Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys Serving Greensboro, NC
Help For Victims Of Dog Bites
Our most recent dog bite case was heartbreaking. A family was visiting their neighbors home, and they had a pit bull. The pit bull had never attacked anyone, never bit anyone, and had been a family pet for ten years. The family took their five-year-old daughter with them. She had petted the pit bull many times over the years. However, something was different this time.
This time the pit bull attacked her and bit her repeatedly on her hands and face. She was not near the dog’s food, and she just tried to pet the dog. She needed countless stitches and plastic surgeries to help close the wounds. The girl will physically and emotionally be scarred for life. The neighbors were great friends of this family and they too were devastated. They filed a claim on their homeowner’s insurance policy. The insurance company would not pay the claim. It took more than a year of litigation to pay the claim to help pay for the child’s medical bills and future scar revisions.
Even though many people will disagree, pit bulls can be dangerous. At Roane Law, we have handled many dog bite cases and the vast majority of severe injuries involve pit bulls. While smaller dogs bite more often, they don’t do the damage that pit bulls can cause. Just because a person is bit, this doesn’t mean that there is a case. Usually, it takes fairly significant injuries to pursue a dog bite case. Our Greensboro dog bite lawyers have litigated many serious dog bite cases.
We Will Talk To You For Free To See If You Have A Case Or Not
Although most domestic pets are friendly, there is always the possibility that something might change the behavior of an animal. In North Carolina, dog bite liability primarily arises when the owner of a dangerous dog doesn’t keep it contained. Across the state, news stories describe dog attacks on children waiting on the school bus or someone walking down the street. Dog bite injuries can result in serious injuries such as permanent disfigurement and scarring, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe blood loss, and even paralysis or wrongful death. If the dog has a history of biting or attacking people, then the owners must take precautions. Dogs are man’s best friend, but sometimes man is not their best friend and chains them up too long or mistreats them.
These dogs can become vicious and innocent people pay the price. There are specific laws dealing with dog bite cases and certain dogs are considered by statute to be dangerous dogs. Call our office if you would like more information. We would love to talk to you for free so that you at least know where you stand. In order to obtain a Greensboro dog bite lawyer that is familiar with the laws in these types of cases, it is best to find one that really understands the laws. At Roane Law, we have the skill and resources to provide you with the type of representation you need to pursue your claim in settlement or at trial.
Current Dog Attack Case
A suit was filed in Alamance County Superior Court for the suffering of John Richard from the attack of a neighbor’s pit bull. In order to prove that the dog owner was negligent, Attorney Roane had to prove that the owner should have known that the dog was dangerous. He built a case based on several principles. First, the breed of the dog was considered, and since the dog was a pit bull, it fit the categorization of an aggressive breed. Second, if there is a background of aggressive behavior, such as aggressive growling. In this case, the pit bull allegedly killed and ate a deer. The plaintiff is pursuing a large settlement on the grounds that the defendant should have been aware that the dog was dangerous and that the fence was not sufficient protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in North Carolina
People often want to know if the dog owner is automatically responsible for injuries caused by their pet. North Carolina follows a combination of strict liability and the “one-bite rule.” Owners are strictly liable if the dog is deemed “dangerous” (e.g., has a history of aggression or severe bites) or was running at large at night. Otherwise, under the one-bite rule, liability may depend on whether the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. Victims may also face challenges due to the state’s contributory negligence law, which bars recovery if they provoked the dog or were partially at fault. Learn more about who is held liable in North Carolina.
This question arises as victims seek guidance on protecting their health and legal rights. Recommended steps include seeking medical attention to prevent infection or rabies, reporting the bite to local animal control or the health department (required by law), documenting injuries and the incident with photos, gathering witness information, and consulting a personal injury attorney. North Carolina law mandates a 10-day quarantine for the dog to check for rabies.
Victims frequently ask about the time limit for pursuing legal action. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for dog bite cases, classified as personal injury claims, is three years from the date of the incident. Missing this deadline typically results in the case being dismissed.
This question stems from confusion about the one-bite rule. In North Carolina, if a dog has no prior history of aggression, the owner may not be liable unless they were negligent (e.g., violated leash laws) or the dog was running at large at night. Proving negligence or exceptions to the one-bite rule often requires legal expertise, making this a common inquiry.
Both victims and owners ask about the consequences for the dog. State law requires a 10-day quarantine to monitor for rabies, which can occur at the owner’s home, a veterinary hospital, or an animal control facility. If the dog shows no signs of rabies, it is typically released. However, if classified as dangerous due to severe injuries or repeated aggression, the court may order stricter containment or, in extreme cases, euthanasia.
Why Choose Roane Law for Your Dog Bite Injury Case?
At Roane Law, we focus exclusively on personal injury cases, which means when you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, you get a legal team that understands exactly how to handle the complexities of North Carolina’s dog bite laws. For nearly 30 years, we’ve helped injured clients throughout Greensboro and across the state recover compensation for traumatic injuries, emotional distress, and long-term damage caused by dangerous animals. We don’t just settle, we fight, and we prepare every case for trial to ensure our clients receive the justice they deserve. Our commitment to client advocacy and courtroom excellence sets us apart.
Thorough Case Investigation: Our team moves quickly to preserve medical records, animal control reports, and eyewitness testimony.
Understanding Owner Liability: We’re skilled in proving negligence, leash law violations, and owner responsibility under North Carolina statutes.
Pain and Trauma Advocacy: We seek full compensation for physical injuries, psychological harm, and scarring—especially in vulnerable victims.
Personal Attention: You’ll work directly with our attorneys, never pushed off to an assistant. We prioritize compassion, clarity, and confidence at every step.
We offer free consultations and take every dog bite case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Our team lifts the burden so you can focus on healing while we focus on results.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the better we can protect your rights and build your case. Contact us today to take the first step toward justice.
Meet Our Founding Attorney: James M. Roane III
Attorney James Roane’s path to personal injury law was shaped by his own car accident in 1995—an experience that showed him how frustrating and unfair insurance companies can be. Since founding Roane Law, he’s devoted his career to protecting injury victims from being taken advantage of. With decades of success and countless cases won, James is known for his trial strength, negotiation skills, and deep care for every client.
Roane’s legal focus includes serious injury cases like dog bites, car accidents, nursing home abuse, and wrongful death. Every client benefits from his trial-ready mindset and no-nonsense approach to getting results.
James’ credentials include:
Experienced Trial Attorney: Represented only plaintiffs since 1999, with jury wins across every Piedmont County in North Carolina.
Respected Legal Leader: Named “Most Outstanding Advocate” by the NC Academy of Trial Lawyers and AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
Dedicated Educator: Regularly teaches trial advocacy at Elon University School of Law and mentors up-and-coming attorneys.
Trusted Advocate: Known for securing high-value settlements and verdicts in tough personal injury cases.
Schedule A Consultation With The Firm
Greensboro dog bite lawyer, James Roane is an experienced attorney who has handled cases with injuries from animal attacks. His legal team at Roane Law will thoroughly investigate and interview any witnesses. Even though our office is in Greensboro, we can drive almost anywhere to come and meet with you. We have handled cases all across Piedmont including Lexington, Reidsville, High Point, Winston-Salem, Burlington, etc. Dog or other animal bites can be a serious matter, contact an attorney at our firm to discuss your personal injury claim.
