South Carolina Dog Bite Attorney
Approximately 45 percent of homes in the U.S. have at least one dog. While most dogs are usually docile and friendly, fitting the description of “man’s best friend,” not all dogs are like this all the time. Unfortunately, with nearly 90 million dogs living here, dog bites are bound to happen. In fact, over 4.5 million individuals sustain dog bites each year, and more than 800,000 receive medical attention for the same. However, many of these bites and other related injuries are preventable by responsible dog ownership.
When a dog owner is negligent, and an innocent party suffers because of their negligence, they have the legal right to seek compensation for their damages. A qualified South Carolina dog bite attorney can help them pursue financial recovery.
Who is Liable for a Dog Bite?
Unlike some states with a “one bite rule,” South Carolina holds dog owners or caretakers strictly liable for the actions of their dogs with limited exceptions.
Under South Carolina Code, the owner or person caring for a dog can be held liable for the injuries of an individual attacked by the dog if:
- The dog bit or otherwise attacked the injured party while in a public place.
- The injured party had permission to be in the location where the attack happened, such as the owner’s backyard—in other words, they weren’t trespassing.
- The injured party didn’t provoke the dog to bite.
On the other hand, states with a “one bite rule” typically don’t hold the dog’s owner or caretaker liable unless the dog has been known to bite before or the owner or caretaker had reason to believe they would be vicious or bite.
Compensable Damages in Dog Bite Cases
After a dog bite, you deserve financial recovery for your expenses as well as your pain and suffering. For instance, you may want to seek compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses—such as emergency room and doctor visits, medications, surgeries, and hospital stays
- Lost wages and income
- Property damage—for instance, if your wedding ring was lost or damaged due to the bite
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
When you hire a South Carolina dog bite attorney, they can help you identify your damages and determine how much they are worth to you. They will fight to get maximum compensation for them.
Bit or Injured by a Dog? Contact The Law Office of D. Craig Brown, LLC Today
Dog bites, even minor ones, are often traumatic. Many injured parties experience permanent scarring, and many more develop an unnecessary fear of all dogs that may plague them for the rest of their lives. There’s no denying that individuals injured in dog bites or attacks deserve compensation— not just for the medical expenses they face but also for the impact of the dog attack on their lives now and in the future.
At The Law Office of D. Craig Brown, LLC, we can help you seek the compensation you deserve for your dog bite injuries. Call or contact us today to schedule a free dog bite case review and learn more about your legal rights.