Charleston Dog Bite Attorney

If you or someone you love has been injured in a South Carolina dog bite incident, you need powerful legal representation on your side. Dog bites often result in severe wounds, emotional trauma, costly medical bills, and considerable financial losses. You deserve an advocate who will fight tirelessly to get you the maximum compensation available under the law.

Former U.S. Congressman Joe Cunningham understands how to build a compelling case and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. With his years of experience taking on powerful entities, Joe also understands what it takes to win. Further, his people-first approach means your best interests are always a priority. Joe will walk you through every step of the legal process, providing straightforward advice and keeping you in the loop at all times.

Don’t go through the aftermath of a dog bite or animal attack alone. With Joe as your advocate, you can have peace of mind knowing your case is in good hands. Contact Joe Cunningham Law today for a free consultation with a Charleston dog bite lawyer.

What Is South Carolina’s Dog Bite Law?

South Carolina is a strict liability state regarding dog bite law. This means state laws hold dog owners strictly responsible for any unprovoked injuries their dogs cause, whether or not owners are negligent or know of their dogs’ propensities for aggression. These laws offer a strong foundation for dog bite insurance claims and lawsuits.

South Carolina’s dog bite laws also say:

Dog owners may not allow their pets to roam freely from their properties. When dogs display aggressive behavior, owners must ensure they are appropriately restrained.
Dog owners are subject to liability if their dog(s) attack or bite someone in a public place or on private property. This liability applies even if the incident occurs on the owner’s property, provided the victim is lawfully present there. However, the law does include certain exceptions, such as when victims provoke dogs to bite them.
The law defines “dangerous animals” as those that have shown propensities to attack unprovoked, cause injury, or otherwise threaten the safety of humans or other animals. This definition extends to animals involved in fighting and those with known aggressive tendencies.
Owners or custodians of dangerous animals must keep them securely confined on their premises, either indoors or within properly fenced and locked areas. Owners of dangerous dogs may not allow their dogs to leave their premises unless the dogs are securely restrained and registered with local law enforcement.

What Are Common Injuries in Dog Bite Cases?

Dog attacks can result in various injuries, some of which are not immediately apparent in the aftermath. Many minor cases involve small cuts and bruises, while more severe attacks can lead to catastrophic trauma with life-altering consequences.

Some of the more common injuries in dog bite cases include the following:

Puncture wounds
Lacerations
Contusions (bruises)
Avulsions (tearing injuries)
Bone fractures
Dislocations
Crush injuries
Facial injuries
Nerve damage
Eye injuries
Vision loss

Neck injuries
Head injuries
Infections (like rabies, tetanus, or sepsis)
Permanent scarring and disfigurement
Sprains and strains
Abdominal injuries
Blood loss
Psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Traumatic amputations

Is the Dog Owner Responsible for Injuries from a Dog Attack in South Carolina?

Under South Carolina law, dog owners are liable for injuries inflicted by their pets in many situations. This liability applies whether the dog bite or animal attack occurs in a public area or on the owner’s private property, as long as the victim wasn’t trespassing at the time.

But there are specific exceptions to the strict liability rule. For instance, if the victim provoked or harassed the dog, and that provocation was the direct cause of the attack, then the owner might not be responsible. Similarly, if the dog was a law enforcement animal performing its official duties, the owner or handler may not be held accountable for injuries resulting from an attack.

What If the Person Bitten Is Partly Responsible?

South Carolina law stipulates that if the victim provoked or irritated the dog in a manner that directly triggered the attack, the owner might not be accountable. This provision accounts for the behavioral aspects of animals and acknowledges that even non-dangerous dogs can react defensively when they feel threatened or agitated.

However, determining what constitutes provocation is a complex and subjective process. Provocation might involve aggressive behavior toward a dog, such as intentionally striking or teasing it. It could also encompass actions the victim might not have considered provocative, such as unintentionally startling a dog with loud noises.

It’s essential to consult an experienced injury attorney if a dog bites you and you know or suspect another party might accuse you of being partly responsible. A skilled lawyer can assess the specifics of your situation and build a strong dog bite case on your behalf.

What to Do If You Are Attacked by a Dog

Knowing what to do in the event of a dog attack is essential when it comes to protecting your rights and establishing a solid foundation for your injury case. Some key steps to take if you get bitten by a dog in South Carolina include the following:

Contact local authorities or animal control to report the incident.
Try to identify the dog and owner. Note the dog’s breed, size, color, and distinguishing features.
Gather witness contact information if there were any witnesses to the attack.
Take photographs of your injuries, the location of the incident, and the dog, if possible.
Visit a healthcare professional immediately, even if your injuries seem minor.
Follow all medical advice and keep all appointments for treatment and follow-ups.
Keep copies of all medical records and bills associated with the incident.
Preserve any clothing you were wearing or items that were damaged during the attack.

Document all expenses related to the incident, including travel costs to doctor’s appointments.
Avoid signing any documents from the dog owner or their insurer without consulting a lawyer.
Contact a Charleston, SC, personal injury attorney experienced in dog bite cases as soon as you can.
Keep a personal diary documenting your physical and emotional recovery progress.
Document any time you miss at work as a result of your injuries.
Refrain from posting about the incident on social media, as your posts could be used against you.
Keep your attorney updated on your recovery and any changes in your situation.
If you receive a settlement offer, discuss it thoroughly with your attorney before accepting.

What Damages Could Be Available in a Dog Bite Claim?

If a dog has bitten you, you could be entitled to damages (money) to help you recover from the incident. Here are some categories of damages you could include in a dog bite claim:

Medical bills
Rehabilitation costs
Future medical expenses
Loss of income
Loss of earning capacity

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disfigurement
Lost quality of life

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you have three years from the date of a dog bite incident to initiate a lawsuit against a dog owner. This time frame applies to most personal injury cases in the state, including dog bite cases. Because there are certain exceptions, it’s important to consult a lawyer who can identify the various deadlines that apply to your situation.

A knowledgeable Charleston dog bite attorney can make the entire process smoother and less stressful for you, protecting your rights and demanding the compensation you deserve in a timely manner.

How a Charleston, SC, Dog Bite Attorney Can Help You

Hiring a Charleston dog bite attorney can significantly improve your chances of receiving full and fair compensation for your injuries. Among the many effective steps to maximize your settlement, a lawyer could:

Investigate the incident independently
Identify all potentially liable parties
Gather evidence to establish liability
Evaluate the full extent of your losses
Consult medical professionals for your future prognosis
Consult experts on canine behavior

Interview witnesses who saw the incident
Handle all communications with insurance companies
Negotiate with the responsible party’s insurer
Evaluate and advise you on settlement offers
File a lawsuit and advocate for you in court if necessary

How Long Can It Take to Settle a Dog Bite Case?

The time it takes to settle a dog bite case can vary widely depending on several factors. On one end of the spectrum, straightforward cases with undisputed liability and well-documented injuries might settle within months. But more complex cases might take a year or longer to resolve. In addition, if a case proceeds to trial, the timeline can extend even further.

Factors that could affect the timeline of a case include injury severity, how long it takes to heal, the amount of medical treatment needed, and the insurance company’s willingness to offer a fair settlement. An experienced Charleston, SC, dog bite attorney can provide a more accurate timeline based on the specifics of your individual case.

Get Started on Your Claim Today

843-633-3360 Schedule a Free Consultation

Contact a Charleston, SC, Dog Bite Lawyer

Joe Cunningham treats every client with compassion and care. He personally handles each case and maintains consistent availability throughout the process. Plus, with no upfront fees, you have nothing to lose. Reach out to Joe Cunningham Law today for a free case review with a dog bite attorney in Charleston.

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