North Carolina Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bites can have serious physical and emotional repercussions for victims, and navigating the legal landscape to seek compensation in North Carolina necessitates expertise. North Carolina dog bite lawyers specialize in representing individuals who have suffered injuries due to dog attacks. Their knowledge of state laws, including the one-bite rule and strict liability statutes, is crucial for clients to understand their rights and the complexities of pursuing a claim.
Understanding North Carolina Dog Bite Law
North Carolina’s dog bite statutes, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 67-4.4 and 67-12, allow the victim of a dog bite to hold the dog owner liable under either strict liability or the one-bite rule
State Statutes and Liability
In North Carolina (NC), the principle of negligence plays a significant role in dog bite cases. The state does not have a specific dog bite statute; instead, it relies on case law and the concept of negligence to establish owner liability. Dog owners are held liable if it is proven that they knew or should have known about their dog’s aggressive tendencies.
Strict Liability vs. One-Bite Rule
NC does not adhere strictly to the “one-bite rule” but does incorporate elements of it. The “one-bite rule” suggests an owner cannot be held liable for a dog bite if the dog has never bitten anyone before or shown aggression. However, if a dog is deemed to be dangerous or if the attack occurred while the dog was not on the owner’s property, strict liability may apply. This means the owner could be accountable regardless of the animal’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of such behavior.
Role of Local Ordinances
Local ordinances in NC can augment state law by establishing additional rules regarding dog ownership and liability. Cities and counties may have breed-specific legislation or dangerous dog laws that impact what is considered negligence or a dangerous breed. Local ordinances may dictate how dogs should be confined or when a dog is considered at-large, which can affect a liability claim.
