Child Attacked By Dogs in North Carolina

At the end of August, a 12-year-old boy was seriously injured in a dog attack that occurred in Rutherford County. The boy was riding his bicycle when a gang of multiple dogs attacked him. Law enforcement did not become aware of the attack until Monday. The boy has had to have multiple surgeries due to injuries from the attack, and the animal continues to have more because of large lacerations.

According to the boy's mother, there were “at least ten pit bulls who were loose and seemed to be malnourished.” The sheriff's office said representatives had met with the district attorney after the investigation and decided against filing charges. They stated that the actions did not violate any criminal laws in North Carolina.

Unfortunately, dog attacks have been on the rise in North Carolina and throughout the United States. When dogs are malnourished and free to roam in packs together, they may decide to become violent and attack innocent children and other pedestrians. It only takes seconds for a group of dogs, especially dogs like pit bulls, to maul a child to death.

If you or your child have been seriously injured in a dog bite, it is important that you speak to an attorney after you receive medical attention. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC have a proven track record of recovering compensation for dog bite victims. We also have an in-depth understanding of North Carolina laws.

As you can see from the incident discussed above, dog owners whose dogs bite victims will not always be charged with a crime. You may have heard it said that every dog is “entitled to one bite,” but that is not always the case. A dog bite victim in North Carolina may have a right to bring a civil claim against the dog owner, even if the dog has never bitten someone before and the owner does not face criminal charges.

In North Carolina, dog owners are legally responsible for paying for the injuries and damages caused by their vicious stocks. Even a small dog whose owner swears it is harmless can become violent unexpectedly under certain conditions.

Sadly, the victims who suffer the most are usually small children who can suffer long-term physical and emotional wounds because of dog bites. When children are attacked in the face, they may suffer disfiguring facial injuries that require multiple cosmetic surgeries. The damages caused by dog bites can easily exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In North Carolina there is no “one free bite” rule for dog bites. According to General Statute section 67-4-14, victims can recover compensation from dog owners or the responsible party when the victim can prove the following elements:

• The defendant is the owner or keeper of the dog and the victim was bitten by the dog
• While in a public place or lawfully on private property, and
• The victim suffered an injury as a result of the bite

The amount of compensation to which you may be entitled depends on the specific circumstances and facts of your case. Generally, the more severe the injuries and the higher your medical expenses, the more compensation to which you may be entitled. Victims can pursue compensation for any future treatment they may need, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity if they are no longer able to work because of their dog bite.

When children are bitten, they often have to undergo painful procedures. They can recover compensation for their pain and suffering along with their emotional distress. If your case proceeds to trial, a jury will consider all these factors when they decide the amount of damages you should receive.

If a dog has attacked you, it is important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. After you have been treated for your injuries, you should contact a dog bite attorney who can help you understand your legal rights.

If you can prove negligence, you can pursue compensation. owners allowing their dogs to run free in violation of leash laws, knowing the dog was a danger to others, and doing nothing to prevent an attack are examples of negligence. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation with a skilled personal injury attorney.