Dogs are more than just pets to their owners. They are part of the family. Unfortunately, these friendly canines can cause serious damage when they attack other people. Personal injuries resulting from dog attacks can range from mild to fatal.
If you have been attacked and hurt by someone’s dog, you may want to hold the dog owner liable for your injuries. Here is what you need to know about North Carolina dog injury lawsuits.
Pursuing a dog bite case in North Carolina
North Carolina law allows dog bite victims to hold dog owners strictly liable for injuries inflicted by their pets if the dog is deemed dangerous according to state laws.
Proving negligence in a dog bite case
Dog bite injuries usually fall under premises liability claims. This is because most dog attacks tend to happen within the owner’s premises, such as inside the house or in the yard. To prove negligence in a dog bite case, you will be required to prove the following:
- The dog owner owed you a duty of care while in the presence of their pet
- The dog owner breached their duty of care by failing to restrain their pet
- The breach of duty resulted in causation
- You sustained a verifiable injury following the dog attack
It is important that you prove each of these four elements of negligence to win your North Carolina dog bite claim.
Statute of limitations for filing dog bite claims in North Carolina
In North Carolina, dog bite injuries have up to three years to file their personal injury claims against the at-fault party. If this time period elapses, you may lose your right to the compensation however genuine your claim is.
A dog attack can result in serious injuries. Find out how you can pursue your claim and get the compensation you deserve following a dog bite injury.