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There are over 90 million dogs in this country, as pet ownership increases in popularity. Roughly one in every 20 of these dogs will bite someone in a given year. Nearly one million people will require medical treatment for dog bites. If you or a loved one have been injured by a dog, South Carolina’s law may be in your favor.
Our dog bite lawyer in Charleston is standing by to help. Contact Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney to learn more about your legal rights and how you can get financial compensation for your injuries.
Why Trust Trey Harrell as Your Dog Bite Lawyer in Charleston?
Attorney Trey Harrell is a former federal prosecutor who knows his way around a courtroom. He has deep roots in the Charleston area, and he believes in fighting for justice for area residents. Our Charleston injury law firm has a track record of getting results for those who have been injured by dog bites and in other types of accidents. We are highly reviewed by a large number of satisfied clients who have received settlements or awards for their injuries.
Are Owners Liable for Dog Bites in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the dog bite law is one of strict liability. It does not mean that dog owners are automatically liable every time that their dog bites someone. It does mean that the onus shifts to the dog’s owner to show why they should not be held liable in the event of a dog bite.
South Carolina stretches beyond that of other states because it makes the dog’s owner strictly liable for injuries suffered in any dog attack, and not just by being bitten.
South Carolina does allow dog owners to offer some defenses that try to shift the blame to the victim. The most common defense is that the owner has alleged that the victim provoked the dog.
Dog Bite Injuries and Complications
Dog bites can cause serious injuries to both children and adults. Many dogs have incredibly powerful jaws. For example, rottweilers and bulldogs have jaw force that exceeds 300 psi, and these can cause severe wounds.
Small children may suffer even more serious injuries because they are often bitten on the face or neck area. Regardless, any dog bite that punctures the skin can cause lasting injury.
Common effects of dog bites include:
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Cuts and lacerations
- Head and neck injuries
- Rabies
- Eye injuries
Even if a dog bite injury does not require immediate medical attention, there is always a possibility that there may be complications in the hours or days after the bite. According to researchers, there are over 600 different types of bacteria in a dog’s saliva. The effect is that a dog bite can become infected. Some dog bite victims are hospitalized afterward due to an infection.
Finally, the effect of being helpless in the face of an attack by a powerful animal can leave lasting emotional scars. Both adults and children may relive the attack through PTSD, and they may become terrified in the presence of dogs for a lifetime. They may also be left with permanent scarring and disfigurement that can affect their appearance.
What to Do if You Are Bitten By a Dog
There are several steps that you must take if you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog:
- It is critical that you confirm whether the dog has had their rabies shots because there may need to be an immediate course of treatment.
- You should call the police,so you can have documentation of the attack. They may also advise you to report the incident to animal control.
- Get the immediate medical help you need to treat the bite. Time is of the essence in seeking treatment. In addition, you should have documentation of your injuries soon after the attack.
- Contact an experienced dog bite injury lawyer to begin the legal process of seeking compensation. An attorney would work to get you the most money possible for your claim.
Compensation in a Dog Bite Injury Case
First, do not put much stock in published figures that you see that claim to give you the average dog bite compensation. Your case is worth the amount of damage that you have suffered, independent of what someone else may have gotten. Even though the dog’s owner is strictly liable, much of the effort in your case comes when you have to negotiate compensation.
Dog bite compensation can include:
- Medical bills, including the cost of reconstructive surgery if necessary and physical therapy
- Lost wages, including time that an adult may have taken off from work to care for an injured child
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Embarrassment and humiliation
You will be dealing with the dog’s owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy, and these companies are notoriously difficult. Accordingly, you will need the help of an attorney to secure compensation.
Contact a Charleston Dog Bite Attorney Today
Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney is a law firm that fights for you first and foremost. We are a part of the local community, helping Charlestonians when they have been injured by a dog owner’s negligence.
Reach out to us to see how we can help you. Message us online or call us today at 843-636-8739, and you can speak to a lawyer to learn more about your case. It is a call you will be happy that you made.
FAQs About Animal Attack Cases
How much does it cost to hire an animal attack attorney?
You do not have to pay us anything upfront for legal representation. We do not work for free – but we will if we are not able to help you receive a financial recovery in your case. We are paid if and when you win your case.
Does South Carolina have a leash law?
Unlike other states, the leash law in South Carolina is on a statewide level. Anyone who is in a park or public area with their dog must have it contained, crated or on a leash that cannot be any longer than six feet.
