You didn’t expect the dog to lunge. One moment you were walking through your neighborhood, and the next you were bitten and bleeding. Whether it happened on a public sidewalk or inside someone’s home, a dog bite can leave you with serious injuries, medical bills, and lasting trauma. If you or your child was bitten in Columbia, South Carolina, you may have the right to seek compensation from the dog’s owner.
South Carolina’s Law on Dog Bites
South Carolina law follows a strict liability standard for dog bites. That means the dog’s owner can be held responsible even if the dog never showed signs of aggression before. There is no one bite rule in South Carolina. Whether the bite occurred in a public place or you were lawfully visiting private property, the owner may be liable. Columbia dog bite lawyers can explain how South Carolina’s statute applies to your dog bite injury case.
Where Dog Bites Happen in Columbia
Dog bite victims have been attacked while walking near Riverfront Park, running along Saluda Avenue, or visiting family in Forest Acres. Some dog attacks happen at friend’s homes or apartment complexes where dogs are left unsecured. Others involve delivery drivers or postal workers bitten while doing their jobs. Columbia dog bite attorneys have handled cases involving large breeds, small dogs, and incidents involving children of all age groups. The emotional trauma can last long after the physical wounds heal.
Common Dog Bite Injuries and Their Impact
Dog bite injuries range from puncture wounds and broken bones to facial disfigurement and nerve damage. Some dog bite victims require stitches, rabies shots, or even plastic surgery. In severe cases, people experience post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and mental anguish. Victims often face medical expenses, lost income, and non economic damages tied to their suffering. A Columbia dog bite lawyer can help document both physical and emotional injuries to support your personal injury claim.
How Insurance Companies Handle Dog Bite Claims
Pet owners often rely on homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance to cover dog bite claims. But the insurance company may deny responsibility, downplay your injuries, or delay payments. An experienced injury lawyer knows how to deal with the insurance company and prove liability. Columbia dog bite lawyers gather medical records, witness statements, and evidence to show the dog’s owner was responsible and that you are entitled to financial compensation.
Why Legal Representation Matters After a Dog Bite
Dog bite cases are more than just legal paperwork. They involve a painful experience, real suffering, and often a complicated relationship with the pet owner. A dog bite attorney can manage the legal process while you focus on healing. From proving the bite occurred to calculating injury related losses, your attorney will handle the details that matter. Legal representation helps ensure that the liable party is held accountable and that you recover compensation that reflects your full experience.
Call Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC for Your Columbia Dog Bite Case
If you or someone in your family has been bitten in Columbia South Carolina, you do not have to go through this alone. The injury lawyers at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC represent dog bite victims and help them seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Call today for a free consultation with a Columbia dog bite attorney.
Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers
Address: 1335 44th Ave North Unit 101,Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: (843) 232-0944
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Columbia?
Seek medical treatment, even for small wounds. Take photos, report the bite to local authorities, and gather the dog owner’s contact information. Then contact a Columbia dog bite lawyer to protect your legal rights.
Can I file a claim if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. South Carolina does not follow the one bite rule. The owner can be held liable even if the dog had no prior history of aggression.
What compensation can I receive for a dog bite?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and non economic damages like mental anguish and emotional trauma.
Who pays for my medical bills after a dog bite?
In most cases, the pet owner’s insurance company is responsible. A dog bite attorney can help make sure your bills are covered and negotiate with the insurer for a fair outcome.
Is there a deadline to file a dog bite claim in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina law gives most victims three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. It’s best to speak with a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing your window.
