A dog attack can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, from deep lacerations and nerve damage to a lasting fear of dogs. If you or your child was bitten in Winston-Salem or anywhere in Forsyth County, the Winston-Salem dog bite attorneys at Portner & Shure can help. We have handled personal injury claims across North Carolina for more than 30 years.
How North Carolina Handles Dog Bite Claims
Winston-Salem’s residential areas and public trails put families and dogs in close contact throughout the year. North Carolina does not make every dog owner automatically responsible for a bite. Instead, an injured person usually recovers under one of a few theories:
- Negligence and the “one-bite” rule. An owner can be held liable when they knew, or should have known, that their dog had a dangerous propensity — for example, prior growling, lunging, or aggression — and failed to take reasonable precautions.
- Negligence per se. Violating a local leash law or animal-control ordinance can itself be evidence of negligence.
- Dangerous-dog strict liability. When a dog meets the legal definition of a “dangerous dog,” its owner can be held strictly liable for the injuries it causes (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 67-4.4).
Injuries and Damages
Dog attacks often cause puncture wounds, lacerations, broken bones, nerve and muscle damage, infection, and permanent scarring, along with post-traumatic stress that can last long after the wounds heal. Depending on the facts, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, future medical care including reconstructive surgery, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Many dog bite claims are paid through the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance.
North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Rule
North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If the owner’s insurer can show you were even slightly at fault — for example, by provoking the dog or ignoring a posted warning — it can bar your recovery entirely. Owners may also argue that a trespasser or someone who deliberately antagonized the dog is not owed the same protection. Careful investigation and a clear account of what happened are essential to protect your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File? North Carolina’s Statute of Limitations
In North Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the attack to file a dog bite lawsuit (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52). Evidence such as the dog’s bite history and any animal-control report is easier to gather early, so it is wise to speak with an attorney soon. Claims in Forsyth County are generally pursued through the Forsyth County Hall of Justice.
How Our Winston-Salem Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help
Insurance companies routinely argue that the victim provoked the dog and defend these claims aggressively. You should not face them alone. Our team moves quickly to document the attack, obtain any animal-control records, identify the dog’s history, and push for fair compensation. We work on a contingency basis, which means there is no fee unless we recover for you.
We Can Help If English is Not Your First Language
Our firm serves a diverse community, and we have team members who speak Spanish and Korean. We can discuss your case in a language you are comfortable with so nothing is lost in translation.
Contact Our Winston-Salem Dog Bite Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one was bitten in Winston-Salem or anywhere in Forsyth County, contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Other Injury Cases We Handle in Winston-Salem
- Winston-Salem Car Accident Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Truck Accident Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Personal Injury Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Wrongful Death Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Premises Liability Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Bicycle Accident Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Brain Injury Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Medical Malpractice Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
- Winston-Salem Bus Accident Lawyers
