South Carolina Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

South Carolina Dog Bite Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been injured in a dog bite incident, the compassionate and experienced team at Pracht Injury Lawyers is here to help. We understand the physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burden that can follow a dog attack, and we are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Dog bite injuries can be severe, resulting in lasting scars, infections, or even psychological trauma. Dealing with the legal complexities of a dog bite claim can be daunting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Pracht Injury Lawyers, our knowledgeable attorneys specialize in South Carolina dog bite laws and will build a strong case to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.

Insurance companies and negligent dog owners may try to downplay your injuries or shift the blame. Our team stands up for your rights, ensuring you’re treated fairly, and your voice is heard. We relentlessly pursue justice, helping you secure the financial recovery you need to heal and move forward.

You don’t have to navigate the consequences of a dog bite alone. Let Pracht Injury Lawyers be your trusted advocate, providing personalized legal guidance and unwavering support every step of the way. Reach out to us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward recovery and justice.

Please contact our office at (864)712-7317 for a FREE, personalized review of your case.

Common Types of Injuries in Dog Attacks

Dog bites and attacks often result in serious injuries that require extensive medical care. Common dog bite injuries include:

Puncture wounds and lacerations. Dog bites can cause deep tissue damage, torn muscles, and injuries requiring stitches or reconstructive surgery.

Broken bones. The force of a dog's bite or being knocked down during an attack can lead to fractures, particularly in elderly victims or young children.

Nerve damage. Severe bites may damage nerves, causing long-term pain, numbness, or loss of function in the affected area.

Infections. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection from bacteria in the animal's mouth, potentially leading to serious complications without proper treatment.

Facial injuries. Dogs often attack the face and neck, potentially causing permanent scarring and disfigurement that may require multiple reconstructive surgeries.

Post-traumatic stress. Many victims develop anxiety, fear of dogs, or PTSD symptoms that affect their daily activities and require professional counseling.

Crush injuries. Large dogs have powerful jaws that can crush bones and damage soft tissue, sometimes leading to permanent impairment.

When a friendly walk turns into a nightmare, our South Carolina dog bite lawyers are here to help. Every year, thousands of people suffer serious injuries from dog attacks that require emergency care, surgery, and ongoing treatment. Beyond the physical wounds, many victims face lasting emotional trauma that affects their daily lives.

South Carolina's strict liability laws mean dog owners are responsible when their pets attack, regardless of the animal's previous behavior. You shouldn't have to bear the burden of medical bills and lost income because of someone else's failure to control their dog.

Understanding South Carolina's Dog Bite Laws

South Carolina law holds dog owners accountable when their pets injure someone. Unlike some states that follow a "one bite rule," South Carolina's strict liability statute means:

The owner is liable even if their dog never showed aggressive behavior before
You don't have to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous
The owner is responsible for injuries even if they took reasonable precautions
The law covers not just bites but also injuries from dogs jumping on or knocking down victims

Who Is Liable Under South Carolina Dog Bite Laws?

South Carolina Code of Laws Section 47-3-110 is our state's dog bite statute, which applies to several responsible parties:

The dog's owner
The person caring for or keeping the dog at the time of the attack
Property owners who knowingly allow dangerous dogs to remain on their premises
Parents of minors who own dogs that cause injuries

There are limited exceptions, such as when the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing. However, these dog bite lawsuit defenses rarely apply when children are victims or when the attack occurs in a public place.

Special Considerations for Child Victims of Dog Bites

Children under 10 account for a significant portion of South Carolina dog bite victims. Animal attack cases involving children require special attention because:

Their injuries may affect future growth and development
They may need multiple surgeries as they grow
The emotional impact can be particularly severe
The statute of limitations may be extended
Settlement agreements must be approved by the court

What to Do After a Dog Bite in South Carolina

Taking these steps after a dog attack helps protect your health and legal rights:

Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.
Report the incident to local animal control authorities.
Document the attack with photos of your injuries.
Get contact information from the dog owner and any witnesses.
Keep records of all medical treatment and related expenses.
Contact an experienced South Carolina dog bite lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.

In the days and weeks following a dog attack, do not minimize your injuries or decline medical care. Avoid posting about the incident on social media, and never sign documents from insurance companies without legal review from an experienced attorney. Finally, don't agree to any informal settlements with the dog owner.

Building Your Dog Bite Injury Case

To establish a strong claim, your Anderson dog bite injury lawyer will investigate the dog's history of aggressive behavior, interview witnesses, gather statements, and consult medical experts about the long-term prognosis.

We will also research local animal control records and identify all possible insurance coverage. Be sure to work closely with your attorney to document the full extent of your physical and emotional damages.

Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims

South Carolina law allows dog bite victims to seek compensation for:

Current and future medical expenses
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Cost of psychological counseling
Property damage

Working With Insurance Companies on Dog Bite Injury Claims

Most dog bite claims are paid through homeowners' insurance policies. However, insurance companies often:

Question the severity of injuries
Argue the victim provoked the dog
Try to settle quickly before the full extent of injuries is known
Dispute future medical costs
Minimize emotional trauma claims

Our experienced lawyers know these tactics and help you secure fair compensation that covers all your damages.

Get Help From Our South Carolina Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

Don't face the aftermath of a dog attack alone. Our experienced South Carolina dog bite lawyers offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and options. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

The sooner you contact us after a dog attack, the better we can protect your rights and preserve evidence. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious dog bite can take on victims and their families. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on recovery.