Dog Bites

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Charleston, South Carolina Dog Bite Attorneys

Dog bites can cause serious injuries, resulting in permanent injury in the most severe situations. For this reason, being bitten by a dog can result in astronomical medical bills and lost wages due to an inability to return to work. 

At Cobb, Dill & Hammett, LLC, we have worked with victims of dog bites to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve under the law. We understand how overwhelming and frustrating these situations can be, particularly when the incident was not your fault. Because of this, we work tirelessly to advocate for our clients’ rights and restore them to their former emotional and financial standing. If you were bitten by a dog, you have the right to receive justice under the law. Consider contacting our experienced Charleston, South Carolina dog bite attorneys at 843-936-6680 to get your questions answered and ensure your legal right to compensation remains protected.

South Carolina Dog Bite Legislation

South Carolina has specific laws that govern pet-ownership and the liability surrounding events that result from pet aggression. Specifically, South Carolina Code Section 47-3-110 states that whenever people are bitten by a dog, whether they are in public or in a permitted private location, the owner or keeper of the dog is liable for all damages suffered by the victim. It should be noted that this law applies to the owner of the dog as well as any person having the dog in his or her care.

There is one caveat within South Carolina’s dog bite law, which is that if the dog bite was provoked, then the owner may not liable depending on the facts and circumstances of the incident. If a dog owner claims a provocation defense, our attorneys can help you build a strong case to still attempt to receive compensation for your injuries and losses resulting from your dog bite.

One Bite Rule in South Carolina

South Carolina also follows common law liability based on the “one bite rule.” There are two key elements in the state of South Carolina that must be proven by the victim in order to recover damages resulting from a dog bite: 

  • Prior to the dog bite incident, the dog displayed a tendency to injure people by biting them, and; 
  • Prior to the dog bite incident, the owner or keeper of the animal knew or should have reasonably known about the dog’s tendency to injure people by biting them.

Developing a legal strategy around the “one-bite rule” can prove legally challenging and complex.  However, it is absolutely possible for victims of dog bites to successfully recover damages and receive compensation under the law given the right set of facts and circumstances. At Cobb, Dill & Hammett, LLC, our experienced dog bite attorneys have years of experience in meeting this burden of proof and successfully recovering damages for our clients.

Can I Receive Compensation Following a Dog Bite?

While every dog bite accident is different, in many cases it is absolutely possible to receive compensation for losses and injuries suffered as a result of a dog bite attack. Assuming that all legal elements can be proven, and you have sustained injuries of some sort, you may be able to receive compensation under the law.

In all dog bite cases, the ability to receive compensation hinges entirely on the issue of liability. Whose fault was the accident? Can you prove that the accident resulted because of the pet owner or keeper’s negligence? Was the animal already a danger to society? If these facets of the case can be established, compensation may be in order. We can help answer all of your questions related to your dog bite incident, and help you understand how you may be able to receive compensation for your losses.

Cobb, Dill & Hammett Can Advocate For You

If you or a loved one was the victim of a dog bite, you understand how overwhelming and terrifying the event and the aftermath can be for a victim and/or family member. Given the potential health consequences, medical bills, financial losses, and the psychological trauma that results from being bitten by a dog, hiring an attorney is often an appropriate course of action to receive justice, as well as compensation. 

At Cobb, Dill & Hammett, LLC, our experienced South Carolina dog bite attorneys leverage significant knowledge and expertise with dog bite cases to recover damages for our clients. We are passionate advocators and litigators, and we work diligently to ensure that victims of dog bites receive the justice they deserve under the law. If you or a loved one was the victim of a dog bite, you are not alone. We are available at 843-936-6680 to discuss your case and explain your options for legal recourse. Consider calling us today to learn more.