Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers in Conway, SC

Although dogs are considered man’s (or woman’s) best friend, dogs can sometimes behave dangerously, attacking or biting people, causing significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens for victims. If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Conway, South Carolina, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our experienced dog bite lawyers here at The Lovely Law Firm specialize in helping victims navigate the legal process, and ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable for their negligence. Contact our Conway law office online or call (843) 839-4111.

Common Types of Injuries from a Dog Bite or Attack

If you have been attacked by bitten by a dog in Conway, SC there are many types of injuries that can occur. These can range from minor to very severe. Some common dog bite injuries include:

• Puncture Wounds: Dogs’ sharp teeth can easily puncture a person’s skin, which can lead to other injuries such as bleeding, infection, or even tissue or nerve damage in some cases.
• Lacerations: When a dog attacks or bites, their teeth or claws can cause deep cuts or tears in the skin that may require stitches and leave permanent scarring.
• Broken Bones: Larger dogs typically have the weight and strength to be able to fracture bones during an attack, especially in children or the elderly.
• Nerve Damage: Depending on the area the dog bites, especially the hands, arms, or legs, it can cause permanent nerve damage, permanently affecting movement and sensation.
• Facial Injuries: Dog bites to the face are particularly concerning, leading to severe scarring, disfigurement, and emotional trauma.
• Infections: Dog bites often introduce bacteria into the body, which can lead to dangerous infections such as rabies, tetanus, or sepsis.
• Psychological Trauma: Not only are there physical injuries involved in a dog attack, but there is also an emotional impact when a dog attacks, especially for children. This can lead to long-term anxiety, PTSD, or fear of dogs.

What To Do if Bitten By A Dog

If you are attacked and injured by a dog, there are some important steps that you should follow:

• • Seek immediate medical attention, dog wounds can easily become infected, which can lead to serious complications. Make sure to get proper medical attention after being attacked by a dog.
  • Call the police or animal control about the incident so that it can be properly documented. Make sure to follow up to determine if the dog has received all required shots, including rabies vaccinations.
  • Obtain the name, address and contact information of the dog’s owner or person responsible for the dog at the time of attack, such as a dog walker.
  • Get any contact information from any witnesses that observed the attack.
  • Take photos of your injuries
  • Write down your memory of how the incident occurred, and include time, location, witnesses, weather, and your actions leading up to the incident.
  • Document or log all of your medical appointments, medications, symptoms, and pain
  • Speak with a Conway dog bite lawyer near you about your case

What Is Strict Liability In Dog Bite Cases in South Carolina?

The state of South Carolina follows a strict liability law when it comes to dog bites. This means that a dog owner is responsible for keeping control of their pet at all times and is responsible if their dog causes injuries to an individual, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or if the owner was unaware of the dog’s tendencies.

Because of this strict liability law, it is possible to sue a dog owner after an attack, as long as two key conditions are met:

1. The victim must have been lawfully on public property or invited onto private property, such as a guest or delivery person, and not trespassing.
2. The victim must not have intentionally provoked the dog. This can be difficult to show in cases involving children, where they may not be aware that they were provoking the animal.

How to Prevent A Dog Attack

No dog owner wants their animal to attack or hurt another person. There are steps you can take as a dog owner that can help prevent your pet from attacking others as well as yourself:

• Choose a dog breed that is friendly and compatible with the age of your children
• Enroll your dog in training and socialization classes to make sure they are properly trained
• Never leave infants or toddlers alone with a dog, even if they have a friendly nature
• Never let your dog off leash in a public setting
• Make sure your property has adequate fencing to ensure that your dog cannot get loose
• Keep an eye on your dog when having guests over to your property, and remove them from a social situation if they appear to be getting overwhelmed

When you go to visit an individual with a dog, it is important to only pet the dog if you have the owner’s permission. If confronted by an aggressive dog out in public or while visiting someone’s property, do not make eye contact, run, yell, or try to scare it off with aggressive gestures.

How Long Do You Have To Submit A Dog Bite Claim in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, there is a legal time frame in which a personal injury lawsuit, such as a dog bite claim, must be filed, which is referred to as a statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit is three years from the date of the injury. This time period may be extended if the case involves a child, in which case they have until they turn 18 before the three-year window begins, but it’s best to consult a dog bite lawyer near you for specific legal guidance in these cases.

Contact A Dog Bite Lawyer Near Conway, SC

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in Conway, SC, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, scarring, and emotional damage. South Carolina’s strict liability law makes it easier to hold dog owners accountable, but it is important to act quickly within the three-year statute of limitations is essential. By working with a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer, you can ensure that your case is handled professionally and that you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve. Contact the team here at The Lovely Law Firm online or call (843) 839-4111 for a free case evaluation related to your dog bite case to see how we can help you.