Charleston Dog Bite Attorney
A dog bite can be an extremely physically and emotionally painful injury to sustain. Depending on the severity of the injury, the victim may require surgery to repair the damage and may be left with disfiguring scars. The trauma of being attacked by a dog can also have lasting consequences for the victim. In addition to all of that, dog bites can be expensive to treat, sometimes running into the tens of thousands of dollars.
If you have been bitten by a dog through no fault of your own, you may be able to pursue compensation from the dog’s owner for failing to keep their dog properly secured or for knowingly keeping a vicious and dangerous animal. Traywick Law Offices offers experienced representation in these cases and is prepared to help you obtain the money you need to compensate you for your medical bills, physical and emotional pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Call our office today to speak with a Charleston personal injury lawyer: (843) 343-5092.
South Carolina Dog Bite Law
In South Carolina, dog owners can be held strictly liable for any damages suffered by a person who was bitten or attacked by their dog in a public place, or while lawfully in a private place, as long as the victim didn’t provoke the animal (section 47-3-110). This means that regardless of whether or not the dog showed signs of aggression or bit someone in the past, the owner can still be held responsible for any injuries caused by their dog. If an animal is not properly restrained around people or if the owner knows that the dog may potentially harm someone and does nothing about it, this can constitute negligence in the eyes of the law.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
Understanding your rights and the steps you should take after being injured is a critical part of protecting your claim. Here’s what you should do after being bitten by a dog:
- Seek medical treatment. Do not delay, as dog bites can transmit diseases or become infected.
- Collect evidence. Take down the name and contact information of the dog owner, information about the dog, and other relevant information. It is also a good idea to take pictures of any visible injuries and to record the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- File a report. Report the incident to law enforcement or your local animal control.
- Consult with a lawyer. You should always contact an attorney after a dog bite to learn more about your legal rights.
Extensive Experience, Exceptional Results
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog on another person’s property, you may have a right to take legal action. Traywick Law Offices is committed to helping injury victims obtain fair compensation for their injuries after a preventable accident. Knowledgeable, aggressive, and prepared, we provide our clients with personalized representation aimed at achieving the very best results. No matter what you are facing, you can trust that our firm has what it takes to make you whole again.
Fill out an online contact form to get started.