I Was Bitten By a Dog in Greensboro, North Carolina. What Should I Do?

A dog bite can be both physically painful and emotionally upsetting. Whether the bite is minor or severe, knowing what to do next can make a big difference in your recovery and any legal options you may have.

In North Carolina, dog owners may be held responsible for bites, especially if the dog had a history of aggression or was not properly restrained. Taking the right steps can protect your health and your rights. If you’re thinking, “I was bitten by a dog in Greensboro—what should I do?” this blog covers what to do after a dog bite, how North Carolina law applies, and when you may be able to seek compensation.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

After a dog bite, your health should be the top priority. Taking quick action can prevent complications and set the foundation for any legal steps you may need to take. Even if a dog bite seems minor, it can lead to infections or long-term complications. Dog saliva carries bacteria that can cause serious infections like rabies, tetanus, and cellulitis. If the bite punctured the skin, caused deep wounds, or led to excessive bleeding, seek medical care right away.

When to See a Doctor

• The bite breaks the skin and draws blood.
• You experience redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound.
• You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the past five years.
• The dog was acting strangely or its vaccination status is unknown.

Identify the Dog and Its Owner

If possible, get the owner’s name and contact information. Ask if the dog has been vaccinated for rabies and request a copy of its vaccination records. This information will help medical professionals determine whether rabies treatment is necessary.

If the dog is a stray or the owner refuses to provide information, contact Guilford County Animal Services to report the bite. They can check if the dog has a history of aggression and determine whether it needs to be quarantined.

You can reach Guilford County Animal Services at (336) 904-9000(336) 904-9000 or visit their website.

Report the Bite to Local Authorities

North Carolina law requires dog bites to be reported, especially if there’s a risk of rabies transmission. In Greensboro, you can report a dog bite to:

• Guilford County Animal Services
• The Guilford County Health Department
• Your local law enforcement agency

If you know the dog’s owner, include their name, contact details, and proof of the dog’s vaccination history when making your report. If the dog is a stray or the owner is unknown, report the bite immediately so authorities can attempt to locate the dog and assess the risk of rabies.

Reporting the bite also creates an official record and may be important if you need to file a claim later.

Document Your Injuries and the Scene

Keeping detailed records of your injuries can help support a legal claim if you decide to seek compensation. Important steps include:

• Taking photos of your injuries immediately after the bite and throughout the healing process.
• Writing down details about the incident, including the time, location, and what led to the bite.
• Saving medical records and receipts for treatment, prescriptions, and any out-of-pocket expenses.
• Collecting witness statements if anyone saw the attack.

North Carolina’s Dog Bite Laws

North Carolina follows a mix of strict liability and one-bite rule laws, depending on the circumstances of the attack.

When Is a Dog Owner Strictly Liable?

Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 67-4.4, a dog owner may be held strictly liable (meaning they are responsible regardless of negligence) if:

• The dog was previously declared dangerous or potentially dangerous by animal control.
• The dog seriously injured or killed someone.
• The owner allowed the dog to roam freely at night in violation of the law.

The One-Bite Rule

If the dog was not previously classified as dangerous, North Carolina generally follows the one-bite rule. This means the owner may not be held liable unless they knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous. However, the owner can still be responsible if:

• They failed to properly restrain the dog.
• The dog was off-leash in a restricted area.
• The owner violated local leash laws or other animal control regulations.

Can You Seek Compensation After a Dog Bite?

If the dog owner was negligent, you may be able to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the attack.

Common examples of negligence include:

• Allowing a known dangerous dog to roam freely
• Ignoring leash laws in Greensboro
• Failing to warn others about the dog’s aggressive behavior

Dog bites can lead to costly medical bills and long-term complications, especially if the injuries require surgery, physical therapy, or ongoing care. If an owner’s negligence caused your injuries, legal action may be an option.

How an Attorney Can Assist After a Dog Bite

Handling a dog bite claim in North Carolina can be complicated, especially if the owner denies responsibility or their insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation. A dog bite accident lawyer can provide support by:

• Investigating the incident – Gathering evidence, witness statements, and animal control reports to determine liability.
• Identifying violations of local laws – Proving that the dog owner failed to follow Greensboro’s leash laws or had prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior.
• Negotiating with insurance companies – Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bites, but insurers often try to minimize payouts. An attorney can fight for fair compensation.
• Filing a lawsuit if necessary – If negotiations don’t result in a reasonable settlement, legal action may be required to hold the dog owner accountable.

Working with an attorney can make a difference in the outcome of your claim, helping you secure financial relief for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Compensation Available After a Dog Bite

A dog bite can lead to significant financial and emotional burdens, but North Carolina law allows victims to seek compensation for their losses. Depending on the severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the attack, recoverable damages may include:

• Medical expenses – Hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
• Lost wages – Compensation for time missed from work during recovery.
• Pain and suffering – Damages for physical pain, emotional trauma, and lasting scarring.
• Rehabilitation costs – Ongoing therapy or treatment needed for long-term injuries.
• Permanent disfigurement – If the bite leaves visible scarring or requires reconstructive surgery.

Since North Carolina follows contributory negligence laws, even partial fault (such as provoking the dog) can impact a claim. Speaking with a personal injury attorney can clarify your legal rights and the next steps in seeking compensation.

A dog bite in Greensboro can be more than just a painful experience—it can leave you dealing with medical expenses, emotional distress, and a long recovery. Seeking medical care, reporting the bite, and documenting your injuries are all important steps.

If a negligent dog owner caused your injuries, you may have legal options. North Carolina law allows bite victims to hold owners accountable in certain situations. Knowing your rights can help you make informed decisions about what to do next.

Hold Negligent Dog Owners Accountable with ER Law Trial Lawyers

A dog bite can leave you with painful injuries, medical bills, and lasting emotional distress. When a negligent dog owner fails to control their animal, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden alone. North Carolina law allows dog bite victims to seek compensation, and ER Law Trial Lawyers is here to fight for you.

Our dog bite lawyers will investigate the attack, gather critical evidence, and hold the responsible party accountable. Whether you were bitten by a loose dog, a pet with a history of aggression, or an animal that should have been restrained, we are ready to protect your rights.

Don’t wait to take action—dog bite claims are time-sensitive, and evidence can disappear quickly. Call (336) 904-9000(336) 904-9000 today or visit us online to schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation. Let’s discuss your case and explore your legal options so you can focus on healing while we handle the rest.

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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

ER Law Trial Lawyers
1931 Richardson Drive
Reidsville, NC 27320
(336) 904-9000(336) 904-9000
https://erlaw-nc.com/