South Carolina Lawyers for Dog Bites and Attacks

Dog bites and attacks can be distressing, occasionally leaving victims with serious physical and emotional scars. If you or a loved one have been bitten or attacked by a dog, it is important to know the appropriate steps to take to safeguard your health and legal rights and potentially secure compensation for injuries and damages. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you obtain damages and compensation following a dog bite or attack.

South Carolina enforces “strict liability” when a dog bites or attacks someone, meaning the owner is responsible whether or not the dog owner acted in the wrong. However, there are two exceptions to the strict liability rule. The first exception is that an owner is not considered responsible for the dog bite or attack if it can be proven that the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing. The other exception to South Carolina’s strict liability rule is if the dog was working for law enforcement and the attack happened in the context of work-related activities.

An experienced dog bite lawyer in South Carolina can help you understand the nuances of South Carolina’s strict liability rules for dog bites and attacks and help secure appropriate compensation if applicable.  

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE BITTEN OR ATTACKED BY A DOG IN SOUTH CAROLINA? 

Here are 4 steps to take if you are a victim of a dog bite or attack. 

• Obtain the Dog Owner’s and Witness’s Information

Whether or not you plan to contact a dog attack attorney, obtain the owner’s name and phone number, as well as their liability insurance information if they have it. If there are witnesses, obtain their names and numbers as well.

• Take Pictures

Take pictures of any visible injuries, the dog, and the surrounding areas (i.e., a hole in the fence, signs stating leashes are required, etc.).

• Seek Medical Attention

If your injuries need medical attention, seek it out immediately. Maintain records of any medical care you obtain related to the dog bite and attack, whether the medical attention was sought out immediately or not.

• Report the Incident to Animal Control

Many places require dogs to be quarantined following dog bites and attacks to ensure they are not rabid. Animal control authorities can then take action if quarantining the dog is necessary. Animal control can also notify you if there have been previous incidents involving the dog.

WHAT DAMAGES ARE POSSIBLE IF YOU WIN A DOG BITE OR ATTACK CASE?

Both compensatory and punitive damages can be awarded if victims win their dog bites and attacks cases. Compensatory damages can include economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are lost income, medical costs, and property damage. Some examples of property damage in dog bite and attack cases include, but are not limited to, cell phones, glasses, jewelry, clothes, and furniture. Non-economic damages include emotional distress, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.

Any punitive damages awarded are meant to hold the dog owner accountable for the dog’s behavior. However, punitive damages can only be awarded if the owner has been found to be reckless or deliberate. 

Knowing when to ask for both compensatory and punitive damages can be overwhelming if you or a loved one are already dealing with the effects of a dog bite or attack. Our personal injury team at Harvey and Battey is committed to helping you gain the best possible outcome when seeking damages.

OUR PERSONAL INJURY TEAM AT HARVEY AND BATTEY

Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys include William B. Harvey III, Thomas A. Holloway, J. Samuel Scoville, and Austin M. Blake. Our dog bite attorneys have the experience and compassion necessary to help with your case and the intricacies that come with it. They will work with doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies to ensure uninterrupted care and proper compensation, as well as advise you on damages that may be related to your case. Schedule your free initial consultation today to start the process of seeking damages and compensation for injuries caused by dog bites and attacks.

Common Questions Related to Dog Bites and Attacks in SC