Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers in Georgetown, SC

Dog bites can be very traumatic events, causing significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens for victims. If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Georgetown, South Carolina, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

On This Page:
Types of Injuries
Can You Sue for a Dog Bite?
Type of Compensation is Included
Who Can You Sue?
Statute of Limitations
Contact Us

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 Georgetown law office online or call 843-839-4111.

Types of Injuries from a Dog Bite or Attack

There are many types of injuries that can occur when a person suffers a dog bite or attack, and 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.

Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Georgetown, South Carolina?

In the state of South Carolina, you can sue for a dog bite or attack. South Carolina follows a strict liability law when it comes to dog bites. This means that a dog owner is responsible to keep control of their pet at all times and likewise they are responsible for any injuries their dog causes, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or if the owner was unaware of the dog’s tendencies.

Under South Carolina’s strict liability law to pursue a dog bite claim, the victim does not need to prove that the owner was negligent or that the dog had bitten someone before. There are only two key conditions that must be met:

What Type of Compensation is Included in a Dog Bite Case?

When suing for a dog bite in South Carolina, victims can pursue compensation for various damages, including:

• Medical Expenses – Covers immediate and ongoing treatment, such as hospital visits, surgeries, and medications related to the dog attack.
• Lost Wages – Compensation for income lost during recovery, including future earnings if the injury affects work ability due to the dog bite.
• Pain and Suffering – For the physical pain and discomfort caused by the dog attack.
• Scarring and Disfigurement – Addresses the impact of visible scars or permanent disfigurement from the dog bite.
• Emotional Trauma – Compensation for mental distress, including anxiety, fear, or PTSD caused by the dog attack.

Who Can You Sue in a Dog Bite Case?

When you or a loved one has been involved in a dog attack, it is typically the owner of the dog who will be held responsible for the injuries sustained, however sometimes there can be other parties involved. Some of the common people who could be involved in a dog attack case include:

• Dog Owner – As mentioned above, in most cases, the dog’s owner is the one who is responsible for the attack. This will apply regardless of whether the incident occurred on public land such as at a dog park or on their private property.
• Property Owner or Landlord – In certain situations, the owner of the property where the dog attack occurred may also be liable, especially if they were aware of the dangerous dog and failed to take action. For example, a landlord who allows a tenant to keep a known aggressive dog on the property could be sued if that dog bites someone.
• Caregivers or Dog Sitters – If the dog was under the care of someone else at the time of the attack (e.g., a dog walker, kennel, or friend), that person may be liable if they failed to control the dog or prevent the attack.

It’s important to consult with a Georgetown dog bite lawyer near you to determine the best course of action and identify all responsible parties.

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in South Carolina

As with many other types of personal injury cases, there is a legal time frame in which a lawsuit must be filed, which is referred to as a statute of limitations. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit is three years from the date of the injury.

If you fail to file your dog attack claim within this time frame, there is a good chance the court will dismiss your case, which is why it is important to take quick action. One notable exception for the statute of limitations is for children. The time period may be extended until they turn 18, 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 Georgetown, SC

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in Georgetown, 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.