Dog Bite Lawyers in Summerville, SC
Research indicates about 45 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 when they bite. The physical effects of dog bites can be severe, and the mental effects can be just as harsh. It’s up to a Summerville dog bite lawyer 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 us today or complete our contact form to learn more.
How Common Are Dog Bites in South Carolina?
Dog bite statistics at the state level are hard to find. However, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports more than 4.5 million people nationwide suffer dog bite injuries every year. These injuries can have severe short-term and long-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.
Consequences of Dog Bites
The consequences of dog bites can be profound and often include:
Short-Term Effects
- Pain and Swelling: Dog bites often cause intense pain and immediate swelling around the bite site. Pain levels vary depending on the injury’s depth and location, but they can be severe.
- Lacerations and Bruising: Sharp canine teeth can tear through skin, leaving lacerations and bruising around the bite area. These wounds can vary from small punctures to deep, gaping injuries that require stitches or surgical repair.
- Infections: Dog bites are prone to infections due to bacteria in the dog’s mouth.
- Nerve Damage: Deep bites can damage nerves near the skin’s surface, leading to numbness, tingling, or even loss of function in the affected area.
- Emotional Trauma: Many people experience shock, anxiety, or fear after a dog bite, especially if the bite was unexpected or severe. Children, in particular, may have difficulty coping with the emotional impact.
Long-Term Effects
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Even with prompt treatment, dog bites can leave lasting scars or disfigurement, especially injuries to the face or hands. Some wounds may require reconstructive surgery to improve appearance or function.
- Reduced Mobility: Nerve and muscle damage from dog bites can lead to reduced mobility in the affected limb or joint. This limitation may require physical therapy or even surgery to correct.
- Chronic Pain: Persistent pain from nerve or tissue damage can linger long after the bite has healed. Chronic pain is common with deep wounds and may affect victims’ quality of life and daily activities.
- PTSD and Phobias: Many dog bite victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can lead to fear of dogs or anxiety around animals.
- Infection-Related Complications: Some infections from dog bites can cause long-term health issues, such as joint infections, bone infections, or even organ damage.
Understanding South Carolina’s Dog Bite Laws
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.) 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.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite Accident?
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.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims in South Carolina
Your potential compensation for a dog bite 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:
- The cost of any current or future medical treatments you need
- Your lost income while you heal from your injuries
- Any lost earning capacity due to a physical disability
- Your pain and suffering
- Your emotional distress
- Your reduced quality of life due to a physical injury or mental health condition (PTSD, anxiety, etc.)
What To Do After a Dog Bites You in Summerville
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:
- Seek Medical Attention: 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.
- Report the Incident: Contact local animal control or law enforcement to report the bite. This step helps create an official record, which may support your claim later. Reporting the attack also alerts authorities to potentially dangerous animals, which helps protect others in the community.
- Identify the Dog and Its Owner: 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.
- Document Your Injuries: 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.
- Gather Witness Information: 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.
- Avoid Speaking With the Dog Owner’s Insurance Adjuster: Insurance companies 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.
- Consult a Dog Bite Lawyer: 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.
Deadline to File a South Carolina Dog Bite Lawsuit
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.
Contact Our Summerville Dog Bite Lawyers Now
Murphy Crantford Meehan is committed to protecting the rights of dog bite victims in Summerville and throughout South Carolina. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation.