In 2012 alone, 38 Americans were killed by dogs; 23 of these deaths were caused by pit bulls. Between 2007 and 2012, at least 15 children were killed by pit bulls. If these dogs are not adequately trained and raised, they can be extremely dangerous, even deadly. If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt by an American pit bull terrier or other dangerous animal, you have the right to hold its owner(s) accountable. Contact our experienced North Carolina dog bite and animal attack lawyers for a free consultation. Visit our contact page, send us a Live Chat, or call us at (919) 526-0450.
The statistics on dog bites show that most serious attacks involve pit bulls. This chart shows fatalities caused by different breeds of dogs between 2005 and 2012. Ten of the deaths during that period occurred in North Carolina. Whether a death or serious injury is involved, the owner of the pit bull can be held liable. However, this is usually difficult to do without the assistance of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. With automobile accidents, you’ll usually be contacted immediately by the at-fault party’s insurance company. This gives a chance to negotiate for fair compensation. This is not the case with pit bull attack cases. In many instances, you’ll need an attorney to file a lawsuit and conduct “discovery.” This helps to build the case against the owner and discover whether homeowners’ insurance coverage is applicable.
If you can successfully prove that a pit bull owner acted negligently, various damages are available to compensate you for your harm. Those include damages for medical and pharmaceutical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent impairment or disfigurement. This last category is essential, as dog bite attacks often leave scars that never completely heal.
Maginnis Howard handles all pit bull attack cases on a contingency basis. This means you do not pay attorneys’ fees unless and until we obtain a jury verdict or settlement on your behalf. The firm offers free consultations and will travel throughout North Carolina to meet with you and your family.
If a pit bull attack has seriously injured you or your child, you should immediately contact an attorney. These cases can be complicated and should be investigated early. To speak with the North Carolina dog bite and animal attack attorneys of Maginnis Howard, visit our contact page. The firm represents animal attack victims throughout the Carolinas from our Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville offices.
