Charlotte Office 704-815-6055
Asheville Office 828-252-2852
Shelby Dog Bite Lawyer
Shelby Dog Bite Attorney
Dog attacks can happen out of the blue, and medical treatment is often just the first step in a long recovery. When you are looking for a Shelby dog bite lawyer, you may be living with pain, hospital bills, and uncertainty about the future.
Dog bites in neighborhoods throughout Shelby, from quiet residential streets near Uptown to parks and walking trails throughout Cleveland County, can cause serious personal injuries that last a lifetime. North Carolina law gives victims the right to pursue compensation, and our firm helps families learn about their options and protect their rights from day one.
Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer
At Bridgman Gantt Law Offices, our attorneys have more than 60 years of combined experience fighting for injured North Carolinians, including victims of dog attacks and other preventable injuries. For more than three decades, our clients have turned to us for guidance based on real legal experience and honest, ongoing communication.
We document your medical needs, track the long-term effects of the bite, and build a straightforward, evidence-based case. Our work always focuses on accountability, safety, and fair compensation for our clients.
Understanding Dog Bite Liability
In North Carolina, a person can be held liable if their dog bites someone, and the injury could have been reasonably prevented. North Carolina uses the one bite rule, meaning an owner can be held responsible if they knew or should have known their dog might be dangerous. North Carolina’s dangerous dog law, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 67-4 adds extra protections when a dog has already been flagged for aggressive behavior.
We consider factors like whether the owner knew of the dog’s propensity for dangerous behavior, whether the dog was restrained as necessary, and whether the victim was in a place where they had a legal right to be.
In Shelby, this might include a bite at a friend’s house, a dog park visit, or an incident on a residential sidewalk. We document the circumstances, medical treatment, and how the injury affects life and work when building the claim.
Common Scenarios for Dog Bites in Shelby
Dog bites often occur when a victim is in a setting that they believe is safe, but something unexpected happens. In Shelby, the following are among the more common scenarios we have seen:
- A dog unleashed in a neighborhood yard
- A family visiting a park and being bitten by a loose pet
- A bite during a home visit, delivery, or transaction when a dog unexpectedly appears
- Children playing outside or near a dog in an apartment complex
We examine how the dog was restrained, any previous incidents or warnings, and whether leash laws or warning signs were disregarded. This information can help determine who should be held liable and how the injury occurred.
Medical Effects and Long-Term Recovery
A dog bite injury can have both immediate and long-term effects. The trauma of the attack can result in puncture wounds, nerve and tissue damage, and a risk of infection. There may also be scarring or ongoing effects like limited mobility or function in a body part.
Emergency medical care is typical, but victims usually have follow-up procedures, physical therapy, and other expenses as they recover. The process can be emotionally and financially stressful.
If you were bitten by a dog in Shelby, we can work to obtain your medical records, document any pain or limitations, and review any future care you may need. All of this information is included in your claim for compensation. It is essential to show not just what happened but how the injury has impacted and will impact your life.
Insurance, Evidence, and Damages
Most dog bite claims are processed through the owner’s homeowners or renters’ insurance. These companies may try to deny the claim or settle for less than it is worth. We help by collecting evidence and documentation of financial losses. In North Carolina, the rate of dog bite-related emergency department visits is an estimated 1.05 per 1,000 people.
We use this and other information to contextualize your case and focus on losses like medical bills, lost income, scar treatment, pain, and impacts on life in Shelby.
FAQs
Can I File a Claim if the Dog Belonged to a Friend or Family Member?
Many bites occur in familiar places, like a friend’s yard, a relative’s house, or a neighbor’s porch. You may still have a claim even if the dog is owned by a person you know. Most claims are paid through insurance rather than from a person’s own funds, and that can help to preserve important relationships. We treat these cases with discretion and sensitivity so that you can focus on recovery rather than conflict.
What Should I Do Right After a Dog Bite in Shelby?
After a dog bite, your first priority should be to seek medical treatment. Report the incident, take photos if possible, and write down when and where the bite occurred and the manner in which it occurred.
If you make a report to animal control, keep a copy of the report. Prompt action helps to ensure the health of both the claim and the claimant.
Will Insurance Cover My Dog Bite Injuries?
Dog bite claims are often made through a homeowner’s or renters’ insurance policy. We work to obtain records of your treatment, present your losses in a way the adjuster can understand, and communicate with the adjuster on your behalf so that you are not pressured into accepting an unfair settlement. We serve as your advocate to ensure your interests are protected and to fight for full, fair compensation.
How Long Do I Have to Bring a Dog Bite Claim?
In most dog bite cases in North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the incident. We recommend that you contact us early so that we can preserve evidence, document the injury, and make sure your case is allowed to proceed without undue delay. In addition, the sooner we start working on your claim, the better chance we have of preserving the strongest evidence of your need for recovery.
Contact a Shelby Dog Bite Lawyer
A dog bite can disrupt your life in ways that may not be immediately apparent, including factors like medical care, lost time from normal activities, and the emotional impact of an unanticipated injury.
When someone in Shelby contacts us after a dog bite, we first listen and then provide clear direction. At Bridgman Gantt Law Offices, we take on the legal burden so that you can focus on recovery. If you would like to discuss your situation, please schedule a consultation and find out how our team can help dog bite victims like you. Book a consultation today to hire a dog bite lawyer right here in your community.
Shelby Dog Bite Lawyer Reviews
★★★★★
“What an amazing and professional group of people!! Mr. Gantt was super informative and treated us with respect and kindness. He explained everything from start to finish. His team was always available and were also kind and professional. When it came time to go to court he called a few days before and went through the process step by step. Making us feel comfortable. The day of court he called again and asked if we had questions or concerns. Ensured us that everything was going to be okay and just relax and he would be there every step of the hearing. Once the hearing was done he called us again and explained what he felt the result was going to be, and he was right! Would 100% recommend him to anyone. Thank you Mr. Gantt!” – Polly Clark
★★★★★
“All I can say is that this firm took care of EVERYTHING! I never felt out of the loop and was quite happy with the results. Also, Mr. Gantt and the staff made it extremely easy to discuss matters, even those that are personal! Thanks!” – Ken Soltys
★★★★★
“Mr. Bridgman was professional and on point he kept me fully aware of the process and what was always going on a true blessing to me and others.” – Tameron Gaines
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Our Locations
Charlotte Office
2125 Southend Drive
Suite 453
Charlotte, NC 28203
Asheville North Carolina
82 Church Street
Historic Downtown Asheville
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5111 Trenholm Rd.
Suite 200
Columbia, SC 29206
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Suite 150F
Greensboro, NC 27408
Charlotte Office 704-815-6055
Asheville Office 828-252-2852
Charlotte Office
Asheville North Carolina
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Greensboro Office
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