Charlotte Dog Bite Attorneys

Seeking Legal Help After a Dog Bite

If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone you love has recently suffered a traumatic dog bite in Charlotte, North Carolina. We know how frightening and painful these experiences can be — both physically and emotionally. Medical bills, lost wages, and lingering fear can add even more stress to an already difficult time.

At ClearView Legal, our Charlotte dog bite attorneys are here to help you understand your rights, hold negligent dog owners accountable, and recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Understanding Dog Bite Accidents in Charlotte

Dog bite injuries can cause serious and lasting harm. Knowing why they happen — and how they can be prevented — helps highlight the importance of responsible ownership and legal accountability.

Neighborhood Factors
Charlotte’s growing neighborhoods, parks, and pet-friendly communities make encounters between dogs and people more frequent. High population density and shared spaces can increase the likelihood of dog bite incidents.

Owner Negligence
Most dog bites occur because of careless or irresponsible owners. Failing to leash a dog, ignoring warning signs, or allowing a pet to roam freely puts others at risk. Every dog owner has a duty to keep their animal under control and prevent harm.

Breed and Behavior
While Charlotte does not enforce breed-specific laws, some breeds are more prone to aggression when not properly trained or socialized. Regardless of breed, owners are legally responsible for injuries caused by their pets.

Severity and Impact
Dog bites range from minor punctures to severe wounds that can cause permanent damage. Victims may experience infections, nerve injury, scarring, and emotional trauma such as anxiety or PTSD. The impact of a dog bite can be both visible and deeply personal.

Dog Bite Statistics in North Carolina

Dog bites are more common than many people realize. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, there were more than 4,000 reported dog bites statewide in 2019. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year — and roughly 20% of those victims require medical care.

Children, postal workers, and delivery personnel are among the groups most at risk. The injuries can range from minor cuts to serious wounds that require surgery and long-term treatment. Beyond the physical harm, many victims also suffer anxiety or post-traumatic stress after an attack.

Why You Need Our Charlotte Dog Bite Attorneys

After a dog bite, dealing with an insurance company can be stressful and confusing. Adjusters often aim to minimize payouts and may pressure you into accepting less than your claim is worth. Having an attorney on your side helps level the playing field.

Our Charlotte dog bite lawyers will:

• Investigate the incident to determine liability and gather evidence like witness statements, photos, and medical reports.

• Communicate with insurers so you don’t have to. We protect your rights and prevent you from saying anything that could hurt your claim.

• Negotiate aggressively to secure fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

• Take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered. We’re always prepared to fight for your full recovery.

How ClearView Legal Can Help

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a dog bite accident, our legal team is ready to help. We combine compassion with experience, providing strong advocacy and clear communication throughout your case.

Free Consultations — No Obligation
We offer free consultations to dog bite victims across Charlotte. During your consultation, we’ll review your situation, explain your options, and help you understand what comes next — all at no cost to you.

No Fees Unless We Win
You won’t pay anything upfront. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This ensures you can focus on healing while we handle the legal work.

Immediate Action — Protecting Your Claim
Time matters after a dog bite. Evidence can fade and memories can blur, so we act fast to preserve key details. Once you hire us, we begin investigating immediately — interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records, and building a strong case to maximize your compensation.

Calculating Compensation After a Dog Bite

Your claim may include:

• Medical costs: emergency care, surgeries, medication, and future treatment.

• Lost income: wages you’ve already lost and potential future earnings.

• Pain and suffering: for physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma.

• Property damage: for personal belongings damaged in the attack.

• Punitive damages: in cases where the owner acted recklessly or ignored known dangers.

Every case is unique, and we carefully assess the full value of your losses before pursuing compensation.

ClearView Legal assists people with legal matters in the following locations: Concord, Cornelius, Gastonia, Huntersville, Kannapolis, Lincolnton, Matthews, Mint Hill, Monroe, and Statesville.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Dog Bite

Speaking to the Insurance Company Before a Lawyer

Insurance adjusters may sound helpful, but their goal is to protect the dog owner’s interests — not yours. Anything you say could be used to reduce or deny your claim. Always talk to an attorney first.

Accepting the First Settlement Offer

Early offers are almost always low. Insurance companies hope you’ll accept quickly before you know the full extent of your injuries or future medical needs. We evaluate every offer and negotiate to get you what you truly deserve.

Delaying Medical Treatment

Even small bites can lead to infections or permanent damage. Getting immediate medical care not only protects your health but also creates vital documentation for your case.

Ignoring Your Doctor’s Recommendations

Following your treatment plan shows that your injuries are serious and that you’re committed to recovery. Missing appointments or stopping treatment early can weaken your claim.

Hiring a Lawyer Without Trial Experience

Insurance companies take cases more seriously when they know your attorney is willing to go to trial. Our attorneys have courtroom experience and a proven record of securing fair outcomes for our clients.

Dog Bite Client Story

This client story is for educational purposes only.

In a quiet Charlotte neighborhood, Jack’s ordinary afternoon walk turned into a nightmare. Without warning, a large dog broke loose and attacked, leaving Jack with painful injuries and deep emotional scars. The physical wounds would heal with time — but the fear, anxiety, and sleepless nights were harder to overcome.

Unsure of what to do or how to protect his rights, Jack reached out to attorney Marcel McCrea. From the very first meeting, Jack knew he was in good hands. Marcel didn’t just ask questions — he listened. He heard the fear in Jack’s voice and understood the toll that trauma takes. His calm presence and compassion gave Jack something he hadn’t felt since the attack — reassurance that things could get better.

Marcel immediately took action. He began investigating the case, collecting police reports, medical records, and witness statements. He also connected Jack with trusted doctors who specialized in treating dog bite injuries, making sure he received the medical care and therapy he needed to recover.

When the insurance company tried to downplay Jack’s injuries and push for a quick, low settlement, Marcel stood firm. He knew Jack deserved more than just coverage for his medical bills — he deserved justice for the pain, fear, and lasting emotional impact the attack had caused.

Through careful preparation and determined advocacy, Marcel negotiated a settlement that fully compensated Jack for his medical treatment, lost income, and emotional suffering. The resolution brought not only financial relief but also a sense of closure and peace.

For Jack, the experience became a turning point. With Marcel’s guidance, he regained control of his life and began to move forward with confidence.

Today, Jack describes Marcel McCrea and the ClearView Legal team as more than just lawyers — they were the support system he needed when life fell apart.

If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, know that you don’t have to face it alone. With attorney Marcel McCrea by your side, you’ll have a trusted advocate who listens, fights, and helps you find both justice and peace of mind.

North Carolina Dog Bite Laws for Postal Workers and Delivery Personnel

For postal workers and delivery drivers across North Carolina, dogs are part of the daily landscape. Most are friendly — but not all. Every year, delivery personnel face the risk of dog bites and attacks while simply doing their jobs. These incidents can cause serious physical injuries and lasting emotional trauma.

If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog while working as a postal worker or delivery driver, you have legal rights. At ClearView Legal, our Charlotte dog bite attorneys understand how these cases work and are ready to help you secure the compensation and protection you deserve under North Carolina law.

Understanding North Carolina Dog Bite Laws

North Carolina follows what’s known as the “one-bite rule.” This means a dog owner may not be held responsible for the first time their dog bites someone unless they already knew the animal was dangerous or had acted aggressively in the past.

However, the law also holds dog owners accountable in several key situations:

• If the dog was running loose: Owners must follow local leash and restraint laws. If they fail to keep their dog properly secured and it attacks someone, they can be held liable.

• If the dog was known to be dangerous: Once an owner knows their dog has a history of aggression, they are responsible for preventing future incidents.

• If negligence is involved: Even if it’s the first bite, an owner who acts carelessly — such as letting a dog roam free or ignoring warning signs — may still be found liable.

Because these laws can be complex, especially when combined with local ordinances and workplace regulations, it’s important to have a knowledgeable attorney review your situation.

Rights of Postal Workers and Delivery Personnel

Postal workers and delivery drivers often face a higher risk of dog attacks simply because of the nature of their jobs. Fortunately, North Carolina law provides protections for workers who are injured on duty.

If you’re bitten or attacked by a dog while making a delivery, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits — covering medical care, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. You may also have the right to file a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner, especially if the dog was not properly restrained or had a known history of aggression.

An attorney experienced in both personal injury and workers’ compensation law can help you determine which path — or combination of both — will provide the most comprehensive recovery for your situation.

Workers’ Compensation and Dog Bite Injuries

Workers’ compensation is designed to support employees injured while performing job duties. For postal workers and delivery drivers, that includes injuries from dog bites or attacks while delivering mail or packages.

If you’re bitten on the job:

1. Report the injury immediately to your employer or supervisor.

2. Seek medical attention right away to document the injury and prevent infection.

3. File a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible to preserve your right to benefits.

In addition to workers’ compensation, you may be able to pursue a claim against the dog’s owner if they were negligent. This can help you recover damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or other losses not covered by workers’ comp.

Contact Our Charlotte Dog Bite Attorneys Today

If you’re a postal worker, delivery driver, or contractor who has been bitten or attacked by a dog in North Carolina, don’t navigate the legal process alone. The experienced attorneys at ClearView Legal are here to help you understand your rights, file your claim, and recover the compensation you deserve.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Contact our Charlotte dog bite attorneys today to schedule your consultation. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on healing and getting back to work with peace of mind.