Asheville Dog Bite Lawyer
Dogs may be man’s best friend, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States. While big dogs like pit bulls and Rottweilers are commonly thought of as the most dangerous dogs, the truth is that all dogs can and will bite in certain situations. In fact, aggression is a normal behavior for dogs, though some breeds are less aggressive than others.
If you are bitten by someone else’s dog, that person may be responsible for any medical bills and other expenses you incur. North Carolina has specific laws dictating when a dog owner can be held liable for injuries. Because these laws can be somewhat subjective, it’s always important to speak with an experienced attorney if you’ve suffered an injury.
An Asheville dog bite lawyer from Auger & Auger can help you determine if you are owed compensation for your injuries. Contact our attorneys today by calling (828) 222-7649 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What North Carolina Law Says About Dog Bites
North Carolina has two classifications of “unsafe dogs”: Dangerous dogs and potentially dangerous dogs. Dangerous dogs are those who have caused severe or fatal injury in an unprovoked attack or has been raised for the sole purpose of dogfighting. A potentially dangerous dog, on the other hand, is one who has:
- Caused broken bones, disfiguring lacerations, or other injury that led to hospitalization or cosmetic surgery with a bite;
- Killed or severely injured another domestic animal while not on its owner’s property; or
- Approached a person in a menacing or terrorizing manner, seemingly ready to attack, when not on its owner’s property.
Essentially, potentially dangerous dogs are canines whose owners should have known they could cause serious injury or death.
In addition to the definitions of dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs, North Carolina law also sets strict liability for dog owners. This means owners don’t have to be negligent to be held liable for injuries caused by their pets if they fall into one of the above categories. However, if a dog has never been declared dangerous or potentially dangerous, the owner might not be held liable for injuries unless they were negligent (such as not leashing the dog in public).
Speak with an Experienced Asheville Dog Bite Attorney if You’ve Been Injured by a Dog
At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, we have helped victims of injuries caused by dogs for over 26 years. We know the common defenses used by dog owners and their insurance companies to avoid paying the compensation you deserve, and we know how to prove their liability.
For a free, no-obligation consultation with an Asheville dog bite lawyer, call us at (828) 222-7649 or contact us online today.