One moment, you’re outside enjoying a walk, minding your own business. The next, a dog lunges and sinks in its teeth before you even have time to react. That bite can also happen when visiting a friend in their home and their dog turns on you. From deep wounds and infections to emotional trauma that lingers for years, a dog attack can change your life in an instant.
If this has happened to you or someone you love, South Carolina law is on your side. You deserve accountability from the dog owner who wasn’t in control of their pet. A Columbia dog bite lawyer can help pursue compensation for these traumatic injuries.
The Solomon Law Group, LLC, has helped many clients recover from a vicious dog attack. Our team is standing by to answer your questions about what to do next.
Dog Bites Are More Than Just Physical Injuries
Dog bites aren’t just painful at the moment. They can cause serious, long-term physical injuries that impact every part of your life. Unlike a scratch or bruise, a dog attack can leave deep wounds, infections, and permanent damage that require extensive medical treatment. Even a single bite can lead to complications that last for months or years.
Dog attacks can result in a wide range of injuries, from mild to severe. These common ones include:
- Puncture wounds and deep lacerations
- Infections and disease transmission
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Amputations or permanent disability
In some cases, the emotional trauma lasts even longer than the physical wounds, especially for children. After an attack, they may develop a lifelong fear of dogs.
You might be dealing with:
- Painful injuries that require medical treatment, surgeries, or therapy
- Lost wages if your injury keeps you from working
- Emotional distress, including anxiety or PTSD
- Scarring or disfigurement that affects your confidence and quality of life
If you’re struggling with any of these issues, you have options, especially when someone acted negligently. Because South Carolina law holds dog owners responsible for bites and attacks, you’re entitled to seek financial compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Find out how our Columbia dog bite lawyer can assist with your case.
South Carolina Dog Bite Laws: What You Need to Know
South Carolina has a strict liability law. What does that mean? Under SC Code § 47-3-110:
- Owners are responsible for when their dog bites someone, even if they didn’t know it was dangerous or aggressive.
- Victims can recover compensation if they were legally on public or private property during the attack.
- The only exceptions are if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog.
These laws exist to establish who is liable for a dog bite attack. They are meant to protect victims from the long-term financial and emotional consequences of an unprovoked attack.
Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite?
Most of the time, the dog owner is liable. They are the primary party responsible for their pet. But sometimes, other people could be liable. These parties include:
- Landlords or property managers if they allowed a dangerous dog to remain on the premises.
- Dog walkers or caretakers if the attack happened while the dog was under their supervision.
- Businesses, such as pet boarding facilities or doggy daycares, if their negligence led to the attack.
A Columbia dog bite lawyer will investigate your case to find all the responsible parties. With that, you can hold them accountable so you can receive the appropriate compensation for your losses.
What Compensation Can You Receive After a Dog Bite?
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite, the last thing you should worry about is how to pay for medical bills or make up for lost income. This was no fault of our own. Many attacks are due to the negligence of the owner or another party. Some compensation may include expenses for:
- Emergency room visits
- Surgeries and stitches
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Future medical treatments for scarring or nerve damage
- Time missed from work due to your injury
- Reduced earning capacity if the bite leaves you with long-term damage
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety or PTSD
- Permanent scars
If the dog owner was reckless, such as letting a known aggressive dog roam free, you might be able to seek punitive damages. Those damages are only awarded by a jury in a civil trial.
Not all compensation is available for every case, and the specifics of your ordeal determine what you may qualify for. That’s why working with a Columbia dog bite lawyer can help you determine the worth of a potential claim.
Taking Steps After a Dog Bite
The moments after a dog bite can be confusing, painful, and stressful. However, taking the right steps can greatly affect your recovery and future legal action.
Get Medical Help
Even if the bite seems minor, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Dog bites can lead to infections like rabies or tetanus. Many times, deep wounds may require stitches or even surgery. Plus, documenting your injury with medical records is vital for your legal case.
Identify the Dog and Its Owner
You may want to get the dog owner’s name, contact information, and proof of vaccination records. If the owner is uncooperative, take a picture of the dog or ask witnesses for help.
Report the Bite
You should report the attack to Richland County Animal Control or your local law enforcement agency. A formal report creates an official record of the incident.
Document Everything
Take photos of your injuries, torn clothing, and the location where the bite happened. If there were witnesses, get their contact information. They can support your case if the owner disputes what happened.
Contact a Dog Attack Attorney
Before speaking with insurance companies, talk to a lawyer. Dog owners or their insurers may try to minimize your claim or pressure you into accepting a low settlement. A lawyer will fight for fair compensation in your case.
A Columbia Dog Bite Lawyer Is Ready to Fight for You
A dog bite can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. You might feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or even guilty, especially if the dog belongs to someone you know. But here’s the thing: this isn’t your fault.
South Carolina law is designed to protect victims like you, and our Columbia dog bite lawyer can help. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, contact The Solomon Law Group, LLC, for a free consultation.
We can discuss your options and explain the best course of action for moving forward.
