The "One Bite" Rule for Dog Bites in North Carolina
Raleigh Dog Bite Attorney Explains the “One Bite Rule” in North Carolina
Dog bite cases frequently surround the question of whether the dog owner knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous or had the “propensity” to bite someone. On that issue, North Carolina - like many other states - generally follows the “one bite rule.”
The Basics of North Carolina Dog Bite Laws
In general, some states allow a dog to bite one person or other animal before the dog’s owner becomes liable for those injuries. These rules are based on the belief that a dog owner shouldn’t be liable the first time their dog does something unpredictable.
North Carolina laws surrounding dog bites and liability for pet attacks generally follow this basic legal principle. Read more about North Carolina Dog Bite Law.
What Is the “One Bite Rule” in North Carolina?
In a one-bite rule state, after the first bite, the dog owner is strictly liable for every subsequent dog bite by their pet. Under North Carolina common law, where an owner knows that a dog has a vicious propensity to do harm, an owner may be strictly liable for that harm.
How Do You Prove a Dog is Dangerous for a “One Bite Rule” Claim in North Carolina?
To prove a one-bite rule claim, a victim will have to show that the dog had injured (or killed) a person or another animal previously. Sometimes this will come down to evidence from neighbors who live near the dog in question and experience they may have had with the dog.
Can Dog Owners Be Accountable for Dog Bites When Their Dog Hasn’t Bitten Before?
Sometimes, yes. There are exceptions to the “one bite” rule, which normally protects a dog owner from liability if their dog has never attacked before. If the dog owner let’s their dog run around the neighborhood or fails to comply with dog leash laws, a dog owner can still be liable for damages caused by a first time dog bite.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with Our Dog Bite Attorneys in Raleigh, NC
If you were injured by a dog or pet, please contact our experienced dog bite lawyers in Raleigh, NC to schedule a free case evaluation to determine your legal rights. Experienced injury lawyers will explain your options, your likelihood of success, and the steps necessary to make you whole. As former insurance defense lawyers, we know how insurance companies think and evaluate dog bite cases and use that insight to get our clients every penny they deserve.
