Dog bites can happen unexpectedly, and it’s important to know what to expect if you are hurt in such an incident. Whether you were bitten while visiting the Fairbrook Optimist Dog Park, the St. Stephens Dog Park, or simply while walking through your neighborhood, you have the right to seek accountability and compensation. But how long does a dog-bite lawsuit take in Hickory, NC?
How Long Does a Dog-Bite Lawsuit Take in Hickory, NC?
North Carolina enforces a modified version of the one-bite rule, which means a dog owner can be held liable for an injury their dog has caused if the owner had any reason to believe their dog could be dangerous. If your case meets this criterion, you will need to prove that you did not provoke the dog to attack and that you were legally present wherever the attack occurred.
Hire a Dog-Bite Lawyer Right Away if You Think You Have a Case
You should hire a dog-bite lawyer right away after the attack so they can begin building the framework of your case. Your attorney can also gather the proof you need to show the full extent of the injuries and economic losses you suffered from the accident. If you have grounds to file a personal injury case, it is important that you do so right away to ensure you meet the statute of limitations.
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury case in North Carolina is generally three years from the date the injury occurred. If you do not file your claim within this time limit, you will be barred from claiming compensation. Once you have filed the case, it’s possible to resolve it through private settlement negotiation with the defendant if they accept liability, but otherwise the case will need to be resolved through litigation.
Settlement Versus Litigation for a Dog-Bite Case
Nearly 1,000 people per day in the United States are treated in emergency rooms for dog attack injuries. Some of these victims not only face expensive medical bills but are also unable to work for extended periods of time. It’s possible for the plaintiff in a dog-bite injury case to have grounds to seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and the pain and suffering they experienced.
Although Sometimes Unavoidable, a Mutual Agreement Is Generally Faster
The goal of a personal injury case is for the injured plaintiff to recover the compensation they need to be as whole as possible again. During settlement, it is possible for both parties to reach a mutual agreement and resolve the case without needing to go to trial. This is typically much faster than litigation, but litigation could be unavoidable in some cases. These proceedings can sometimes take several months or even longer than a year.
Ultimately, every dog-bite case is unique, and each plaintiff will face a different timetable for resolving their personal injury case. When you hire a dog-bite lawyer, they can explain how long your dog-bite lawsuit is likely to take in Hickory, NC, and guide you through the difficult proceedings ahead of you. The sooner you consult an attorney, the more likely you are to resolve your case efficiently.
FAQs
How Do You Prove Fault for a Dog Bite in Hickory?
To prove fault for a dog bite in Hickory, you need to show that you did not provoke the attack and that you were legally present at the location where the attack happened. Under North Carolina’s modified one-bite rule, the dog owner can be liable for the damages their pet caused if the owner had reason to believe their dog was dangerous, or if their dog had bitten someone in the past.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim for a Dog Bite in Hickory?
The amount of compensation you can claim for a dog bite in Hickory depends on the severity of the injuries the dog caused. If you can establish liability and you have grounds to file a personal injury case, you can potentially recover compensation for any and all medical expenses related to the attack, any income you are unable to earn while you recover, and compensation for your pain and suffering.
What Are Defenses in a Dog-Bite Lawsuit?
The most common defenses in a dog-bite lawsuit are trespassing and provocation. If the dog owner can prove the alleged victim was trespassing on private property when their dog bit them, it would disqualify the alleged victim from claiming compensation. The same would apply if the alleged victim abused the dog or assaulted the owner, prompting the dog to act defensively. A dog owner may also avoid some liability under the modified one-bite rule.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Dog-Bite Lawsuit?
The time required to settle a dog-bite lawsuit typically depends on whether the defendant and the plaintiff can negotiate mutually acceptable terms. Sometimes, settlement can only take a few sessions over the course of several weeks, while it may take several months in other cases. Ultimately, the exact timeline for your dog-bite case depends on whether you have a skilled attorney representing you and whether the defendant is willing to accept liability.
Why Should I Hire a Dog-Bite Lawyer?
You should hire a dog-bite lawyer to not only have a better chance of winning your case but also a better chance of maximizing your compensation and resolving the case within a reasonable time. Your attorney can gather any evidence you need to establish liability, help you accurately calculate all of your claimable damages, and determine the most efficient path for resolving the case.
The team at the Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, has extensive experience representing clients in Hickory and Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties in all types of personal injury cases, including dog-bite claims. These incidents are damaging and traumatic, and we know you have many questions about your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist with your recovery.
