Dog attacks happen suddenly, often leaving victims with serious injuries and emotional trauma. At West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, our Summerville dog bite attorneys bring decades of experience to help victims recover fair compensation for their injuries. As a family-owned firm serving the Lowcountry since 1945, we combine local knowledge with legal expertise to support our clients through difficult times.
Dog bite cases require specific legal knowledge and careful handling. South Carolina laws regarding animal attacks contain important aspects that can significantly impact your case outcome. Our attorneys know these laws inside and out, giving you the advantage of working with a team that truly knows how to get results for dog bite victims.
South Carolina Dog Bite Laws: What You Need to Know
South Carolina follows what many legal experts consider a “strict liability” approach to dog bites.
This means dog owners can be held responsible after their dog bites someone, irrespective of whether the dog has ever shown aggressive behavior before.
Section 47-3-110 of the South Carolina Code states that dog owners bear responsibility when their dog bites or otherwise attacks a person who:
- Was in a public place legally
- Was lawfully on private property
- Was invited onto the property as a guest
The law does not require proof that the owner knew their dog was dangerous or had bitten someone before. This differs significantly from some states that follow a “one bite rule,” where owners might escape liability for a first-time incident.
However, cases become more complicated when questions arise about whether the injured person provoked the dog or was trespassing. These factors can affect your right to compensation, making professional legal guidance crucial.
Common Dog Bite Injuries Our Summerville Clients Face
Dog attacks often cause injuries far more serious than many people realize. The physical trauma can last for years or even create permanent disabilities. Some common injuries include:
- Severe lacerations and puncture wounds that might require surgical repair and leave permanent scarring. Facial injuries prove especially traumatic, often requiring plastic surgery and causing lasting emotional distress.
- Infection represents another serious concern after dog bites. Dog mouths contain bacteria that can cause dangerous infections like cellulitis, tetanus, or even rabies in rare cases. These infections might necessitate hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics, and extended medical care.
- Broken bones occur when larger dogs knock victims down or when someone falls while trying to escape an attacking dog. Children and elderly individuals face a particularly high risk of fractures during dog attacks.
- Nerve damage happens when dog bites penetrate deeply enough to damage the nervous system. This damage can cause long-term pain, numbness, mobility issues, or loss of function in the affected area.
- Emotional trauma often lingers long after physical wounds heal. Many dog bite victims develop a fear of dogs, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression following an attack.
Your Path to Recovery After a Summerville Dog Bite
After a dog bite, taking certain steps helps protect both your health and legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor bites. Infections develop quickly, and documenting your injuries establishes an official medical record that proves invaluable for any future claim.
- Report the incident to local animal control authorities. This creates an official record of the attack and helps identify whether the dog has a history of aggression.
- Document everything related to the attack, including photographs of your injuries, information about the dog and its owner, contact details for witnesses, medical records, and any expenses resulting from the attack.
- Avoid discussing fault or accepting settlement offers from insurance companies before consulting with a qualified dog bite attorney. Early offers typically fall far below what victims truly deserve.
Contact our experienced Summerville dog bite lawyers at West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers.
We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite victims often qualify for several types of compensation:
- Medical expenses cover all costs related to treating your injuries, including emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical needs connected to the attack.
- Lost wages compensate you for time missed from work while recovering. If your injuries prevent returning to your previous job or working capacity, you might also qualify for lost earning capacity compensation.
- Pain and suffering damages compensate for the emotional distress and physical pain caused by the attack. These non-economic damages often form a significant portion of dog bite settlements.
- Scarring and disfigurement compensation recognizes the long-term impact of visible scars, especially on visible areas like the face or hands.
Contact Our Summerville Dog Bite Attorneys Today
Dog bite injuries demand prompt legal attention to protect your rights. Our Moncks Corner office serves Summerville and surrounding communities with dedicated legal representation focused on maximizing your recovery.
Call West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers today for a consultation about your dog bite case. Let our family help you during this challenging time.