Dog Attacks
Last updated on November 10, 2025
Dog attacks can be traumatic events that result in serious scars and disfigurement. At the law office of R. Steve Bowden & Associates, we understand, and we are here to help. Our Greensboro dog bite lawyers represent both adults and children injured by uncontrolled animals.
Over 3 Decades Of Experience
Our firm’s founder has more than 30 years of experience fighting for full and fair compensation for personal injury victims across North Carolina. He is also a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which testifies to the impressive results he has obtained for clients over the years.
Will You Have The Money You Need Down The Road?
In every case, our mission is to recover the full amount of money you will need for years to come. We understand that dog bite injuries can potentially affect the rest of your or your child’s life. You or your child may possibly need:
- Hospital care, surgery and/or rehabilitation
- Prescription pain medications
- Reconstructive surgery down the road to correct bite marks and scars
- Psychological counseling to address emotional trauma
Remember, never sign a settlement agreement without first consulting an attorney experienced in animal attacks. If you agree to accept a certain amount of money without understanding what your case is really worth, you could find yourself without the ability to pay for necessary care in the future.
Who can be held responsible when a dog bites someone in North Carolina?
If anyone can be held liable for a dog bite or attack, it is the dog’s owner. However, this isn’t true in all cases, as we’ll describe below. North Carolina has complex dog bite liability laws at the state level, made even more complex by the addition of various local and county ordinances related to dog bites.
If a dog’s owner is found to be liable, victim compensation is often paid through a claim on that person’s homeowner insurance policy.
What is North Carolina’s ‘one-bite’ rule, and how does it impact dog bite victims?
Some states recognize “strict liability” in dog bite cases. Put simply, that means that a dog owner is liable when their dog bites someone merely because they own the dog. Unfortunately for victims here, North Carolina is not a strict liability state.
Instead, our state follows the “one-bite” rule. Under this principle, a dog owner typically cannot be held liable the first time their dog bites someone because they had no reason to know or suspect that the dog was aggressive or dangerous.
If the dog has attacked or been aggressive before, the owners can be held strictly liable for future attacks. But, as cynics would say, “the first bite is free.”
It may be possible to claim compensation even if you were attacked by a previously docile dog. Our attorneys can discuss your legal options with you in a free consultation.
What types of damages are available in a dog bite claim?
If the homeowner is found to be liable, you may be entitled to damages (compensation) for medical bills (present and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, and permanent disability. The exact damages available and the overall value of the claim will depend on the details of the case.
My child was bitten by a dog – what should I do?
The first and most important action is to seek medical attention right away. Dog bite injuries can be serious or life-threatening, particularly among children and the elderly. A thorough medical examination will ensure your child receives the treatment they need. It will also create detailed medical records that will be important later when seeking compensation.
After your child has been treated, the next step is to discuss your case with an attorney. Personal injury claims have a statute of limitations of three years, and wrongful death claims have a statute of limitations of just two years. North Carolina’s laws are complex, but an attorney can help you understand your rights and legal options.
Get Started Today With A Free Consultation
R. Steve Bowden & Associates will investigate the circumstances of your injury and learn whether the dog has demonstrated vicious tendencies in the past. If a personal injury lawsuit is possible, you can count on us to vigorously advocate for you.
Call us at 336-285-0925 or email us We take appointments 24/7 and make home or hospital visits as needed.
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