ESPANOL
In South Carolina, a dog owner is responsible for their dog’s behavior. If a dog bites you and you are injured as a result, you could sue the dog owner. They should compensate you for the physical and emotional trauma of your attack. It doesn’t matter whether or not the dog owner knew that the dog might attack you. Under South Carolina’s dog bite law, the dog owner can be held liable for a dog bite.
You don’t have to pay for any medical expenses out of your own pocket. A qualified South Carolina dog bite attorney can help you seek compensation for your injuries when a dog bites you. The amount of compensation you will receive depends on the severity of the dog bite injury.
Liability for Dog Bites in South Carolina
South Carolina follows a strict liability law, which means that the dog owner is liable for a dog bite. This is true regardless of whether or not their dog exhibited violent tendencies prior to the bite.
Under the law, the dog owner is not only liable for the dog bite but also for any damages caused when their dog attacks someone. For instance, if you broke your hand trying to escape from a dog, the dog owner may be held liable for the damages.
Suppose the dog was under the care of someone else other than the dog owner when it attacked you. In that case, whoever has the dog in their care could be held liable for a dog bite.
How to Build a Strong Case for a Dog Bite Lawsuit in South Carolina
After a dog bites you, consider the following:
1. Seek Medical Attention
It is highly advisable to seek emergency medical attention following a dog bite. Call an ambulance or have someone call a medic for you. Seeing a doctor following a dog bite will prevent a minor injury from worsening and may help in any future lawsuit.
2. Report the Dog Bite
Confirm with the physician who treated you whether or not they reported the bite. If they did not, you could do so.
You should report a dog bite to the relevant authorities because a record of a report will help your case when you file for damages. Relevant authorities can be any of the following:
- The police
- Health department
- Animal control
You should report a dog bite, despite dog owner justifications or monetary offers.
3. Document the Scene
Documenting the scene is vital when making a claim. In addition, it will help prepare your attorney if you decide to file a lawsuit.
Here are a few ways of documenting the scene:
- Taking pictures of the dog and your injuries
- Talking to witnesses and saving their contact information
- Saving the dog owner’s contact information
4. Turn to a Law Firm for Help After the Attack
A lawyer can stand up for your rights and work to ensure you do not pay the costs related to a dog bite. They can advise you on your legal rights and guide you on the best legal action to take. If necessary, a lawyer can represent you in court and seek the compensation you deserve.
Types of Compensation You Can Seek After a Dog Bite
You could be eligible for compensation if you suffered a dog bite or attack. Our personal injury lawyers are always ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
We can help you recover the following types of damages:
- Economic damages – Medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, as well as any other kind of monetary losses you incurred due to the dog bite
- Non-economic damages – Non-monetary losses caused by the dog bite such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, etc.
An attorney can add up the value of your financial losses and determine what you could seek for your non-financial losses.
Legal Fees in South Carolina Injury Cases
Many injury lawyers offer free case reviews, so you can readily learn your options at no charge.
Additionally, some injury lawyers work based on contingency, meaning you do not need to pay anything before your case is concluded.* This allows you to move forward with a case at minimal financial risk to you.
George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers Helps Dog Bite Victims in South Carolina
You don’t have to be alone through the legal process. George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers has handled dog bite claims for injured clients throughout South Carolina. We have over 40 years of experience and have helped resolve over 50,000 cases for our clients. We can tell you who you can sue for your dog bite injury and seek justice on your behalf.
Our attorneys can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf for a fair settlement or file a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to provide fair compensation. Contact us today at (843) 779-1777.