Charlotte Injury Lawyers Blog
What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury
Dogs are the most popular pet in the United States. It is estimated that there are more than 69 million households in the U.S. that own at least one dog. While dogs are billed as our “best friends,” they are still animals and can sometimes be dangerous. Dog bites are among the most painful of all injuries. Dog owners must control their dogs, or they could be deemed negligent. If a dog bites someone, the negligent party should be held responsible for the damages that result. If you or a loved one suffered a severe dog bite, you may be owed money for your injuries.
Charlotte Personal Injury Attorney Matt Arnold answers the question: “May I choose my own doctor in a personal injury case?”
What are Leash Laws?
Leash laws are laws that require pet owners to keep their dogs on a leash in public, among other things. North Carolina does not have statewide leash laws in place. Dog owners must act responsibly and in accordance with local laws that govern dog safety. Charlotte, Raleigh, and other cities and towns in North Carolina have pet laws in place. The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County leash laws include:
- Dogs and other pets must be on a leash at all times when in public, unless in a designated dog park. The owner must hold the leash and have control of the dog.
- A dog can be loose in their own yard when an adult is present, and the dog listens to commands.
- North Carolina law requires all dogs over the age of four months to have current rabies vaccinations. Your dog should display its rabies tag at all times.
- Tethered dogs must be on an appropriately sized chain with a harness or collar that fits properly. The tether must be at least 10 feet long and have a swivel on both ends. Only one dog is allowed per tether, and dogs must have access to food, water, and shelter.
Dog Bites
Dog ownership comes with responsibilities. A dog owner must have control over their dog at all times. Most dog bite injuries occur when the owner does not have control of the dog. Dog bites can be very painful, and they require immediate medical attention. If you or your child is the victim of a dog bite, there are some things you should do right away. Get the dog owner’s name and contact information. Take note of the dog’s appearance, such as the breed, color, and size. Make a police report of the incident. The police will take appropriate action to contact the owner as well as report the dog bite to Animal Care and Control.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Verify that the dog has a current rabies vaccination. If the dog is not vaccinated or you cannot find out whether the dog is vaccinated, your doctor will administer a rabies shot. The doctor is required to report dog bite injuries to Animal Care and Control. A dog that bit someone must be quarantined for a period of ten days. If the pet was vaccinated, Animal Control may allow the pet to quarantine with its owner. If the dog is not vaccinated, the animal must quarantine at a shelter or animal hospital.
If a dog owner’s negligence caused the dog to bite, the owner is responsible for damages. Damages include a variety of things, including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you or a loved one is the victim of a dog bite, we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to discuss your injuries.
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:
Dog Bites: Preventing Infections and Treating Injuries (webmd.com)
Animal laws > Char-Meck Ordinances (charlottenc.gov)
Image Credit:
https://www.freeimages.com/photo/baby-bulldog-1386516
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Liability and Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in North Carolina