Dog attacks can result in severe injuries and lasting emotional trauma. In South Carolina, the strict civil laws governing dog bite cases allow you to recover damages from the dog owner. At Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP, our dog bite lawyers in Camden, SC, will walk you through the legal process and ensure you have everything you need to restore your life after a devastating incident.
How Can Our Dog Bite Lawyers in Camden, SC Help?
Our team helps navigate the legal complexities following a dog attack. We offer experience in assessing the incident, determining liability and understanding local dog bite laws to build a solid case for compensation. We evaluate the extent of your injuries, including physical and emotional trauma, to accurately estimate damages. We also gather evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, to strengthen your claim.
An essential part of our job is to negotiate with the insurance companies, who often aim to minimize payouts. Most cases will end in a settlement rather than going to trial. However, if the case goes to court, we represent your interests, protect your rights and handle all legal proceedings on your behalf.
Our objective is to ensure we hold the at-fault party responsible for your injuries liable for the damages that resulted.
We also understand the struggles victims face after a severe dog bite attack, allowing us to offer compassionate support and professional objectivity at the same time. We will answer your questions and explain the laws that apply to your case to ensure you make well-informed decisions throughout the process.
Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite in Camden?
Responsibility for a dog attack typically lies with the dog owner. Owners must control and restrain their dogs to prevent harm to others. If a dog bites or attacks someone, the owner usually faces liability, especially if they neglected to leash the dog in a public area or failed to secure adequate fencing at home.
In some instances, landlords or property owners might also share the responsibility if they knew about the dog’s dangerous nature and did not take necessary actions. However, the owner’s liability might not apply if the victim provoked the dog or trespassed on private property.
South Carolina dog bite laws
South Carolina’s dog bite statute, as outlined in SC Code 47-3-110, adopts a strict liability approach for dog bites.
This statute holds dog owners strictly liable when their dogs bite or attack a person in a public place or someone lawfully in a private place. This means owners face liability whether the dog has a history of violence or not.
This law ensures that dog attack victims can seek compensation for their injuries without needing to prove the owner’s negligence or prior knowledge of the dog’s aggression. It highlights the importance of dog owners maintaining control over their pets to prevent injury-causing incidents.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Dog Bite Attack?
As dog bite lawyers in Camden, SC, we know that the settlement amounts for dog bite injury cases can vary drastically based on many factors, including the severity of injuries and the amount of recoverable damages. These damages cover your economic and non-economic losses associated with the accident and injuries. Your settlement should reflect the total value of those losses.
Economic damages
Your economic damages refer to the financial losses you sustained. Examples include:
- Medical expenses: Costs for immediate and ongoing medical treatment
- Lost wages:Â Income lost due to time off work for recovery
- Rehabilitation costs:Â Expenses for necessary physical or occupational therapy
- Property damage:Â Compensation for any personal items damaged during the attack.
As your legal team, we will gather all the evidence necessary to prove your losses and identify all recoverable damages from your case.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages refer to the emotional losses that can originate from a dog bite attack. These can include:
- The physical pain and suffering you endured from your injuries, as well as the necessary medical treatments
- Reimbursement for psychological impacts like anxiety or fear
- Loss of lifestyle quality or disability resulting from the attack
- Compensation for permanent physical changes, such as scarring or disfigurement
When you work with our personal injury lawyers in Camden, SC, we gather the evidence needed to prove these losses and assign reasonable value to them, ensuring you receive fair compensation.
What Should You Do if a Dog Bites You?
If a dog bites you, immediately prioritize your safety. Move away from the dog to prevent further attacks. Then, assess your injuries. Whether you have minor or severe wounds, seek medical attention immediately. Even a shallow bite could result in a dangerous infection and possibly other complications.
Next, identify the dog and its owner. Collect contact information from the owner and gather details about the dog, including its vaccination history. If the dog is a stray or the owner is absent, note the dog’s appearance and any distinguishing features. Report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement, especially if the dog appears dangerous.
Finally, document everything related to the bite. Take photos of your injuries and the location where the incident occurred. Keep records of medical treatment and any associated expenses. If there were witnesses, obtain their contact information. This documentation will be essential if you decide to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action for compensation. Remember, the success of any claim largely depends on the quality and comprehensiveness of the evidence you gather.
Do You Need Dog Bite Lawyers in Camden, SC, To Help With Your Case?
If you suffered injuries after someone else’s dog attacked you unprovoked, our dog bite lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve. Several factors can complicate these cases, and every accident has unique circumstances. To ensure you fully understand how South Carolina law applies to your case, contact Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP, to schedule a consultation with experienced dog bite lawyers in Camden, SC, today.
Dog Bite Case FAQs
Who can be held liable?
South Carolina is a strict liability state. The dog owner is often liable for a dog bite regardless of the animal’s previous behavior. This means the owner is responsible for any injuries caused by their dog. The law does not protect trespassers who are not children or people who provoke or harass the animal.
What happens if your dog bites someone in your house?
If your dog bites someone in your house in South Carolina, you, as the dog owner, will likely be liable for any injuries caused. South Carolina’s laws apply regardless of the dog’s history or your knowledge of it. However, if the victim was not lawfully present on the property or provoked the dog, you are likely not responsible.
Should I sue after a dog bite attack?
Deciding whether to sue after a dog bite attack depends on various factors. Consider the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the attack and the dog owner’s response. Legal action could be appropriate if the injury is severe, resulting in medical expenses, lost wages or long-term effects. Our dog bite lawyers in Camden, SC, can answer questions you have about eligibility for compensation.