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Criminal Defense
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Personal Injury
North Carolina
Dog Bite & Animal Attack Lawyers
250+ Reviews and counting
We help victims of animal attacks seek justice and compensation. Schedule a consultation to find out if you have a case.
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If you or your loved one has been attacked by a dog, you need to know your rights. North Carolina’s dog bite laws place a heavy burden on the victim—and without an experienced legal team, you could miss out on the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let an irresponsible pet owner off the hook while you struggle with the consequences of their negligence. Your recovery—both physical and financial—starts with one call to our team.
Animal attacks, especially from dogs, often cause injuries that need extensive medical care and can leave both physical and emotional scars.
Children are especially at risk during dog attacks. Their smaller size means injuries are often more severe, and the mental impact can affect their growth and social life for years to come.
North Carolina follows what’s known as the “One Bite Rule,” which can make dog bite cases tough to win. Under this rule, dog owners generally can’t be held responsible for injuries caused by their dog if they had no previous knowledge that the dog was dangerous.
However, there are important exceptions that could still allow you to recover money:
In Raleigh specifically, dogs must be leashed when off their owner’s property. An owner who lets their dog run loose can be held responsible even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
These tricky laws make it essential to have an attorney who knows the specific rules that apply to your case. Our lawyers will dig deep to find all possible ways to help you recover.
A dog attack can create money problems that last long after your physical wounds have healed. Our North Carolina personal injury lawyers work to get you full payment for all your losses, including:
Insurance companies often try to settle for just your immediate medical bills, but that rarely accounts for the full impact of a serious dog attack. We make sure your settlement reflects ALL your damages—both current and future.
One particularly tough aspect of North Carolina law is the “contributory negligence” rule. Under this strict rule, if you’re found even 1% responsible for the dog attack, you could be barred from recovering any money.
Insurance companies often try to use this rule to deny valid claims by arguing that the victim:
Our attorneys know how to fight these arguments and protect your right to compensation. We gather evidence to show that the dog owner’s carelessness was the sole cause of your injuries.
When you choose DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall after a dog attack, we take quick action to protect your rights:
Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved in all decisions about your case. Our goal is not just to win your case, but to make the process as stress-free as possible while you focus on getting better.
If you or your child has been injured by a dog in North Carolina or the surrounding areas, don’t wait to get legal help. The dog bite attorneys at DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall offer compassionate, skilled representation to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Our team has decades of experience handling personal injury cases throughout North Carolina. We know the unique challenges of dog bite cases and how to build strong claims even under North Carolina’s challenging laws.
Don’t let an insurance company pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. Contact our North Carolina dog bite lawyers today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward after a traumatic animal attack.
Serving clients in Raleigh, Durham, Orange, Carteret, and Chatham Counties, and throughout North Carolina.
After a dog bite, first seek medical attention—even for seemingly minor bites, as infections are common. Report the bite to North Carolina Animal Control, and if possible, identify the dog’s owner and get their contact and insurance information. Take photos of your injuries, the location, and the dog if safe to do so. Keep all medical records and receipts, and contact a dog bite attorney as soon as possible.
If you don’t know the dog’s owner, report the attack to North Carolina Animal Control immediately. They can help locate the animal and its owner. Our investigators can also help track down the responsible party.
In North Carolina, you have three years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s best to start the process as soon as possible while the evidence is fresh and witnesses can be located. Waiting too long can significantly hurt your case’s chances of success.
Possibly. While North Carolina follows the “one bite rule,” there are exceptions. If the dog was running loose in violation of leash laws, was over six months old and roaming at night, or falls under the legal definition of a “dangerous dog,” you may still have a valid claim even if this was the dog’s first attack.
Many dog bite victims hesitate to pursue claims when they know the owner. However, most homeowner’s insurance policies cover dog bite liability, so your claim is typically against the insurance company, not your friend personally. Our attorneys can handle the case with sensitivity to preserve relationships while still ensuring you get the compensation you need.
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