An Overview of North Carolina’s Dog Bite Laws

Author: Auger Law | May 10th, 2017

Being bitten by a dog can be terrifying. While most dog owners hold tight to the belief that their dog would never bite anyone, the truth is that, given the right circumstances, any dog will bite. Those who make the laws understand this, and they have put rules and restrictions in place to protect those who are bitten. Here is a brief overview of the current dog bite laws in North Carolina.

Before we begin, it is important to understand that there are laws that pertain to the state, but there are also local ordinances that may come into play in a dog bite case. If you have been bitten by a dog in Charlotte, it is best to consult an attorney to determine your specific rights.

When You Are Bitten

The first thing you want to do if you are bitten by a dog is to determine its owner. This will be helpful information should you decide to seek medical attention and in the event you file a lawsuit.

When a dog bites a person in the state of North Carolina, the law says that the dog must be quarantined for 10 days. The public health officer is permitted to determine whether the dog may be quarantined in its home or if it must be confined at the local kennel. It is illegal for the dog’s owner to not comply with the quarantine.

One Bite Law

North Carolina, and many other states across the country, follow what is known as the one-bite-law. This means that if you are bitten by a dog who has no history of biting a human, you may be unable to sue the dog’s owner. The exception to this rule is if the dog was permitted to run at large at night and older than six months of age.

If you are bitten by a dog that has a bite history or by one that has been labeled as being “potentially dangerous,” you are more likely to recover costs for your medical bills from the dog’s owner. A dog may be labeled as “potentially dangerous” if:

• It has terrorized or harassed someone while off its property
• It has killed or injured an animal while on its property
• It has caused injury to a person in such a way that broken bones or disfigurement occurred or the injuries required hospitalization or plastic surgery

What You May Recover

In the event of a dog bite, you may qualify for compensation in the state of North Carolina. You may recover:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Loss of consortium

If you have been bitten by a dog in Charlotte, reach out to our team of experienced dog bite attorneys. We will review the details of your case and advise you of your legal options. Call today to schedule your appointment for a free case evaluation and let us help you recover what you are owed.