Dog bites can cause more than just physical pain—they can lead to permanent scars, infections, lost wages, and lasting emotional trauma. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in North Carolina, you may be wondering:
👉 Can I sue the dog’s owner?
👉 Who pays for my medical bills?
👉 What are my legal rights under NC law?
At Burt’s Law, PLLC, we help dog bite victims across North Carolina get the justice and compensation they deserve. Here’s what you need to know.
⚖️ Understanding North Carolina Dog Bite Laws
North Carolina uses a combination of the “one-bite rule” and strict liability in certain situations.
🐕 The One-Bite Rule:
If a dog has previously shown aggression—like biting, lunging, or growling—and the owner knew or should have known about the behavior, they may be held liable for any future attacks.
📌 In other words: The first bite could give the owner a free pass. But if they knew the dog was dangerous and didn’t act, they can be sued.
🛑 Strict Liability in Certain Cases:
Even if the dog had no history of aggression, the owner may still be strictly liable if:
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The dog was running loose, violating local leash laws,
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The owner failed to properly contain the dog on their property,
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The dog was classified as “dangerous” or “potentially dangerous” by animal control.
🩹 Common Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog bites aren’t just scrapes and bruises. They often involve:
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Puncture wounds and lacerations 🩸
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Infections like rabies or MRSA 🦠
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Permanent scarring or disfigurement 😞
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Nerve damage or loss of function 💥
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PTSD or emotional trauma, especially in children 💔
Medical treatment, surgery, therapy, and counseling can be costly—and you shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence.
📸 What to Do After a Dog Bite in North Carolina
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Get medical attention immediately 🏥
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Report the bite to animal control or the police 🚨
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Take photos of the injuries and the dog (if possible) 📷
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Get the dog owner’s name, address, and insurance info 📝
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Do NOT give a recorded statement to their insurance without legal advice 🚫
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Call Burt’s Law, PLLC for a free consultation ☎️
💰 Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in NC?
Yes—but whether your claim is successful depends on:
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The dog’s history of aggression,
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Local leash laws,
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Whether the owner acted negligently,
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Whether you provoked the dog (which could hurt your case under NC’s contributory negligence law).
That’s why you need a skilled North Carolina dog bite attorney to gather the facts, challenge defenses, and fight for your rights.
🧾 What Compensation Can You Recover?
A dog bite victim may be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical expenses 💊
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Lost wages from missed work 💼
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Pain and suffering 😖
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Scarring or disfigurement 😢
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Psychological counseling costs 🧠
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Permanent disability 🚑
👨⚖️ Why Choose Burt’s Law, PLLC?
At Burt’s Law, PLLC, we fight to hold negligent dog owners accountable. Whether it happened at a neighbor’s home, a park, or a public sidewalk, we’ll help you build a strong case and pursue full compensation.
📍 We serve clients across North Carolina, including Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Fayetteville, and surrounding areas.
📞 Call now at (866) BURTS-LAW
🌐 Visit us at www.burtslaw-nc.com
🆓 Free consultations. No fee unless we win.
