If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog attack, you are dealing with painful bite injuries, expensive medical bills, and probably post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dog bite injuries can range anywhere from torn skin to deep puncture wounds.
South Carolina dog owners have a legal responsibility to keep their dogs contained on their property. Dog owners can be held accountable if their animals are not properly restrained and the attack occurs on private property where adults or small children are present.
If you have suffered a dog bite, hire an experienced dog bite attorney to help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Our Columbia, SC dog bite lawyers have a proven record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients in dog bite cases.
Contact The Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, LLC in Columbia, South Carolina, and ask to schedule a free consultation to discuss your dog bite claim and how we can help.
What Should I Do If I've Been Injured in a Dog Attack?
If you have suffered a dog bite injury, you must take several essential steps to protect your ability to recover compensation. These steps include:
- Seek medical attention: Even if the dog bite injury appears to be only torn skin, it can become more serious without medical intervention. An added benefit of seeing a healthcare professional is that it provides documentation to file an insurance claim.
- Report the incident to animal control: Even if you have minor physical injuries, it is always best to report an animal attack to the proper authorities. Reporting the dog bite allows animal control to determine if the dog has rabies
- Identify the dog owner: One of the most crucial aspects of a dog bite case is determining the dog’s owner. You must identify the owner to file an insurance claim and pursue compensation.
- Gather evidence: Evidence may include photos and videos of the dog, the attack scene, and the extent of your injuries. Finally, collect the names, phone numbers, and statements of potential witnesses who can support your personal injury claim.
- Seek legal representation: Injury victims must seek qualified legal representation immediately after a dog attack. A qualified dog bite attorney in Columbia, SC, can advise you of your legal rights and advocate for you with the insurance company.
What Are the Most Common Dog Bite Injuries in South Carolina?
A medical professional should always examine dog-bite victims immediately after the attack.
Dog attacks frequently result in victims suffering puncture wounds, torn skin, or even rabies. Infected dog bite wounds are excruciating and may result in a long recovery time for the victim.
Some common dog bite injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Eye and facial injuries
- Neck and head injuries
- Nerve Damage
- Scar tissue
Another common injury that is often overlooked is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The effects of PTSD can be debilitating for many dog bite victims, including tiny children.
If you have suffered dog bite wounds, seek medical attention and contact a Columbia personal injury attorney who can inform you of your legal rights.
The Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, LLC, has Columbia personal injury lawyers with comprehensive experience handling dog bite claims and would be honored to assist you.
Contact us for a free consultation!
What is Strict Liability For Dog Bites Under South Carolina Law?
Unlike other states, South Carolina has a “one-bite rule” that requires a dog to have previously bitten someone before the owner can be held liable.
Instead, South Carolina has strict liability laws that hold a dog owner liable for a victim’s injuries even if the animal has not previously been deemed a vicious dog.
Guard dogs are not exempt from owner liability. However, South Carolina’s strict liability rule has exceptions. Examples include situations where the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing on private property; in those cases, the dog owner is unlikely to be held liable.
Nevertheless, working dogs acting in a law enforcement capacity are exempt from liability as long as they comply with their K9 officer’s commands.
If you still need clarification on South Carolina’s strict liability laws, contact a Columbia dog bite attorney for answers. The Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, LLC has personal injury attorneys experienced in handling dog attack cases.
Contact our law offices to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more.
Why Should I Trust Your Columbia Dog Bite Lawyer to Try and Help Me Recover Compensation
Most dog owners try to be responsible and keep their dogs from attacking others. However, sometimes dog owners are negligent in their responsibilities, which can lead to bite injuries. If a dog owner did not take reasonable steps to prevent their dog from attacking others, they may be held liable.
The Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, LLC can help you obtain financial compensation for medical bills and emotional trauma after suffering a dog bite injury. We may also help you recover compensation for other related medical expenses, such as physical therapy or rehabilitation.
Our law firm is committed to helping dog attack victims receive the fair treatment and justice they deserve. We will work diligently to hold the dog owner liable for their negligence.
We also won't let the insurance company deny your injury claim by claiming you are at fault.
Contact our law office in Columbia, South Carolina, to schedule a free consultation to discuss your injury case and determine your legal options.
