Dog Bites
Dog Bite Lawyers in Charleston, SC
At Yelverton Litigators, we understand the severe impact a dog bite can have on your life, from physical injuries to emotional trauma. Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers is dedicated to helping victims of dog attacks in Charleston, SC, and surrounding areas. We provide effective legal representation to ensure you receive the compensation you may deserve. For a free consultation, contact us online, or give us a call at 828-222-4878 today!
Dog Bite Regulations for South Carolina
Strict Liability: In South Carolina, dog owners are held strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the dog's prior behavior or the owner's knowledge of potential aggression.
Leash Laws: Many municipalities within South Carolina have specific leash laws requiring dogs to be restrained in public areas. Violating these laws can contribute to the owner's liability in the event of a bite.
Dangerous Dog Statutes: South Carolina law defines a dangerous dog as one that has previously attacked a person or another animal. Owners of dangerous dogs are subject to stricter regulations, including confinement and muzzling requirements.
Rabies Vaccination: State law mandates that all dogs must be vaccinated against rabies. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in penalties and increased liability in bite cases.
Owner's Duty to Prevent Harm: Dog owners must take reasonable steps to prevent their pets from causing harm to others. This includes securing their property and controlling their dog in public spaces.
What to Do After a Dog Attack
After experiencing a dog attack, it's crucial to take immediate steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. First, seek medical attention for your injuries, no matter how minor they may seem, as dog bites can lead to infections and other complications. Document the incident by taking photographs of your injuries, the location, and, if possible, the dog itself.
Gather contact information from any witnesses and report the attack to local animal control authorities. It's also important to keep records of all medical treatments and expenses related to the injury. Finally, consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer, like the experienced team at Yelverton Litigators, to understand your legal options and pursue compensation. For a free consultation, contact us online, or give us a call at 828-222-4878 today!
Defense Arguments Dog Owners Use to Avoid Liability
Dog owners in South Carolina may use several defenses to avoid liability in dog bite cases. One common argument is provocation, where the owner claims that the victim provoked the dog, leading to the attack. Another defense is trespassing, where the owner asserts that the victim was unlawfully on their property when the bite occurred. Additionally, if the victim was engaged in illegal activity at the time of the attack, the owner might argue this as a defense. Lastly, some owners may claim that they took all reasonable steps to prevent the dog from causing harm, such as adhering to leash laws and securing their property, to mitigate liability.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Infections
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Psychological trauma
If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite, it's essential to seek legal advice to understand your rights and options. For a free consultation, contact us online, or give us a call at 828-222-4878 today!
Dog Attack Lawyers in Charleston: FAQs
What should I do if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance?
If the dog owner doesn’t have insurance, you still have options to pursue compensation. You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the owner.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including dog bite cases, is generally three years from the date of the incident. It’s crucial to act within this timeframe to preserve your legal rights.
Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at fault for the dog bite?
South Carolina follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still receive compensation even if you were partially at fault for the dog bite. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 30%.
Are there special considerations for dog bites involving children?
Yes, there are special considerations for dog bites involving children. Children are more likely to be bitten by dogs and often suffer more severe injuries. Additionally, the legal system may offer different protections for child victims, and the calculation of damages may consider the long-term impact of the injuries.
What if the dog bite occurred on public property?
If the dog bite occurred on public property, the dog owner might still be liable for your injuries. Public property cases can be complex, especially if there are questions about leash laws and the owner's control over the dog at the time of the incident.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today to Get Started
Dog bite injuries can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. Understanding your rights and the legal processes involved is crucial to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. At Yelverton Litigators, we are committed to providing you with the support and representation you need during this challenging time. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. For a free consultation, contact us online, or give us a call at 828-222-4878 today!