Charlotte Injury Lawyers Blog
Charlotte Personal Injury Attorney Matt Arnold answers the question: “What does the “one-bite rule” mean in NC dog bite cases?”
Dogs are the most popular pet in the United States. There are more than 90 million dogs as pets, so it is no wonder that you will have an encounter with a dog at some time in your life. Dog bites are not all that uncommon and they happen daily. Most dog bites are minor, but they can be extremely harmful in some cases. A dog bite, like some other types of injuries, can in some cases be prevented. If the dog owner was negligent, they might be responsible for your medical bills and other damages. An experienced personal injury attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve for your damages.
Dog Bites Can be Dangerous
Dog bites are extremely painful injuries, but they can also be dangerous to humans. Dog bites can become infected very easily. The jagged edges of a dog bite wound can be difficult to manage and at the same time, bite wounds can be extremely deep. They can damage not only the skin, but also the muscles, tissues, tendons, and bones. Many times, dog bites cannot be stitched shut, making them more susceptible to harm from outside germs.
Dog bites are also harmful because of the bacteria present in a dog’s mouth. This makes dog bites much more easily infected. Rabies is one of the most well-known diseases that dogs may carry. Rabies is a fatal disease and requires immediate medical intervention to prevent it from happening. Dogs are required to have rabies shots so it is essential to get the owner to provide proof of vaccination. If you are bitten by an unknown dog or cannot find the dog or owner, you must undergo rabies preventative treatment immediately.
Dog Leash Laws
Dog ownership comes with some responsibilities. Owners must obey all the local, state, and federal laws that pertain to dogs. Although North Carolina does not have a statewide leash law, many cities and towns have leash laws in place. A leash law requires an owner to keep a dog on a leash and under their control at all times when they are outside and off their own property. Dogs must have regular rabies vaccinations and must display a current rabies tag.
By law, a dog that has bitten someone must be placed into quarantine for a period of 10 days at an animal shelter. If the dog has a current rabies vaccine, the owner may quarantine the dog in their home. When a person who was bitten by a dog seeks medical treatment, the hospital or doctor must report the dog bite to the local animal services facility. A dog may be deemed dangerous if it has bitten someone or been aggressive. Owners of dangerous dogs must take special precautions to keep people safe.
Dog bite injuries can range from mild to severe. In some cases, hospitalization and surgery is necessary. Serious injuries can take a long time to heal and can result in scars. Skin grafts might be needed for some victims. When a dog owner’s negligence caused the dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. If you or someone you love was hurt by a dog, we can help you get the money you need to pay your medical expenses and other damages. Call (704) 370-2828 to receive a video, phone or in-person consultation with our lawyers to explore your legal options or fill out our contact form. Now taking cases throughout North Carolina with offices in Uptown Charlotte, Mooresville and Monroe.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0415/p1567.html
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-rabies
Image Credit:
https://www.freeimages.com/photo/dog-1410511
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