Have you or a loved one suffered serious injuries from a dog attack in Apex, North Carolina? You need a skilled Apex dog bite lawyer to protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. At Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys, our team of attorneys has extensive experience representing dog bite victims throughout the Apex area. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an animal attack can take, and we are here to help during this difficult time.
Why You Need an Apex Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bite injuries are often much more than minor cuts and bruises. Severe dog attacks can cause deep lacerations, nerve damage, permanent scarring and disfigurement, broken bones, infections, and severe emotional trauma. Victims may require extensive medical treatment, surgeries, physical therapy, counseling, and time away from work, which results in massive medical bills and lost income.
In North Carolina, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries their dogs inflict on others in many circumstances. However, recovering fair compensation can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies to minimize their payouts. Insurance adjusters often try to get victims to accept lowball settlements or unfairly pin the blame on the victim.
Having an experienced Apex dog bite attorney in such situations can be a huge advantage. At Horton & Mendez, our Apex dog bite lawyers have an insider’s understanding of how insurance companies operate. All of our attorneys previously worked as insurance defense lawyers for one of the largest law firms in North Carolina. We use everything we learned on the insurance company’s side to advocate for victims like you.
We know the tactics insurers use to limit liability and can anticipate their strategies. Our Apex dog bite lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build the strongest case possible to hold the dog owner accountable. We are skilled negotiators and litigators prepared to take your case as far as needed, even to trial, to pursue the full and fair compensation you need to heal.
North Carolina Dog Bite Laws
Dog bite laws vary by state and can greatly impact your case. North Carolina has very strict rules for dog bites. Under NCGS § 67-4.4, a dog owner is liable for injuries their dog inflicts on a person if:
- The injuries occur while the person is in a public place or lawfully in a private place, and
- The person was not provoking the dog at the time
In many situations, the dog owner is automatically liable even if the dog had never bitten anyone before and the owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous. However, North Carolina is also one of the few states that still follows pure contributory negligence rules in personal injury cases. Under this harsh standard, if the victim is found even 1% at fault for the dog bite, they can be barred from recovering any compensation at all.
Insurance companies often try to use this rule to avoid paying victims by claiming they provoked the dog or were trespassing. Our Apex dog bite lawyers know how to counter these arguments and prove that you were not to blame for the attack. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in Apex
If you are bitten by a dog in Apex, the top priority is seeking prompt medical attention, no matter how minor the injury seems. Dog bites have a high risk of infection, so it is crucial to clean the wound properly and see a doctor for professional treatment. Be sure to follow all treatment instructions carefully.
You should also report the bite to Wake County Animal Control right away. An animal control officer will investigate and may place the dog under quarantine to check for rabies. If the dog has a history of aggression or attacks, it may be declared a “dangerous dog” under state law.
Other important steps to take after a dog bite include:
- Get the dog owner’s contact information
- Take photos of the bite location, your injuries, and any torn or bloody clothing
- Obtain contact information for any eyewitnesses
- Write down everything you remember about the attack
- Keep copies of all medical records and bills
- Save evidence of all accident-related expenses
- DO NOT post about the incident on social media
- Contact an Apex dog bite attorney right away
Why Choose Horton & Mendez for Your Apex Dog Bite Claim
At Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys, we provide dedicated, aggressive representation for Apex dog bite victims. Our Apex dog bite attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience and a proven track record of success in personal injury law.
Our attorneys will give you an honest assessment of your case and explain your legal options. If you choose us to represent you, we will handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on recovering. The fact that our attorneys are former defense attorneys is also a huge advantage for you. They know all the tricks and tactics insurance companies use to influence cases and are ready to counter them. We fight very hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
Our law firm has the resources to fully investigate your case and go up against big insurance companies. We are known for our legal prowess and will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and take your case to a jury if needed. Our team will fight tenaciously to help you obtain compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring, and any other damages stemming from the dog attack.
Contact Our Apex Dog Bite Lawyers Today
After a dog bite, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. Let Horton & Mendez shoulder the burden and be your advocate during this trying time. We truly care about our clients and will treat you with the compassion and personalized attention you deserve.
To discuss your dog bite claim with one of our skilled attorneys, please contact our Apex, NC, law office today. We look forward to helping you seek justice.
