As of 2024, 66% of households in the United States own a pet. Dogs are by far the most popular pet, with 65.1 million households owning a dog, according to Forbes. For many, dogs are a part of the family and hold a special place in our hearts without any issues.

However, dogs can quickly change their behavior and attack suddenly and without warning. Unfortunately, this is true whether they have a history of aggressive behavior or not. When dog attacks do happen, we find that they are not only physically scarring, but emotionally traumatic as well. This is especially true when the attack involves a child, which is the age demographic that makes up most dog bite victims.

If you or a loved one was bit by a dog, seriously scratched, or pushed over resulting in injury, our attorneys are here to guide you through the process to ensure that your physical, financial, and emotional damages are covered. Working with an attorney can help you recover compensation and help prevent these attacks from happening to others in the future.

To schedule a free case evaluation, call the South Carolina dog bite lawyers at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, today at (803) 888-2200. We are available 24/7 and have the experience and resources needed to protect your rights and get you what you’re owed.

Pursuing Financial and Emotional Compensation for Dog Attack Victims

Working with an experienced dog bite lawyer following an animal attack is likely in your best interest. A lawyer will take the burden off of you by handling critical components such as speaking with any witnesses, investigating the history of the dog and any prior complaints, finding coverage for any injuries, ensuring you are properly compensated for your damages, and keeping you informed every step of the way.

With Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, we will work with you to seek compensation for all related damages including but not limited to:

• Medical Expenses: This includes any medical costs associated with your injuries. Many dog attacks result in emergency care costs, vaccines, and other medical bills that can range greatly depending on the severity of the injuries and whether or not the wound becomes infected. Our lawyers will work with you to get compensated for all past, present, and future medical care costs associated with the attack.
• Disfigurement or Scarring: If the incident left you with permanent scarring or disfigurement, we will ensure this is claimed and sufficiently covered.
• Lost Wages: If the attack forced you to miss time from work, we will seek compensation for those missed days.
• Property Damage: This can include compensation for torn clothing, broken watches, and other personal belongings. In addition, South Carolina law treats animals as property, meaning you can seek compensation for injuries or death to your pet and corresponding bills through a property damage claim. 
• Emotional Trauma: Dog attacks are scary. We can help you get compensated for emotional trauma, pain, and suffering that commonly results from an attack. 
• Punitive Damages: In some dog bite cases, you may also qualify to receive punitive damages which are intended to hold liable parties accountable for their reckless or unlawful actions.

To understand more about how much your case may be worth, please contact our office today to speak directly with a trusted South Carolina dog bite attorney. 

South Carolina Dog Bite Laws: Owner Liability

South Carolina has “strict liability” when it comes to animal attacks. According to South Carolina law (Section 47-3-10), the owner of the dog is liable for any damages caused by their dog. This is true whether an attack occurs on private or public property. 

South Carolina does not have a “one bite” rule, meaning that you do not have to prove the dog bit someone else in order to seek compensation.

Exceptions to Dog Owner Liability

There are a few exceptions to owner liability when it comes to animal attacks. The owner of the dog may not be held liable for dog bite injuries or damages if one or more of the following is true:

1. The victim provoked or harassed the dog.

If someone intentionally or unintentionally abused the dog (abusive behaviors may include hitting the dog, taking the dog’s food or water, stepping on the dog’s tail, starting the dog, trapping them, or pulling on their ears/tail/etc), then the owner may not be held liable.

2. The victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property.

If you were not permitted or invited onto someone’s property and their dog attacked you, the owner may not be held liable. It’s important to keep in mind that this does not include if you had a legal obligation to enter the property, such as to deliver mail.

It’s important to keep in mind that even if the attack was clearly the owner’s fault, it is in your best interest to at least speak with an attorney. Unfortunately, many times the dog’s owner will try to place blame on you to avoid liability. Our team won’t let that happen.

Common Injuries From Dog Attacks

Devastatingly, dog attacks can escalate quickly and result in a wide array of injuries. Commonly, dog bites lead to:

• Cuts
• Puncture Wounds
• Soft Tissue Damage
• Scars
• Infections
• Nerve Damage
• Facial Injuries
• Concussions
• Emotional Damages
• And More.
  

In very extreme cases, dog attacks can also lead to brain injury, spinal cord injuries, loss of limbs, and even wrongful death.

If you or a loved one was injured, or worse, due to someone else’s animal, our award-winning legal team is here to help you understand your options. Speak to a lawyer today by calling (803) 888-2200.

Contact a South Carolina Dog Bite Lawyer For Help Today

Our team is here to help you recover from a dog attack physically, financially, and emotionally. Having a lawyer on your side can increase your chances of getting a fair settlement for the best outcome possible. Schedule your free case evaluation directly with a reputable attorney by calling our office at (803) 888-2200, emailing info@ctlawsc.com, or filing out our secure online form.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

Who Pays For My Damages After a Dog Bite?

Finding coverage after a dog bite case can be complicated. Following a dog bite, we will exhaust every effort to find coverage so we can submit a personal injury claim on your behalf seeking compensation for your damages such as medical bills, property damage, emotional distress, and more.

The most common insurance that may provide coverage for your loss is the dog owner’s homeowner’s or rental insurance policy. If your accident happened at an apartment complex or other commercial establishment, it may also be possible to find coverage from those locations depending on the facts of the incident.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?

In South Carolina, you generally have 3 years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit.

There are many benefits to acting sooner than later. For example, acting quickly allows our team to collect and preserve critical evidence like witness testimony and footage that tends to weaken and even disappear over time. By contacting our office as soon as possible, we can best optimize your claim giving you the best outcome possible for the future ahead.

What Causes Dogs to Attack?

Canine aggression can be driven by fear, instinct, socialization issues, guarding, and other causes.

What Should I Do Immediately Following a Dog Bite in South Carolina?

What you do immediately following a dog bite impacts more than just your personal injury case, it can also have a severe impact on your health.

Here is a recommended guideline to follow in the aftermath of an unexpected dog attack.

Seek Medical Attention

After a dog bite, you may be at risk for various infections. It is in your best interest to visit an emergency room or doctor as soon as possible following the attack, even if your injuries seem minor.

Exchange Information with the Owner

If possible, collect the owner’s contact information and insurance information. In addition, collect the contact information for any witnesses.

Notify the Police

If you didn’t already, the medical center may contact law enforcement or animal control when you come in. Make sure to file a report and take a copy of the paperwork for your records.

Gather Evidence

If you’re able to, take photos and videos of your injuries.

Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer

After getting treated by a doctor, you should contact a personal injury lawyer who can help answer any questions you may have, protect your rights, and fight to get you the best outcome possible.