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If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in North Carolina, you’re likely facing more than just physical pain. There are medical bills, questions about legal liability, and uncertainty about what comes next. Fortunately, North Carolina law provides clear steps for how to respond and outlines when a dog owner may be held legally responsible. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from immediate medical care to potential lawsuit compensation—while keeping you informed of your rights under NC law.
North Carolina follows a hybrid approach to dog bite liability. On one hand, the state upholds the traditional “one-bite rule,” which means an owner may not be liable for a dog’s first bite—unless they had prior knowledge that the dog had aggressive tendencies. On the other hand, North Carolina imposes strict liability in certain cases where the dog has been officially declared dangerous.
Under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 67-4.1, a “dangerous dog” is one that has:
If a dog fits these criteria, the owner can be held strictly liable for any future injuries the dog causes—regardless of fault or intent.
When a dog bite occurs, the law mandates quick action.
If a person is bitten, the incident must be reported to the local health department within 24 hours. This triggers the legally required 10-day rabies quarantine for the dog, which may be served at the owner’s home, an animal shelter, or a veterinary facility. During this period, the dog is monitored for signs of rabies. If no symptoms appear, the quarantine ends, and further medical treatment can be assessed accordingly.
If you’re a dog owner in North Carolina, a bite incident comes with legal obligations and potential consequences.
It’s also critical to cooperate with investigators and insurance adjusters and to consult legal counsel to avoid escalating penalties.
While no two cases are the same, the average dog bite claim in the U.S. was over $69,000 in 2024. North Carolina settlements typically fall within the following ranges:
Several factors influence the value of your case:
At Paul Robinson Law, we assess each case carefully to identify all damages—economic and emotional—and negotiate aggressively with insurers.
Reacting swiftly after a bite can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim. Here’s a more detailed roadmap:
Even a minor-looking bite can become infected or mask deeper trauma. Go to urgent care or the ER, especially if the dog’s rabies vaccination status is unknown.
Contact local animal control or the health department to report the bite. This triggers the quarantine and begins an official record of the event.
Take photographs of the wound, the location of the incident, and any torn clothing. Get names and numbers of witnesses and the dog owner. If possible, secure a copy of the dog’s vaccination records.
Insurers may offer quick, lowball settlements. Do not sign anything until you’ve spoken with a personal injury lawyer who understands NC dog bite law.
Document all medical bills, lost work, pain levels, therapy visits, and changes in quality of life. These details build the foundation for fair compensation.
The dog must undergo a 10-day rabies quarantine, and animal control investigates the incident. If the dog meets certain criteria, it may be labeled as “potentially dangerous.”
This period is long enough to observe whether the dog shows signs of rabies. If symptoms don’t appear, the risk of transmission is extremely low.
Possibly. If the owner violated leash laws or knew the dog was aggressive, the “one-bite rule” may not apply. Each case must be evaluated on its facts.
Technically, no. Courts focus on the dog’s behavior and the owner’s responsibility—not stereotypes. However, some breeds may prompt stricter scrutiny if linked to prior attacks.
Children under 10 are statistically the most common victims. Courts often take these cases seriously, especially if the injury results in disfigurement or trauma. Additional compensation may be available for future treatment and counseling.
At Paul Robinson Law, we understand the physical and emotional toll a dog bite takes. We’ve helped clients throughout Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and the surrounding Triangle communities recover the compensation they deserve. Our firm:
Use our online contact form or call us directly at 984-468-9564. We’ll help you understand your options and begin the recovery process with clarity and confidence.
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919-438-0065
105 S Ellington St, Clayton, NC 27520
124 St Marys St Ste 201, Raleigh, NC 27605
800 W Williams St #250 Apex, NC 27502
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Phone : 919-438-0065
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Phone : 919-471-3200
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Phone : (919) 944-4630
105 S Ellington St, Clayton, NC 27520
124 St Marys St Ste 201, Raleigh, NC 27605
800 W Williams St #250 Apex, NC 27502
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