Research from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in 2018 indicated about 45.3 percent of South Carolina households own a dog, meaning millions of dogs make their home here. While many of these dogs are friendly, some are dangerous and cause severe injuries in a dog attack. The physical effects of dog bites can be severe, and the mental effects can be just as harsh. It’s up to an experienced Summerville dog bite lawyer from Murphy Crantford Meehan to help victims seek fair compensation for their losses.
If you sustained a dog bite in Summerville, the team at Murphy Crantford Meehan is ready to help. Our Summerville dog bite attorneys can handle all the legal work in your case, letting you focus on healing. Our South Carolina injury lawyers have decades of experience and a proven record of recovering substantial compensation for our clients. You don’t owe us any attorney fees unless you recover compensation, and your initial consultation is always free. Call our dog bite attorney in Summerville today or complete our contact form to learn more.
Dog bite statistics at the state level are hard to find. However, the AVMA reports more than 4.5 million people nationwide suffer dog bite injuries every year. A dog bite injury can have severe short-term and long-term effects, so victims should speak to a dog bite lawyer immediately. Otherwise, victims may have a hard time recovering the money they need to rebuild their lives, especially in complex dog bite cases.
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An injured person in South Carolina can hold the dog owner legally responsible for a dog bite without needing to prove negligence, under the state’s strict liability laws.
The consequences of dog bites can be profound and often include:
The laws concerning dog bites in South Carolina differ from the rules for other personal injury claims. Under South Carolina law, a dog owner is strictly liable if their dog bites or otherwise attacks someone. (“Strictly liable” means the victim doesn’t have to prove that the owner attacked negligently or that the dog had a history of dangerous behavior.) In a dog bite case, the strict liability standard applies if the victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property when the dog attacked. “Lawfully on private property” means the victim was performing duties required by law (such as postal delivery) or they were invited on the property. The invitation could have been direct or implied.
However, this strict liability does not apply if the victim provoked or harassed the dog. Additionally, dogs working in law enforcement are exempt from liability under certain conditions. To avoid being liable for a bite, a law enforcement dog must follow lawful commands from a certified canine officer and operate within agency policies on appropriate force. The attack also cannot occur on an innocent bystander. Finally, the dog’s actions must comply with standards set by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Training Council. A dog bite lawyer in Summerville from Murphy Crantford Meehan could help you understand the range of South Carolina’s dog bite laws and regulations.
In South Carolina, a dog’s owner or handler is typically liable for any injuries caused by the dog. This means if a dog bites or attacks someone, the person responsible for the dog’s care can be held accountable, even if they aren’t the owner. Liability extends to keepers or handlers—anyone temporarily in charge of the dog at the time of the incident.
For instance, a dog walker might be liable if the dog bites someone while in their care. Similarly, a pet sitter left in charge of a dog while the owner is away could also bear responsibility for an injury if the dog attacks someone. In these cases, the keeper or handler is expected to control the dog’s behavior and prevent potential harm to others.
However, there are scenarios where the victim might be liable due to their own actions. South Carolina law does not hold the dog’s owner or handler responsible if the victim provoked or harassed the dog and that provocation caused the attack. For example, if a person teases or aggressively interacts with a dog, such behavior could lead the dog to bite in self-defense. In such cases, the provocation may shift liability to the victim, relieving the owner or handler from responsibility. Consulting a Summerville dog bite attorney can help handle these laws and regulations and ensure proper legal guidance.
Your potential compensation for a dog bite case depends on your injuries and other factors. The more severe your injuries and the greater your financial losses, the more compensation you can demand. With a lawyer’s help, your compensation could include money for:
If anyone saw the attack, get their contact details. Witnesses can provide statements to support your version of events, which can be critical in establishing liability.
Insurance companies and insurance adjusters may try to downplay your injury or pressure you into a quick settlement. Avoid giving statements or accepting offers before consulting a lawyer to make sure you receive fair compensation.
An experienced attorney can evaluate your claim, negotiate with insurers, and represent you if you need to go to court. Having legal support ensures you’re fully informed of your rights and helps you recover the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Summerville, taking quick, thoughtful action can protect your health and your legal rights. Here are the steps to take after a dog bite:
Even if the bite seems minor, see a doctor immediately. Dog bites are prone to infections, and untreated wounds can worsen quickly. Medical records also provide valuable documentation of your injury for any legal claims.
Contact local animal control or law enforcement to report the bite. This step helps create anofficial record, which may support your claim later. Reporting the attack also alerts authorities to potentially dangerous animals, which helps protect others in the community.
Try to gather information about the dog’s owner and whether the dog has been vaccinated. Identifying the dog and its owner helps ensure you can pursue compensation and assess potential health risks, such as rabies exposure.
Take photos of your injuries as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to keep a journal detailing your pain, medical visits, and the injury’s effects on your daily life. Detailed records strengthen your claim by providing evidence of the bite’s physical and emotional effects.
South Carolina law says you usually must file a lawsuit within three years of when the dog bit you. Missing this deadline means you likely won’t recover compensation for your injuries. However, we urge you to speak to an attorney right away so they can preserve essential evidence. Contacting a lawyer immediately after a dog bite can also help you recover compensation for your injuries more quickly. Timely legal action is crucial in a dog bite case to ensure all factors influencing compensation are properly addressed.
Murphy Crantford Meehan is committed to protecting the rights of dog bite victims in Summerville and throughout South Carolina. Our experienced Summerville dog bite attorney can guide you through South Carolina’s strict liability laws. Call our dog bite lawyers in Summerville today or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation. Our law firm can get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
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