Your South Carolina dog bite lawsuit’s worth depends on the specifics of your injuries and other related losses. Many cases settle before they reach court, so the value of these cases is not often known. Your lawyer can use their prior experience gained from successful dog bite cases to determine what your case could be worth.
What You Should Know About South Carolina Dog Bite Damages
Compensation for a dog bite includes more than medical costs. It may include payment for wages lost due to time off work, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
For the most part, homeowners insurance, personal insurance policies, and sometimes dog insurance will compensate the victim. However, if the payout is larger than the insurance company covers, the owner is responsible for the leftover amount. Your lawyer will inform you of the liable party in your case and the value of your claim.
The Comparative Negligence Doctrine Could Affect Your Settlement or Judgment
Victims of a dog bite can sue the owner for compensation based on liability and violation of the South Carolina law. However, if you provoked the dog or were trespassing when the dog attacked, you might not be eligible for compensation.
S.C. Ann. § 47-3-110 holds dog owners responsible every time their dog bites someone; it does not matter if it is the first or second time. However, if you were trespassing or provoked the dog, the law might favor the dog owner.
How Your South Carolina Dog Attack Could Have Occurred
You might have sustained a dog bite while on your own property, the dog owner’s property, public property, or a third-party’s private property. Each of these situations could lead to a different liable party.
You might have been injured due to the negligence of a pet owner that:
- Failed to properly leash their dog
- Did not muzzle a dangerous dog
- Left their door open
- Failed to repair a broken fence
- Failed to install a fence at a sufficient height to protect passerby
Your lawyer will search for proof of your injuries and losses. You can use this evidence to support your claim for fair compensation.
When You Should File Your Dog Bite Lawsuit in South Carolina
Dog bite victims do not always think about retaining a lawyer right after an attack or bite. Your injuries and symptoms might take precedence over your legal fight. However, if you are serious about seeking compensation for a dog bite, you should file your case as soon as possible. The earlier you get it filed, the better. Our team needs enough time to figure out who you could sue.
If Your Dog Bites Someone in South Carolina
Some insurance policies help dog owners pay compensation to bite victims. It is good for dog owners to determine what policies will protect them and how much coverage they have.
What Our Lawyers Will Do for You While We Fight for Your Damages
After suffering a dog bite. You should receive medical attention, even if you do not immediately see warning signs of something more serious, like an infection. You might also decide to contact an attorney. Our attorneys can help victims understand their legal rights and whether you are eligible for compensation.
Dog bite cases can sometimes involve local, county, and state laws. Victims who intend to receive compensation for their dog bite might not have the time or energy to do so themselves. Our team is prepared to help dog bite victims determine their case’s viability.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a South Carolina Lawyer After a Dog Bite?
The cost of hiring a lawyer depends on the type of case. Some lawyers ask for lump-sum payments or charge high hourly fees. We do not do this, however.
If you hire our lawyer, you hire them on a contingency-fee basis. This only requires you to pay your attorney once they win your case and you receive a settlement. The percentage you pay your attorney will be established at the beginning of your case.
Our team offers dog bite victims and dog owners a free consultation. This allows victims and owners the chance to see if the law firm is the right one for them.
Our Team Can Take Actions for Your Benefit Using Our Resources
Our team will tell you your rights and fight for the best compensation possible. Dog bites can cause extensive physical, emotional, and mental trauma. If a bite gets infected, the medical bills can add up quickly.
Our team can walk you through all options for recovering compensation. Call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers today so our staff can hear about your situation. The sooner you call, the sooner we can begin working on your behalf for fair damages. Our team can tell you what your South Carolina dog bite case is worth.