The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial costs of dog bites can be substantial. An experienced dog bite attorney can help you understand your legal options and fight to recover full compensation for your injuries.
At Cline Donaldson Law, we approach each case with compassion for our clients while aggressively pursuing maximum compensation through settlements or litigation. If you have suffered a dog bite injury, contact our Wilmington dog bite lawyer for a free consultation with our knowledgeable legal team.
North Carolina uses a “strict liability” standard for dog bites under N.C. Gen. Stat. §67-4.4, meaning the owner is liable for bites and injuries regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression.
However, there are exceptions under NC law. The owner may not be liable if the injured person provoked the dog. But merely approaching, petting, or inadvertently startling a dog is not enough to exempt the owner from responsibility.
Homeowners’ and renters’ insurance generally cover dog bite liability, but notification deadlines apply. Having an attorney immediately review your case ensures these deadlines are met properly.
Pursuing compensation after a dog bite attack can be complex, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Our dedicated legal team can help you navigate the process from start to finish.
We know how traumatic these experiences can be. That’s why we handle the legal process from start to finish, allowing you to focus on healing while we fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t wait – contact our office today to discuss your case in a free consultation.
We start by determining all potentially liable parties – the dog’s owner and landlords- if the incident was on rental property.
Then, we send letters of representation to insurance companies involved to protect your legal rights.
We do this by:
We do this by considering medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts of scarring or disabilities.
We negotiate firmly with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement without going to court. But we are fully prepared to litigate on your behalf if needed.
Don’t go it alone against big insurance companies. We have the resources to build a strong compensation claim.
Any costs related to immediate care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments may be claimed. This includes ambulance fees, medications, and medical devices.
If injuries from the bite prevented you from working for a period of time, you can claim lost wages. Missed opportunities for overtime or promotions are also compensable.
Permanent impairment that affects your earning capacity or ability to work can result in compensation for loss of future income.
Damages can cover both physical pain and mental anguish resulting from the trauma of a dog attack.
Visible scarring and disfigurement, especially on the face or neck, are compensable in North Carolina.
Attempting this on your own is extremely difficult, especially while coping with bite trauma. An experienced lawyer levels the playing field, dealing directly with the insurer, so you can focus on healing.
Our consultations are always free. We take dog bite cases on a contingency fee – you pay nothing upfront and owe us no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
We will treat you compassionately, keep you informed at every step, and customize our vigorous representation to your needs.
Immediately clean and treat the wound, get contact information for the dog’s owner, report the bite to animal control, document your injuries, and contact an experienced dog bite attorney to discuss your legal options. Saving any evidence and acting quickly is important.
Yes, North Carolina uses strict liability for dog bites, so dog owners are liable for any injuries their dog causes, regardless of previous aggression. There are exceptions if the victim was provoked by the dog intentionally.
There is no average dog bite settlement in North Carolina. They vary based on severity and circumstances. Settlements consider medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, permanent scarring, or disability. An attorney can assess your potential damages.
If you’ve suffered injuries and trauma from a dog bite in the Wilmington area, the experienced legal team at Cline Donaldson Law is here to help. We know your rights under North Carolina law and how to build a strong claim for maximum compensation.
Our attorney will treat you with compassion while aggressively pursuing the financial recovery you need to move forward. Don’t wait – contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Justice and full compensation could be just one call away.
Wilmington
Southport
Scotts Hill
Hampstead
Leland
Calabash
6329 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
14889 US-17 Suite 108
Hampstead, NC 28443
