Troutman Dog Bite Lawyer

Trusted Dog Bite Attorney In Troutman, NC

They say dogs are man’s greatest friend, but an animal will always have primal instincts. Due to aggression, territorial attitudes, or protective habits, many dogs can become violent without warning. Even those that have never had a previous instance of aggression can bite a stranger or a familiar individual. A Troutman dog bite lawyer can navigate this traumatic situation.

Grimes Yeoman, PLLC, is a highly respected law firm that’s heavily involved in our local community. We know that a dog attack can shatter the peaceful ambiance of a public location, like a park, or destroy the safe feeling of home at an apartment complex. No matter where the instance happened, an animal attack attorney from our firm can pursue justice for the damages you suffered.

L. Charles Grimes is a member of the Iredell County Bar Association with close ties to the community through charities like Toys for Tots. He has handled several personal injury cases over his career. The firm has been recognized by Best Lawyers, which is a peer-reviewed publication. An award doesn’t guarantee the outcome of your case, but we address the unique needs of all your clients.

How Dog Owners Often Try to Avoid Accountability

For many dog owners, their pet is like a member of their family. About 65.1 million households owned a dog in 2024. Owners view dogs as companions and protectors. Sometimes, they even assume they can tell what a dog is thinking or capable of. However, a failure to control a dog can result in a dog bite claim, despite what those responsible may say. Owners may use common defenses like:

• Claiming that they thought the dog was under control. Dogs should be leashed or fenced in if they’re aggressive. Even then, an owner may lose control of the dog, and it may charge at someone to initiate an attack.
• Saying that the dog was threatened. While a dog may have instincts that are hard to decipher, the owner can still be held liable if the dog attacks someone without any evidence of aggression, trespass, or threats from the other party.
• Claiming that the dog acted out of character. Many people who own dogs claim that they’re well-behaved, but not only is this hard to prove, it also doesn’t absolve the owner of potential responsibility when an attack does occur.
• Saying that a dog didn’t hurt anyone. While dogs often attack people and other animals, some owners believe this is the only harm they can cause. However, dogs can tear up property like fences, yards, gardens, patios, decks, and other areas, doing extensive damage.

When you hire a dog bite lawyer from our firm, we can overcome these common defenses and dismissive tactics. If you were injured because a dog was aggressive or uncontrolled, our skilled legal team can pursue justice.

What Does the Law Say About Dog Bites?

Dog bite laws are clearly written to hold owners accountable for the damage their pets cause. For example, G.S. 67-4-4 notes that the owner of a dangerous dog is strictly liable if a dog harms a person, their property, or another animal. G.S. 67-12 also notes that dogs must be accompanied by an owner or family member, or another person with the owner’s permission, and they cannot be allowed to run at large at night if they’re over six months old. North Carolina common law also provides that an owner of a dog, or in some cases a landlord with knowledge of the dog, and control over the premises, and its dangerous propensities, may be liable for injuries caused from a failure to properly control or restrain the dog when there is knowledge of or should have been knowledge of the likelihood of injury from the uncontrolled, unrestrained dog with known dangerous propensities.

This legal framework clearly establishes the responsibility of dog owners to control their pets and keep track of them. While dogs may respond to legitimate threats, like trespassers and aggression, unprovoked attacks on living beings or instances of property damage can result in a dog bite claim, and our legal team can make your case.

How a North Carolina Dog Attack Could Affect You

North Carolina ranks in the top ten for dog ownership in the country. There are also four off-leash dog parks within 20 miles of Troutman, like the Swaney Pointe K-9 Park at Ramsey Creek Park. This means that it could be a fine place for peaceful pets, but it could also be a dangerous location if a dog acts aggressively. Common injuries from a dog attack could include:

• Deep puncture wounds and lacerations due to the dog clamping and shaking
• Infections, which can be worse for immunocompromised victims
• Nerve damage, which can cause long-term functional impairment
• Broken bones, especially in young or elderly people who were knocked to the ground by the dog
• Permanent scars, especially if reconstructive surgery is needed
• A risk of rabies, even if the owner says the dog was not infected
• Emotional distress, including permanent anxiety or PTSD around dogs
• Permanent disabilities, including the inability to walk, talk, or function as before

A Troutman dog bite attorney from our firm can work to understand the full scope of your injuries and pursue a fair settlement. Even if the owner tries to downplay the damage or blame you, contact our firm for guidance on how to proceed.

FAQs

Can a Dog Bite Be Fatal?

Yes, a dog bite can be fatal. Dog bites can cause serious infections, which may grow worse over time. In addition, damage to nerves, muscles, and tendons can affect mobility and set you up for other health problems. They may also necessitate multiple surgeries, which can present serious risks as well.

Can a Dog Bite Claim Be Made When Injuries Are Minor?

Yes, a dog bite claim can be made when injuries are minor. Even small damage can be contested in court, especially since mental health issues may also be part of the experience. The person attacked may have permanent anxiety about being around dogs or going to the location where the attack occurred.

What If Two Dogs Get Into a Fight?

If two dogs get into a fight, the dog bite claim may progress based on which pet initiated the conflict. Courts may also consider whether one owner was more negligent in controlling their animal. This could involve assessing camera footage from the area if it’s available, or the case may rely on witness testimonies of the incident.

What Could a Dog Bite Settlement Include?

A dog bite settlement could include compensation for injuries to you or your pet, along with compensation for any property damage the dog attack caused. The settlement may also include pain and suffering for the incident. If you were attacked and were unable to work as a result, the settlement could also cover your lost wages.

Hire a Troutman Dog Bite Lawyer That You Can Rely On

Grimes Yeoman, PLLC, was recognized by Best Lawyers, with managing partner Elizabeth G. Grimes earning a spot on the Top 25 Women National Trial Lawyers. While these awards are prestigious based on the strict peer review process of Best Lawyers and Martindale, they don’t guarantee results since every case is different.

However, our legal team does treat every client with respect. We can work diligently to understand the full scope of your damage and pursue every legal option to help you. Contact us today for a consultation.

Troutman Dog Bite Lawyer Reviews