From Ashley River Dog Park to Summerville’s many walking trails, pets are part of the town’s culture. We love dogs at Gil Gatch Law, but we know that responsible ownership is key to protecting residents from dangerous animals.
If a vicious dog injured you or your child, our experienced injury attorneys can help. Discuss holding owners accountable and recovering needed medical compensation with our experienced personal injury team.
Overview of South Carolina Dog Bite Laws
South Carolina is a strict-liability dog-bite state, as outlined in SC Code § 47-3-110. This means owners are financially responsible for bodily injuries, often broken bones, puncture wounds, lacerations, and infections that their dogs cause to others in public places or those lawfully present in private places. Liability does not extend to trespassers who are adults.
No ‘One Free Bite’ Rule
There is no requirement that the dog owner either knew or should have known of the dog’s viciousness to support personal injury litigation in Summerville. Although some states have a ‘one free bite’ rule, South Carolina imposes strict liability on dog owners for an attack unless an exception applies.
Exceptions to Dog Attack Liability
Injured claimants may not be permitted to seek damages (or have their financial awards reduced) if they harassed or provoked the dog that caused the attack. Attacks by certified, working law enforcement dogs, when conducted in strict compliance with the handler and written procedures, are not considered viable dog-bite cases.
Recovering Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Summerville, SC
Most dog bite injury cases involve both puncture wounds and trauma from the resulting fall. At Gil Gatch Law, our experienced personal injury team fights to recover damages for the following common dog bite injuries and illnesses:
- Puncture wounds and cosmetic damage
- Rabies
- Staph
- Pasteurella multocida (causing sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia)
- Muscle spasms from tetanus
- Fractures
- Nerve damage
When dog bite victims suffer facial damage, it can leave both physical and emotional scars. Health insurers typically do not cover cosmetic restoration procedures; however, our personal injury lawyers can help you pursue these damages from the owner’s property insurer. You can also recover damages for psychological trauma, such as dog bite post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, with help from our dedicated dog bite injury team.
Damages Available in South Carolina Dog Attack Cases
Most viable dog attack claims settle with the liable owner’s property insurance company, which typically covers dog bite injuries even if the dog got loose. Our lawyers may also assist you in recovering damages from private property insurers, such as those covering pet stores, for medical expenses (including dental and cosmetic procedures), lost wages and benefits, and pain and suffering resulting from the attack.
Contact Our Dog Bite Injury Attorneys
If an uncontrolled dog knocked you down or bit you in Summerville, discuss your options for holding negligent owners liable with the experienced dog bite injury lawyers at Gil Gatch Law. We offer free, confidential consultations and can help you recover damages with no upfront legal fees. Call (843) 800-2020 or connect with us online today.