How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is generally three years from the date of the injury. However, it's best not to wait. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses' memories can fade. The sooner you start your claim, the better.

What if the dog owner is a friend or neighbor?

This is a common concern, but remember, the owner's homeowners or renters’ insurance pays most dog bite claims, not the dog’s owner. Your claim doesn't have to ruin a relationship.

Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault for the dog bite?

Yes, potentially. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you're not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages.

What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?

In South Carolina, whether it's the dog's first bite or tenth doesn't matter. You can hold the dog’s owner liable as long as you didn’t trespass or provoke the dog.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company has offered me a settlement?

Yes. You should always consult an attorney before accepting any insurance settlements. Once you accept a settlement you can’t go back and try to get more compensation. Insurance companies typically pressure you to quickly accept a lowball settlement that won’t cover your damages. An attorney can fully assess your claim, evaluate any insurance offers, and ensure what you get covers all your injuries and losses.

Summerville Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

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The aftermath of a dog attack can leave you with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and many unanswered questions. Whether it was a malicious attack or harm caused by an overly rowdy, friendly dog, you are likely feeling shaken, traumatized, and unsure of where to turn, especially if your child was hurt.

Rest assured knowing that you have rights under the law. If you, your child, or another close family member suffered injuries from a dog in Summerville, you may recover damages from the dog’s owner. However, you need an experienced dog bite lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.

At Joye Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how a dog attack can upend lives, leaving victims grappling with pain, fear, and financial strain. Our hearts go out to you and your family for the pain and suffering you’ve endured. Our Summerville dog bite injury lawyers are standing by to help and can review your claim at no cost and advise you on the best course of action.

Contact us today for a free consultation and get the compassionate support and assertive legal representation you need for your Summerville dog bite claim.

FREE CASE EVALUATION

South Carolina Dog Bite Law

South Carolina takes a strict liability approach when it comes to dog bites. Unlike some states that follow a one-bite rule, which gives dogs a free pass on their first offense, South Carolina holds dog owners responsible from the get-go. This means you don’t have to prove the dog has a history of aggression or that the owner knew their pet was dangerous.

Under South Carolina Code § 47-3-110, a dog owner is liable if their dog bites or otherwise harm someone. This is true whether the incident occurred in public or on the dog owner’s property, as long as you’re there as an invited guest or performing a duty required by law, like delivering mail.

However, a few exceptions apply to this rule:

If the victim provoked the dog
If the victim was trespassing
If the dog was performing police or military work

South Carolina’s law doesn’t just cover dog bites. If a dog scratches, knocks you down, or injures you in another way, you can still hold the dog owner accountable.

Attorney Sydney Lynn represented a client who suffered a severe fall after being accidentally knocked over by a friend’s exuberant dog. While the dog had no intention of causing harm, the injury was nonetheless significant, leaving our client with physical pain and the burden of medical expenses.

While it might seem straightforward, dog bite cases can quickly become complex. Insurance companies often try to shift blame or downplay injuries. That’s why you must have a knowledgeable Summerville dog bite attorney in your corner when seeking compensation.

Common Summerville Dog Bite Injuries

dog about to bite a mans hand Dog bites can result in many injuries. Some of the most common injuries we see include:

Puncture wounds and lacerations
Infections, including possible exposure to rabies and tetanus
Nerve damage
Scarring and disfigurement
Broken bones, especially in children
Emotional trauma and PTSD

Dog bite injuries can lead to substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You must seek immediate medical attention after a dog bite for your health and to document your injuries for your claim.

What Types of Compensation We Can Help You Recover

Dog bite injuries can result in significant financial and personal losses. At Joye Law Firm, we fight to help you recover full and fair compensation for all the ways the attack has affected your life. This may include:

Medical expenses: This covers all your treatment costs, from emergency care to follow-up visits, medications, and potential future medical needs related to the injury.
Lost wages: If you’ve had to miss work due to your injuries, we can help you recover compensation for that lost income.
Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, we’ll fight for compensation to cover the long-term impact.
Pain and suffering: We can help you get compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the attack.
Scarring and disfigurement: You may receive additional compensation for the long-term impact on your appearance and self-esteem, especially for visible scars.
Emotional trauma: Dog attacks can leave lasting psychological scars. We’ll work to ensure your compensation covers any mental health treatment needs.
Property damage: If the dog attack damaged your personal property, such as clothing or electronics, we’ll include that in your claim.
Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved, we can help you get compensation for that loss.
Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, we may pursue punitive damages in court. South Carolina courts rarely award these damages, but they can be a substantial portion of your financial recovery.

Every case is unique, and the compensation you’re entitled to will depend on the specific circumstances of your situation. We’ll work closely with you to understand how the dog bite has affected your life and fight for every dollar you deserve.

Why Choose Joye Law Firm to Handle Your Summerville Dog Bite Claim

You want to choose the right legal representation for your Summerville dog bite claim. Here’s why we stand out:

We’re familiar with South Carolina law, and we understand the Summerville community. We know our area’s local courts, insurance companies, and how dog bite cases typically play out.
We’ve successfully represented numerous dog bite victims, securing fair compensation for their injuries and losses. Our attorneys are tenacious negotiators and fierce litigators who will fight hard to maximize your financial recovery.

At Joye Law Firm, you’re not just a case number. We take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our approach to your specific needs. As an established personal injury law firm, we have the resources to thoroughly investigate your case, consult with medical experts, and take your case to trial if necessary. All clients get our exclusive No Fee Guarantee. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing upfront for us to handle your case. We only accept attorney fees if we recover compensation for you.

We understand the trauma you and your family have experienced because of the attack. We offer empathetic support throughout the legal process, ensuring you feel heard and respected.
Legal jargon can confuse non-lawyers. We explain everything in plain language, keeping you informed every step of the way.

As members of the Summerville community, our lawyers are invested in seeking justice for our neighbors who sustained injuries and losses due to someone else’s negligence. Choosing Joye Law Firm means partnering with a team that genuinely cares about your well-being and will fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.