Dog bites can bring about extremely serious injuries, including puncture wounds, broken bones, and deep lacerations. They may also cause visible scarring on the victim’s body.
The dog owner or their insurance company may be responsible if you suffered injuries in a recent dog bite or attack incident. The skilled Charleston dog bite attorneys at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can evaluate your case, file an insurance claim on your behalf, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
For a free case evaluation with our knowledgeable Charleston dog bite lawyers, please contact us online today.
Charleston Dog Bite Guide
- Why Should Our Charleston Dog Bite Lawyers Represent You?
- How Much Is My Charleston Dog Bite Case Worth?
- Common Locations for Dog Bite Incidents in Charleston
- Dog Bite Laws in Charleston
- Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries in Charleston
- Fighting the Insurance Company After a Dog Bite in Charleston
- 3 Essential Steps to Take After a Charleston Dog Bite Incident
- Contact Our Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers in Charleston Today
Why Should Our Charleston Dog Bite Lawyers Represent You?
After suffering injuries in a dog bite incident, you want an experienced legal team on your side that will fight aggressively for your interests. At Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, we can negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company and pursue a favorable settlement offer.
However, if the insurance company does not offer you favorable compensation, we are not afraid to take your case to trial or pursue alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Our lawyers have a strong track record of successfully settling and litigating South Carolina dog bite cases in the state court system and achieving favorable results for our clients.
You can view some of our most recent client testimonials by clicking here. We also carefully limit our caseloads, ensuring your case gets the full, individualized attention it deserves.
Our office currently has locations in Myrtle Beach, Aiken, Murrells Inlet, and Columbia. Let us immediately seek the damages you deserve for your dog bite injuries.
How Much Is My Charleston Dog Bite Case Worth?
Determining the value of a dog bite case in Charleston involves several factors that can influence the compensation you receive.
In legal terms, this compensation is known as “damages", and it helps victims recover from the physical, emotional, and financial effects of their dog bite injuries.
- The first consideration is the extent of your dog bite injuries. Severe injuries, such as deep lacerations or nerve damage, typically result in higher compensation compared to minor injuries like bruises or scratches. Medical expenses, including hospital bills, medication costs, and future treatment expenses, are all factored into the total compensation amount.
- Another significant factor is the effect of the dog bite on your daily life. This includes any lost income due to missed work for medical treatment or recovery, as well as any future loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to work in the future.
- Additionally, compensation may be awarded for pain and suffering resulting from the dog bite. This includes physical pain as well as emotional distress, such as anxiety, PTSD, or a fear of dogs following the incident. The amount awarded for pain and suffering can vary greatly depending on your injuries' severity and lasting effects.
Other types of compensation that may be available in a dog bite case include:
- Property damage – If the dog bite damages your personal property, such as torn clothing or broken glasses, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repair or replacement.
- Punitive damages – In cases involving the dog owner’s particularly reckless or intentional actions, punitive damages may punish them and deter similar behavior.
- Loss of consortium – If the injuries from the dog bite affected your relationship with your spouse or family members, they may recover compensation for loss of companionship, affection, or support.
- Legal fees – In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy will cover the cost of your damages, including legal fees. However, if you must sue, you may recover compensation for the cost of hiring an attorney to represent you.
At Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, our Charleston dog bite lawyers will do everything possible to maximize the compensation you recover in your case.
Common Locations for Dog Bite Incidents in Charleston
Dog bites can happen anywhere in Charleston, but some places tend to see more incidents than others.
- One frequent site for dog bites is in residential areas. Dogs are often walking or even running free in neighborhoods, and encounters can occur while walking, jogging, or passing by a house. Dogs may feel protective of their territory and react aggressively if they perceive a threat.
- Another common location is public parks. Many people bring their dogs to parks for exercise and socialization, which can lead to interactions with unfamiliar dogs. Conflicts may arise if dogs are not properly supervised or trained, resulting in bites or other injuries.
- Additionally, dog bites often occur where dogs are not properly restrained or contained, such as streets or sidewalks. Dogs that roam freely without a leash or fence can pose a risk to pedestrians and cyclists, especially if they are aggressive or territorial.
- Another setting where dog bites are common is dog-related events or gatherings, such as dog parks, pet stores, or outdoor festivals. While these places are intended for dog-friendly activities, having multiple dogs in close proximity can sometimes lead to conflicts or confrontations.
- Lastly, dog bites can occur in private residences, including the homes of friends, family, or neighbors. Even familiar dogs can behave unpredictably under certain circumstances, such as when startled, frightened, or provoked.
Dog Bite Laws in Charleston
In South Carolina, dog bites laws protect people and animals while holding owners accountable for their pets’ behavior.
- South Carolina follows a one-bite rule, meaning that if a dog has shown aggressive behavior or bitten someone before, you can hold the owner accountable for any subsequent bites. This rule emphasizes the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need to take appropriate precautions with dogs with a history of aggression.
- Furthermore, Charleston has leash laws to ensure that dogs remain under control when in public spaces. These laws typically require owners to leash or otherwise restrain dogs when outside of their owner’s property. Failure to comply with leash laws can result in fines or other penalties, especially if a dog harms someone while off-leash.
Our experienced Charleston dog bite attorneys at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can review the circumstances of your dog bite incident and determine your eligibility for filing a claim. If you can move forward, we can gather the necessary documents and represent you during all negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance company.
Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries in Charleston
Different breeds have different tendencies regarding aggression and biting, which can affect the severity and type of injury that may occur.
But dog bite injuries can vary depending on the dog's size, strength, and temperament:
- One common type of injury is puncture wounds, which result from a dog’s sharp teeth penetrating the victim’s skin. Breeds with powerful jaws, such as pit bulls and Rottweilers, are known to inflict deep puncture wounds that can cause significant tissue damage and bleeding.
- Another type of injury is lacerations, which are cuts or tears in the victim’s skin that result from a dog’s teeth or claws. Breeds with large, strong jaws, such as German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers, can inflict deep lacerations that may require stitches or even surgery to repair.
- Fractures and broken bones are also possible injuries resulting from dog bites – especially if the dog is large or attacks with a great deal of force. Breeds like Mastiffs and Great Danes, known for their size and strength, are capable of causing serious injuries – including broken bones – with their powerful bites.
In addition to physical injuries, dog bites can result in psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Breeds with a reputation for aggression, such as Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Bulldogs, may cause victims to develop a fear of dogs or experience nightmares and flashbacks following an attack.
Any breed of dog can bite or injure someone under certain circumstances. Factors such as upbringing, socialization, and individual temperament play a significant role in a dog’s behavior and likelihood of aggression.
If you suffered any of these injuries in a recent dog bite incident, our skilled legal team at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can assemble the necessary claim documents on your behalf while you treat your injuries.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Dog Bite in Charleston
Our experienced Charleston dog bite attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights and seeking fair compensation for your dog bite case. When dealing with insurance companies, we understand the challenges you may face in obtaining the compensation you deserve, which is why we’re here to help.
Our lawyers can fight the insurance company on your behalf by thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding your dog bite incident. This includes gathering evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and photographs of your injuries and the incident scene.
By building a strong case based on the available evidence, we can effectively negotiate with the insurance company and advocate for your best interests.
Additionally, our lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with insurance adjusters and understanding the tactics they may use to minimize your claim. We can counter their arguments and push back against any attempts to undervalue or deny your claim. We ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the dog bite.
Furthermore, if negotiations with the insurance company are unsuccessful, our lawyers can take your case to court. We have the knowledge, resources, and courtroom experience to litigate your case effectively and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.
Throughout the legal process, our team will provide you with personalized attention and support, keeping you informed every step of the way.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a dog bite can take on your life, and we are committed to helping you seek justice and recover from your injuries.
With our skilled legal representation, you can trust that your case is in capable hands, allowing you to focus on your recovery and moving forward with your life.
3 Essential Steps to Take After a Charleston Dog Bite Incident
After a dog bites you in Charleston, to protect your health and legal rights:
- First, follow up with all recommended medical appointments and treatments to ensure proper healing and documentation of your injuries.
- Next, document everything related to the incident, including taking photographs of your injuries, the scene of the attack, and any visible signs of the dog’s owner or property. Keep records of all medical bills, prescriptions, and other expenses related to your treatment and recovery.
- Contact our skilled dog bite lawyers in Charleston as soon as possible. At Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, we can provide you with legal guidance, explain your rights, and advocate with the dog owner’s insurance company on your behalf. We can also gather necessary evidence, negotiate a settlement, or represent you in court if necessary.
Taking these important steps after a dog bite incident can protect your health, preserve crucial evidence, and increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your losses.
Contact Our Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers in Charleston Today
If you sustained injuries in a recent Charleston dog bite, never wait to consult experienced legal counsel right away. At Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, we can swiftly evaluate your case, take the necessary steps on your behalf, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
For a free case evaluation and consultation with a Charleston personal injury lawyer, please immediately contact us online or at (843) 466-4444.
