Personal Injury Attorneys: Vicious Dogs And Dog Bites In South Carolina
Dogs can be our best friends, but their behavior can also be unpredictable. A dog attack can not only be terrifying but also result in catastrophic injuries and extensive damage. With over 75 years of combined experience, the personal injury attorneys at Koon Cook & Walters, LLC are dedicated to fighting for financial compensation on behalf of clients who are suffering from a dog bite injury. From our office in Columbia, our dog bite attorneys can help if you’ve been attacked by a dog or a vicious animal.
Dog Bite Laws In South Carolina
In South Carolina, a dog owner is strictly liable for the behavior of their dog. This means that if a dog bites someone or attacks them in any way, even without warning or if the dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner is responsible for the damages caused by their dog. However, if the injured person provoked the dog, the owner may not be liable. In addition, if the dog was on private property and the person the dog bit was trespassing or didn’t have permission to be there, the owner may not be liable.
Damages And Compensation For Dog Attacks
A dog doesn’t have to bite to attack. Dogs can still cause damages by knocking over someone elderly or pouncing on a child. Dog bites and attacks can result in the following injuries:
- Puncture wounds from a dog’s teeth
- Lacerations, cuts and scrapes, and sometimes even permanent scarring
- Broken bones and bruises from a fall
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Infections such as rabies, or bite wound infections from bacteria
Damage from a dog can also be emotional. Getting bitten by a dog as a child can leave lasting and even lifelong trauma. Victims of dog bites may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages including:
- Compensation for medical bills and doctor visits
- Lost wages or other related financial losses
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
If a person dies from a dog bite or attack, there is also a potential claim for a wrongful death action. Our personal injury attorneys at Koon Cook & Walters, LLC, want to help you focus on your recovery. When you retain them to pursue your dog bite claim, they will take care of tracking down all avenues of possible recovery so that you can focus on getting better.
Strict Deadlines Apply When Filing A Claim For A Dog Bite Injury
There are strict filing deadlines for dog bite claims. Don’t wait. Call us today at 803-991-0685 or send an email through our online form. We offer free initial consultations and case evaluations to answer any questions you may have and better explain how we can help you with your particular case.