Dog Bite Attorneys Who Will Fight to Bring Your Injury Case to Justice
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Our experienced personal injury attorneys know the ins and outs of North Carolina’s dog bite laws and how to hold negligent dog owners accountable. We’ll fight to protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
North Carolina's Dog Bite Laws
North Carolina follows a modified version of what’s commonly referred to as the “one bite rule.” This rule essentially means that a dog owner may not be held strictly liable for a bite or attack unless they had reason to know the dog was dangerous. In other words, the first time a dog bites someone, the owner may avoid liability — but only if there were no prior signs that the dog was aggressive or had a tendency to bite.
However, once a dog has bitten someone or displayed dangerous behavior, the owner is on notice. If the dog bites again, the owner can be held strictly liable for any resulting injuries. North Carolina law also establishes heightened liability for dog owners classified as “dangerous” or “potentially dangerous” under state or local ordinances, even if it’s the first incident.
This framework surrounding dog bite law can be confusing, especially when dealing with the aftermath of an attack. At Henson Fuerst, we’re here to help clarify the law and explain your rights if you’re the victim of a dog bite due to owner negligence. Speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer at our trusted law firm for free today.
What Happens If Your Dog Bites Someone in North Carolina?
Dog owners in North Carolina need to be aware that the law takes dog bite incidents seriously, especially when someone is injured. Depending on the circumstances, owners may be held strictly liable, face criminal charges, or both. Understanding how the law works can help protect both owners and the public from harm and confusion.
Strict Liability for Dog Owners
North Carolina applies strict liability under certain conditions, meaning a dog owner can be held legally responsible for damages caused by their dog regardless of whether the dog has previously shown aggression. According to G.S. § 67-4.4, an owner is automatically liable for injuries or property damage caused by their dog if the dog is classified as dangerous or has a known history of aggressive behavior.
Unlike some states that allow a dog "one free bite" before the owner can be held liable, North Carolina law does not require a prior bite if the dog meets the legal definition of dangerous. Once a dog is determined to be dangerous or potentially dangerous, strict liability attaches to the owner, even if the bite or attack was the first incident.
We have represented thousands of personal injury victims for over 45 years.
$7.5M Settlement
A child involved in a truck accident suffered numerous brain bleeds as well as severe and permanent cognitive, physical, and emotional deficits as a result of his Traumatic Brain Injury. The case was filed in court and settled after multiple depositions of the parties and medical experts. The settlement was collected in full.
Dangerous and Potentially Dangerous Dogs
Under Chapter 67 § 67‑4.1, North Carolina law classifies dogs into two categories based on their past behavior and threat level:
Dangerous Dog
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It has killed or inflicted severe injury on a person without provocation, or
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A local authority, such as animal control, has determined the dog to be dangerous under the law.
Potentially Dangerous Dog
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Have bitten a person, causing broken bones, disfiguring lacerations, or injuries requiring hospitalization,
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Have killed or severely injured another animal while off the owner’s property, or
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Have approached a person in a vicious or terrorizing manner, indicating a threat of attack.
Once a dog falls into either of these categories, the owner has a legal duty to follow certain containment and safety regulations. Failure to do so can result in severe legal consequences.
Criminal Penalties for Dog Owners
When a dog that is classified as dangerous causes physical injury to a person, the owner may face criminal charges in addition to civil liability. Under G.S. § 67-4.3, if a dangerous dog attacks and causes injuries requiring medical treatment exceeding $100, the owner can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. This can lead to fines, court-ordered restitution, and even potential jail time.
Exceptions to Dog Owner Liability in North Carolina
While North Carolina imposes strict liability in many dog bite cases, there are important exceptions where a dog owner may not be held responsible. These exceptions recognize situations where the injured person’s actions contributed to the incident, or where the dog was performing a lawful or protected duty.
Law Enforcement and Hunting Dogs
Dogs working in official or lawful capacities are held to different legal standards than household pets. These include:
- Police K9s acting under the direction of law enforcement
- Military working dogs performing trained duties
- Dogs used legally for hunting, such as retrieving or tracking game
When a bite occurs during the performance of these duties—and the dog is following proper training and commands—liability typically does not apply. In these cases, the handler or agency is generally protected from legal claims. This exception ensures that working dogs can carry out their roles without fear of legal consequences interfering with their mission.
Working Dogs on the Owner’s Property
Under North Carolina law, dogs that are performing specific tasks on their owner's property are also granted an exception from liability, as long as the injury is to another domestic animal. This applies to:
- Herding dogs guiding livestock
- Hunting dogs assisting in game retrieval
- Predator control dogs protecting livestock or crops from threats
In these cases, if a working dog injures another domestic animal (such as a neighbor’s goat or a wandering pet), the owner may not be held liable—provided the injury occurred while the dog was performing its job and remained on the owner’s property.
Trespassers or Individuals Engaged in Wrongful Acts
North Carolina law does not hold dog owners responsible for injuries if the person bitten was involved in illegal or wrongful behavior at the time of the incident. This exception includes:
- Trespassing: If someone is unlawfully on your private property and your dog bites them, you may not be liable. The law recognizes a person has fewer protections when entering another’s land without permission.
- Committing a Tort: If the injured person was committing a civil wrong, such as vandalism or harassment, at the time of the bite, the owner might not be liable.
- Tormenting or Abusing the Dog: If the person was provoking, teasing, striking, or otherwise mistreating the dog, and the dog reacted by biting, the owner is typically not responsible. The law acknowledges that animals may act in self-defense when threatened or abused.
- Committing a Crime: If the dog bites someone engaged in criminal behavior—such as burglary, assault, or attempted robbery—the owner will likely be shielded from liability. This protects owners from being penalized when their dogs act in defense of people or property during a crime.
Why Exceptions Matter
These exceptions are important because they create a fair legal balance between protecting public safety and recognizing a dog’s natural instincts and duties. However, proving that an exception applies can be challenging. For example, establishing that a person was trespassing or provoking the dog often requires evidence, such as witness testimony, surveillance footage, or law enforcement reports.
For dog owners facing a potential claim, these exceptions could form the foundation of a legal defense. For victims, understanding these exceptions is crucial in determining whether you have a viable personal injury case.
In cases where the dog has been previously designated as dangerous and attacks again, courts may impose harsher penalties, especially if the owner failed to comply with containment laws or warning requirements.
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What to Do If You’re Bitten by a Dog in North Carolina
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should be your first priority. Even if the bite appears minor, dog saliva can introduce harmful bacteria into the wound, leading to infections like tetanus or rabies. In some cases, deep puncture wounds or torn skin may require stitches, surgery, or a tetanus booster. A healthcare professional will not only treat your injuries but also create a medical record, which is important for any potential legal claim.
Report the Incident to Animal Control
Contact your local animal control or public health department as soon as possible. Reporting the incident ensures that the dog is identified, properly quarantined if necessary, and assessed for rabies or other risks. This step also creates an official report that documents the bite—an essential piece of evidence if you choose to pursue a legal claim. Animal control may also investigate whether the dog has a history of aggression or if the owner has violated any leash or containment laws.
Collect Information at the Scene
Try to gather as much information as you can while still prioritizing your safety. If possible, obtain the following:
- The dog owner’s full name and contact details
- The dog’s breed, color, and size
- Proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination and other medical records
- Names and contact information of any witnesses
If the dog is loose or unaccompanied, try to take a photo or note its location and inform animal control.
Document Your Injuries and the Incident
Documentation is critical when building a personal injury case. Take clear, time-stamped photos of your injuries from the moment they occur and throughout the healing process. Save all medical records, bills, and discharge papers related to your treatment. You should also write down your recollection of the incident as soon as possible—include details like the date, time, location, circumstances of the bite, and what happened afterward.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating a dog bite case on your own can be overwhelming. North Carolina dog bite laws are complex, and proving liability is not always straightforward. In many cases, the dog owner—or their insurance company—may argue that you provoked the dog, were trespassing, or that one of the legal exceptions under state law applies. These types of defenses can significantly affect your ability to recover damages.
This is where an experienced dog attack lawyer becomes essential. A knowledgeable dog bite lawyer at Henson Fuerst can thoroughly investigate your case, gather critical evidence, and advocate for your best interests. We work to establish liability by examining local ordinances, reviewing animal control reports, speaking with witnesses, and evaluating whether the dog has a known history of aggression.
We also handle communications with the dog owner's insurance company so you don’t have to deal with the stress of adjusters or settlement offers that undervalue your injuries. Our goal is to help you obtain full and fair compensation, which may include:
- Medical Expenses. Reimbursement for emergency care, hospital bills, follow-up visits, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical needs related to the bite.
- Lost Wages. If you had to miss work due to your dog bite injury—or if your earning capacity was affected—we’ll seek compensation for both past and future lost income.
- Pain and Suffering. Dog bites can cause intense physical pain and long-term discomfort. You may also be entitled to damages for chronic pain and diminished quality of life.
- Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement. Bites often leave lasting physical reminders—especially when injuries occur on the face, arms, or legs. These scars can be physically and emotionally devastating, and we fight for compensation that reflects that reality.
- Emotional Distress. Beyond the physical trauma, many dog bite victims experience anxiety, fear of animals, PTSD, and other emotional effects. These psychological injuries are very real—and legally compensable.
When you work with Henson Fuerst, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a dedicated advocate who understands what you're going through and is committed to helping you recover. We offer free consultations, and you pay no legal fees unless we win your case.
We also understand that no two dog bite cases are exactly alike. Some involve a single bite with a clear owner, while others may involve repeated attacks, unidentified animals, or complications with homeowner’s insurance claims. Whether your case involves a minor injury or a severe, disfiguring bite, we approach every client with compassion, respect, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation
When you contact Henson Fuerst, you will speak directly with a legal professional who will take the time to listen to your story, assess your situation, and explain your legal options in plain language. If we take on your case, you won’t pay anything upfront since we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for you.
Our dog bite attorneys can help you fight to pursue full and fair compensation for:
- Emergency room visits, surgeries, and ongoing medical care
- Lost wages and diminished future earning potential
- Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma and PTSD
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life and long-term disability
Our Approach to Dog Bite Cases
Our dog bite lawyers also work closely with medical experts, psychologists, and accident investigators to build strong, evidence-based cases. From gathering witness statements and animal control records to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to trial—our team is prepared to fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
Dog bites are serious, and time is a critical factor. Evidence can fade, memories can become unreliable, and there are strict time limits (statutes of limitations) that apply to personal injury claims in North Carolina. The sooner you reach out, the more effectively we can begin protecting your rights. At Henson Fuerst, our mission is simple: to help injury victims get justice, closure, and the resources they need to heal and move forward.
Don’t wait. Contact a dog bite lawyer at Henson Fuerst today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can also fill out our online contact form, and a member of our legal team will reach out to you promptly.