Severe dog bites or attacks could have lasting physical, mental and financial effects for victims and their families. This could include significant medical expenses, lost income from missing work and intense pain and suffering. If you or a loved one needs legal advice after a dog attack, consider contacting Roden Law to speak with an experienced Charleston dog bite attorney.
Free Consultation. Ph: 1-844-RESULTS.
Our team of licensed attorneys has recovered millions in compensation. This includes a $305,000 settlement for the victim of dog bite who suffered significant ankle wounds and an infection.
Dog Bite Laws in South Carolina
According to South Carolina law (South Carolina Code of Law Section 47-3-110), dog bite victims could be eligible for compensation without having to prove the dog owner was negligent. Dog bite victims must only show they were:
- Bitten or otherwise attacked by the dog
- Lawfully in a public or private place
- Not provoking the dog into attacking
There are circumstances when a dog owner may not be held liable for injuries from an attack. This includes if the dog was working for law enforcement and performing official duties, assuming the following criteria are met:
- The attack was in direct and complete compliance with a lawful command from a duly certified canine officer.
- The dog was trained according to standards set by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Training Council.
- The government agency responsible for the dog has a written policy on necessary and appropriate use of dogs.
- The dog’s handler did not violate the written policy.
- The handler did not allow the dog to use excessive force.
- The victim of the bite was not a third-party bystander.
If you can prove you were bitten while lawfully on public or private property, and you did not provoke the dog or get attacked by a law enforcement canine, you may be eligible to recover some damages.
If your case is valid, you may be able to pursue compensation for physical and psychological damages related to your dog bite, such as:
- Medical bills for past, present and future needs
- Lost income from missing work due to your injury
- Disfigurement and physical scarring
- Physical pain and suffering you endured
The Charleston dog bite lawyers at Roden Law are standing by to help answer any questions you may have in a free review of your dog bite claim. During this meeting, if we find you may have a valid case, we are prepared to seek the maximum compensation available.
What if My Friend’s Dog Bit Me?
If you were bitten by a dog while visiting a friend or a loved one as a guest or invitee, you could qualify for compensation by filing an injury claim. However, if you were bitten by a dog while illegally trespassing on private property, without being invited to that property, your claim will most likely be denied by the court.
If the dog owner claims that you provoked the dog to cause the attack, he or she must provide proof that this happened.
The Charleston dog bite lawyers at Roden Law are well-versed in the laws of South Carolina and we have extensive experience with holding at-fault parties liable for damages sustained by injury victims.
Call 1-844-RESULTS to schedule your free claim review with a licensed attorney.
How Much is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
Determining the value of your dog bite case may be difficult without the help of a knowledgeable lawyer. If you hire a lawyer, he or she will need to examine the severity of your injuries and any related expenses and lost income if you missed time from work.
Compensation is generally broken down into the following categories:
- Economic damages are financial losses or expenses that were created because of your injury, such as health care bills, lost income and property damage.
- Noneconomic damages include physical and psychological pain and suffering, such as physical impairment, scarring, disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life.
There are no limits or damage caps for personal injuries in South Carolina.
How Soon Should I File a Dog Bite Claim?
Under the South Carolina personal injury statute of limitations, personal injury victims usually have only three years from the date of the injury to file a claim. If you try to file after this period, it will likely be dismissed by the court.
However, there could be exceptions that extend or shorten this deadline, depending on the details of your situation. For instance, minors have until one year after their 18th birthday to file a claim.
A qualified Charleston dog bite lawyer from Roden Law is prepared to determine the deadline that may apply to your claim.
Benefits of Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer
There are many ways an experienced dog bite attorney can help as you pursue compensation to cover your medical expenses or other damages.
If your dog bite claim is validated during your free consultation, specific ways our lawyers could help include:
- Obtaining police reports
- Collecting medical documents
- Gathering evidence, such as pictures of your injury
- Interviewing witnesses
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters
- Hiring expert witnesses (if necessary)
- Preparing your claim for trial (if necessary)
- And more
Call Roden Law anytime, 24/7, at Ph: 1-844-RESULTS
What to Do After a Dog Attack?
Since dog bites are known to cause infections, it is extremely important for victims to seek immediate medical attention from a health care professional. If you delay getting medical care, your injury could worsen and put your health at risk. In this situation, the insurance company may try to say that your failure to get treated made your injury worse or the delay proves your injury was caused by something besides the dog attack.
After receiving medical treatment, some other steps you can take to help protect your claim include:
- Taking pictures of your injury and other evidence. This includes pictures of the scene, the dog, property damage, and anything else you think may be relevant.
- Speak to witnesses to find out what they saw and how their account of events may help validate your claim. Ask for their contact information as well.
- According to state law, physicians who treat dog bites are required to report it to the county health department. They are required to provide the age, sex, name, weight, address and phone number of the person who was bitten. If you do not seek treatment for the bite, you must report it to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control before the end of the next business day.
- Contact a Charleston dog bite lawyer at Roden Law to schedule a free review of your claim.
Reach Out to a Charleston Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or someone you care for was attacked and bitten by a dog, we recommend seeking legal help immediately after getting treated by a health care professional. Having a reputable lawyer on your side could make a difference in the outcome of your dog bite claim.
Contact the Charleston dog bite lawyers at Roden Law today to set up your free consultation. Our firm has managed countless personal injury claims, and we have helped many victims obtain compensation. This includes a $300,000 settlement for someone who suffered permanent injuries because of a dog bite.
There is no obligation, and your information will be kept completely confidential. There are no upfront or hidden fees, and we do not receive payment until we recover compensation for your dog bite claim.
Our Charleston office is located at 127 King Street, Suite 200.