Dog Bite Injuries

Get Free Case Evaluation

We Are Experienced South Carolina Dog Bite Lawyers

South Carolina ranks 19th in the country for dog bites with $1.7 million paid on dog bite claims across the state in 2016. During that year, South Carolina dog bite victims averaged $25,000 for their injuries.

Dog bite injuries can be serious and can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement and even death. In fact, 20 percent of the 4.5 million dog bites that occur every year across the United States become infected. These infections can lead to serious medical complications, resulting in numerous surgeries, hospitalizations, skin grafts, and rehabilitation.

Sadly, the majority of dog bite victims are young children between the ages of five and nine. These children are vulnerable to serious infections, long-term disfigurement and damage that can adversely affect their entire lives.

Any settlement or award must take into consideration the long-term effects of the dog bite injury on the victim as they age. Due to the severity of these injuries, it is recommended that all dog bite injury victims contact an experienced South Carolina dog bite injury lawyer immediately.

Photo of Dog Bite Injuries

South Carolina Dog Bite Laws

South Carolina has a “strict liability” dog bite law and unlike other states, South Carolina does not have a “one bite” rule. This means that a dog owner can be held liable for their dog’s actions even if the dog never showed a propensity to attack or bite. Regardless of whether the dog had shown no signs of aggression prior to the attack, dog bite victims can still sue for damages. However, in order to win your dog bite case, you must prove that you did not provoke the dog in any way and that you were not trespassing on private property at the time of the attack.

If a dog bites you in South Carolina, the law requires the dog to be quarantined for observation for 10 days either at the dog owner’s home or at a local animal control shelter. If the dog is not quarantined at an animal control shelter, the dog owner must let the rabies control officer observe the dog daily for signs of rabies.

Filing a Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit in South Carolina

Dog bite injury victims have three years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit in the South Carolina civil court system to collect damages. This is known as the statute of limitations and if you miss this deadline, you will be unable to collect the money you need to recover.

Your attorney will be able to help you file negotiate a fair settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company to collect compensation for your dog-bite related costs and expenses. If you wish to file a personal injury lawsuit, your lawyer can help you avoid missing any critical deadlines for filing your claim.

Some of the damages you can seek after a dog bite injury include, but are not limited to:

  • Medical bills
  • Rehabilitation
  • Lost income
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Emotional trauma

Contact Our South Carolina Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Today

Dog bites can be serious injuries that can cause significant pain and suffering and even disfigurement. If you or someone you love has suffered a dog bite injury in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Lancaster, or anywhere in the state of South Carolina, it is important to work with an experienced dog bite injury lawyer immediately.

Call the Law Offices of Wilkerson, Jones & Wilkerson today at (803) 324-7200 (Rock Hill), (803) 289-7202 (Lancaster), (803) 396-5200 (Fort Mill), (864)466-5170 (Union) or fill out our confidential contact form. With offices conveniently located in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Union, and Lancaster, we are here when you need us. Call us today for a free case evaluation.