Broken bones – Fractures are another potential outcome of a dog attack, particularly in the hands, feet, and lower legs, as victims often instinctively try to protect themselves.
- Amputations – In severe cases, dog bites can result in the amputation of fingers or toes due to extensive damage to the bone, muscle, and soft tissue.
- Nerve damage – Dog bites can damage nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or loss of function in the affected area.
- Emotional trauma – Victims may suffer from emotional distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and fear of dogs.
- Scarring and disfigurement – Dog attacks can sometimes cause permanent scars. When such injuries occur on the face, neck, or other visible areas, they may lead to self-consciousness and a reduced quality of life.
- Eye injuries – Dogs may target the face during an attack, potentially causing eye injuries ranging from scratches to more severe injuries that could result in vision loss.
- Facial fractures – A dog’s powerful jaws can fracture the delicate bones of the face, leading to long-term complications and the need for reconstructive surgery.
- Neck injuries – In some cases, dog attacks can damage vital structures in the neck, including the trachea, esophagus, or major blood vessels.
- Fatalities – Although rare, dog attacks can result in death, especially when attacks involve young children or elderly individuals.
Potential Compensation for Dog Bite Victims in Wadesboro
If you have suffered injuries due to an attack by someone else’s dog in Wadesboro, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Damages in a dog bite personal injury claim may include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In many dog bite cases, the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy will cover damages related to a dog attack. Our dog bite lawyers in Wadesboro can help you through the claims process.
Contact the Experienced Wadesboro Dog Bite Attorneys at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC
For more than 40 years, the Wadesboro dog attack attorneys at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, have fought successfully for the rights and interests of injured people in North Carolina. We are committed to using our knowledge of North Carolina law to provide our clients with the foundation for a brighter and more secure future. With our Wadesboro dog attack attorneys on your side, you can feel confident you will receive the support and advocacy you deserve at this challenging time.
Call us today at (888) 305-4086 or fill out our online form for a free consultation with one of our dog bite injury lawyers in Wadesboro.
