Myrtle Beach Dog Bite Lawyer

You might be an animal lover who believes dogs deserve our affection and protection. But when someone else's pet turns on you, and you are seriously injured, it's time to put your emotions aside and hold the dog's owner responsible for your injuries. In South Carolina, dog bite laws are generally on the side of the injured person, but you will still need aggressive legal representation to prove it.

If you or your child were injured in a dog attack, do not hesitate to contact Wright Injury Law to tell us about what happened. In a free initial consultation, Myrtle Beach dog bite lawyer Brooke Eaves Wright will let you know if your case can get you the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

Strict Liability for Dog Bite Case in South Carolina

In South Carolina, the law concerning dog bites is governed by strict liability. This means that a dog owner can be held liable if their dog bites or attacks someone, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous or if the dog had never shown aggressive behavior before.

Key Points of the Law:

Owner's Responsibility: The dog owner is responsible for any injuries caused by their dog biting or attacking a person.
No Need to Prove Negligence: The victim does not need to prove that the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression.
Exceptions: There are exceptions to this rule, such as if the person bitten was trespassing, provoking the dog, or if the dog was working in a law enforcement capacity.

Legal Reference:

This strict liability statute is outlined in South Carolina Code of Laws, Section 47-3-110.

If you are involved in a dog bite incident in South Carolina, it may be beneficial to consult with a legal professional to understand your rights and responsibilities under the law.

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

When a person is injured from a dog bite, they may be entitled to various types of compensation depending on the circumstances and the laws in their jurisdiction. Here are some common types of compensation that may be available for a dog bite case in South Carolina:

Medical Expenses: Coverage for medical bills incurred due to the injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and ongoing treatment.
Lost Wages: Compensation for any income lost as a result of being unable to work due to the injury.
Pain and Suffering: Damages awarded for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
Property Damage: Reimbursement for any property that was damaged during the incident, such as clothing or personal items.
Rehabilitation Costs: Coverage for physical therapy or other rehabilitation services needed for recovery.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation for any lasting physical marks or disfigurement resulting from the bite.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for activities that a person can no longer or that are more painful and/or challenging to do as a result of the injury.

It's important for victims of dog bites to consult with a legal professional to understand their rights and the specific compensation they may be eligible for under local laws.

Compensation for Permanent Scarring from Dog Bite

Compensation for permanent scarring due to a dog bite can vary based on several factors including the severity of the injury, the location of the scar, the impact on the victim's life, and any associated medical costs. Here are some steps and considerations for seeking compensation:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Ensure you receive appropriate medical care immediately after the incident. Documentation of medical treatment is crucial for any legal claims.

2. Document the Injury

Take photographs of the injury and maintain records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and any other related expenses.

3. Report the Incident

Report the dog bite to local authorities or animal control to have a record of the incident.

4. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

Contact a lawyer who specializes in personal injury or animal bite cases. They can help assess the case, gather evidence, and guide you through the legal process. Attorney Brooke Eaves Wright is experienced in handling dog bite cases and is ready to help you!

5. Determine Liability

Establish who is liable for the dog bite. This could be the dog owner or another party responsible or in control of the dog at the time of the incident.

6. Calculate Damages

As experienced dog bite attorney can help you calculate the damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any psychological impact. Permanent scarring can also lead to compensation for disfigurement.

7. File a Claim or Lawsuit

A dog bite lawyer may file an insurance claim with the dog owner’s insurance company or file a lawsuit if necessary. They will negotiate for a fair settlement or take the case to court. A dog owner's homeowners' insurance often covers an injured person's claim after they have been attacked by that dog. A dog bite lawyer can investigate, obtain, and review the possible applicable insurance coverage for an injury claim after a dog bite or attack by a dog.

8. Consider Future Medical Needs

Include potential future medical expenses related to the injury, such as plastic surgery or therapy, in the compensation claim.

Each case is unique, and the success of a compensation claim can depend on local laws and the specifics of the incident. Consulting with a qualified attorney is essential to navigate the legal process effectively.

South Carolina Dog Bite Laws Make Owners Responsible for Their Dogs' Actions

Dog bite laws vary from state to state, and South Carolina is among the states more favorable to injured parties than dog owners. Some key provisions of South Carolina dog bite laws include the following:

Strict liability. South Carolina holds pet owners strictly liable for their animals' actions, regardless of whether the animal has shown aggression in the past. That means the owner can be held accountable the first time a dog bites or attacks another person.

Private property. As long as the injured party is not trespassing on the dog owner's property, the dog owner is liable for harm caused by their pet. In other words, it doesn't matter that you were in the dog's home when it bit you. Additionally, by law, dog owners are required to keep their pets restrained or fenced in on their property so that they cannot reach individuals off the property.

Injuries. South Carolina dog bite statutes are not limited to bite injuries. You can also hold an owner liable if you were knocked over by a dog and suffered serious injuries.

Exceptions to owner liability include people trespassing on the owner's property during the attack and people who intentionally provoked an animal by taunting or abusing it. The dog's owner could use these exceptions as a defense to avoid responsibility.

Common Injuries Caused by Myrtle Beach Dog Attacks

Beyond the immediate pain and trauma, people attacked by dogs often suffer from a range of injuries that extend beyond the bite or

attack itself. Understanding the common injuries resulting from dog bites and attacks is crucial for obtaining proper medical treatment and determining your claim's value.

Puncture Wounds and Lacerations. Dog bites often result in puncture wounds and lacerations. The force of a dog's bite can lead to deep injuries, causing damage to skin, muscle, and underlying tissues. Puncture wounds can be particularly prone to infection due to the introduction of bacteria from the dog's mouth.

Disfigurement and Nerve Damage. The severity of dog bites can lead to extensive tissue and nerve damage. Deep bites may result in permanent scarring and loss of sensation in the affected area, impacting the injured party's physical and emotional well-being.

Infections. Dog saliva carries bacteria, which can lead to infections when introduced into the bloodstream through a bite wound. Infections can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, and, in severe cases, systemic issues that require immediate medical attention.

Fractures and Broken Bones. Powerful bites or forceful attacks can result in fractures and broken bones. This is particularly true when someone attempts to defend themselves or is knocked down during the attack. Fractures may require surgical intervention and extended rehabilitation.

Bruises and Contusions. When a dog forcefully knocks a person down during an attack, bruises and contusions are common injuries. The impact of the fall can lead to extensive bruising and damage to underlying blood vessels, causing pain and discomfort.

Head Injuries. Being knocked down can result in head injuries, ranging from mild concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Someone knocked down by a dog may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and, in extreme cases, cognitive impairment.

Sprains and Strains. The sudden force of a dog attack can cause the target to twist or hyperextend their limbs, leading to sprains and strains. Ligaments, tendons, and muscles may be stretched or torn, causing pain and limited mobility.

Fractures and Dislocations. The impact of being knocked down can result in fractures and dislocations, particularly in vulnerable areas like the wrists, elbows, or hips. These injuries may require immediate medical attention and rehabilitation to regain normal function.

The Wright Choice

Brooke is relentless in her pursuit of justice. Brooke doesn’t take no for an answer. She will not stop fighting for you until you get the justice you deserve after you were injured by someone else’s negligence or recklessness.
Brooke is dedicated to her clients and helping the Myrtle Beach community. At Wright Injury Law, Brooke will speak with you directly and develop a customized plan to help you. It is a common misconception that personal injury lawyers are only interested in making money. Obtaining money for you quickly so you can recover from your injury is important, but Brooke’s focus is on you and achieving your goals. Whether your goal is to obtain justice by holding the negligent driver, property owner, or trucking company accountable for their actions or making changes to prevent harm from happening to someone else in the community, Brooke will make those goals her priority.
Brooke is known for her attention to detail. Brooke goes through medical records and other evidence with a fine-toothed comb. She uses her extensive trial and litigation experience to focus on the crucial details that are important to win your case. Brooke has a trusted network of doctors, engineers, architects, and other experts to investigate and offer expertise that can significantly increase the value of your case.
Brooke gets results. Even with the most challenging and complex cases, Brooke has managed to secure excellent results for her clients. She won’t stop until she gets you the help and resources you need to recover after a devastating injury.

Taking Legal Action After a Dog Attack in South Carolina

In cases where negligence or lack of control on the dog owner's part contributes to the attack, the owner can be held liable for the damage their pet has caused. Damages are usually paid from the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, so you should not feel bad about getting the compensation you deserve from a friend or family member. Myrtle Beach personal injury attorney Brooke can assist injured parties in holding the owner accountable for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the incident. Contact Wright Injury Law to learn more.

Holding Dog Owners Liable for Injuries Caused by Bites and Attacks