Kinston Dog Bite Attorney

Protect Your Rights After a Dog Bite in North Carolina 

A dog attack is a traumatic event, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional distress, and overwhelming medical bills. In the aftermath, you are often left to deal with a dog owner who may deny responsibility and an insurance company focused on paying as little as possible. You do not have to face this fight alone.

At Pittman Agner, your case is our mission. Our Kinston dog bite attorneys provide a different, more powerful form of representation. You don't just get a single lawyer; you get the full strength of our collaborative legal team, dedicated to holding the dog owner accountable and securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

Have you been injured in a dog bite incident? Call Pittman Agner today at (919) 893-0090or contact us onlineto learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve!

The Pittman Agner Team Advantage in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite claims in North Carolina can be surprisingly complex, often turning on specific details about the dog's history and the owner's actions. This is where our team-based approach becomes your greatest asset.

• A Multi-Faceted Investigation: Our team works together to immediately investigate the attack. We gather crucial evidence, from animal control records and witness statements to photos of the scene, to build a powerful case that proves the owner's liability.
• Overcoming Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies often try to blame the victim to avoid paying a claim, using North Carolina's strict contributory negligence rule. Our team collaborates to build a defense against these tactics, anticipating their arguments and protecting your right to compensation.
• Assertive and Compassionate Counsel: You need a team that is both a relentless advocate in negotiations and a compassionate guide during your recovery. We handle the legal battle with the tenacity it requires, so you can focus on healing.

What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in Kinston

The steps you take after an attack are critical for both your health and your legal claim. Our team advises you to:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the first priority. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, and seeking immediate medical care is crucial. This also creates an official medical record of your injuries, which is vital evidence.
2. Report the Bite: North Carolina law requires that all dog bites that break the skin be reported to the local health department or animal control. This triggers a mandatory 10-day quarantine for the animal to check for rabies and creates an official report of the incident.
3. Gather Evidence: If you can, take photos of your injuries and the location where the attack occurred. Get the contact information for the dog's owner and any witnesses. Do not discuss fault with the owner.
4. Contact Our Legal Team: Before speaking with any insurance adjusters, contact us. Insurers often try to get a recorded statement to use against you. Our Kinston dog bite lawyers will handle all communications to protect your rights.

Understanding North Carolina's Complex Dog Bite Laws

Liability in a North Carolina dog bite case is not always straightforward. An owner can be held responsible under several legal principles:

• Strict Liability for "Dangerous Dogs": If a dog has previously been declared "dangerous" for aggressive behavior, the owner is strictly liable for any harm it causes.
• The "One-Bite Rule" and Its Exceptions: North Carolina generally follows a "one-bite rule," which can protect an owner if their dog has never shown aggression before. However, there are critical exceptions. An owner can still be held liable if they were negligent, such as by violating a local leash law or allowing a dog to run loose at night.
• Contributory Negligence: This is a major hurdle in North Carolina. If an insurance company can prove you were even 1% at fault for the incident (for example, by provoking the dog), you can be barred from recovering any compensation.

Our team has deep experience navigating these complex rules, building cases that prove the owner's liability and counterclaims of contributory negligence.

Compensation Our Team Fights For

A dog bite can impact every part of your life. Our mission is to secure a financial recovery that accounts for all of your losses, including:

• Medical Expenses: All costs for emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and any future treatment.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the time you were unable to work while recovering.
• Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain and emotional trauma, such as anxiety or PTSD, caused by the attack.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Significant compensation is often available for permanent scarring, which is a common and distressing outcome of dog attacks.

Contact Our Kinston Dog Bite Lawyers Today 

Don’t let the trauma of a dog bite be compounded by a difficult legal battle. At Pittman Agner, our mission-driven team is here to fight for your rights, handle the legal complexities, and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. With our dedicated advocacy and compassionate guidance, you can focus on healing while we protect your best interests every step of the way.

Call us today at (919) 893-0090 or contact us online for a free, confidential strategy session with our Kinston dog bite attorneys. Let us put the full strength of our team behind your recovery.

FAQ: Navigating Your Dog Bite Legal Matter

Are There Time Limits for Filing a Dog Bite Lawsuit in NC?

Yes. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the attack to file a dog bite lawsuit in North Carolina. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation. Certain exceptions may apply, such as when an injury is not immediately apparent. Speaking with our Kinston dog bite attorneys as soon as possible helps ensure you meet all filing requirements.

Can I Seek Punitive Damages in a Dog Bite Case?

In addition to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, some victims may also pursue punitive damages. These are awarded in cases where the dog owner’s conduct was especially reckless or egregious—for example, if they knowingly ignored leash laws or kept a dangerous dog unrestrained. Punitive damages are designed to punish bad behavior and deter future negligence.

Could the Dog Owner Be Liable Even if the Dog Hasn’t Bitten Before?

Yes. While North Carolina generally follows a “one-bite rule,” owners may still be liable even if their dog has never bitten before. If the owner violated local leash laws, allowed the dog to run loose at night, or acted negligently in another way, they can still be held responsible for your injuries.