Dog Bite Attorney
Dogs have long been called “man’s best friend”; however, they are not harmless animals when they act according to their nature and attack. Dog bites can result in serious injuries that may even become life-threatening. The owner of the dog or others may be held accountable for their inability to control the animal.
If you or a loved one was bitten or attacked by a dog or other animal, you need an experienced dog bite lawyer to fight for your rights. The legal team at Venus Poe, Attorney at Law can help you file a personal injury insurance claim or dog bite lawsuit, if necessary. We offer a free consultation. Call us today at 864-963-0310.
Get the Compensation You Deserve After a Dog Bite
If you have been severely injured after a dog bite, you deserve to get compensation from those responsible for the attack. In many situations, the dog owner’s home insurance will cover dog bites. However, some dog owners have separate insurance policies to cover situations like this. If there is no insurance available, you still have the option of suing the dog owner in a dog bite lawsuit.
Our dog bite attorneys can help you get compensation for the following damages:
- Past and future medical costs
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship (spousal relationship)
Who Is Liable for Dog Bites in South Carolina?
A dog owner is expected to be in control of their animal at all times. However, there may be situations where a dog owner transfers responsibility of a dog to someone else and they may be responsible for an attack as well.
For example, if a dog owner drops their dog off at a doggie daycare and leaves, then the daycare would be responsible for that animal while in their care. If you visit the doggie daycare and the dog is permitted to get close enough to you to bite you and cause damage, then the business may be held liable. In this case, it may be possible to hold both the dog owner and doggie daycare liable.
When multiple parties are involved in personal injury lawsuits, they can become particularly complex. If you fail to include any potential party to a lawsuit, you may not get all of the compensation you deserve.
South Carolina Dog Bite Laws
South Carolina has a strict-liability law (South Carolina Code §47-3-110) that makes dog owners responsible for damages caused by bites or attacks. You do not have to prove that the owner of the animal knew or should have known that the dog was prone to attack. That means there is no provision for a dog that has a history of being a “good dog.”
What Is the One-Bite Rule?
Some states have what is called a “one-bite rule.” That law presumes that a dog is not vicious and a dog bite victim must prove that the dog owner knew the dog was dangerous in order to hold them liable for damages. This essentially gives the dog one bite “free” before the owner is responsible for damages caused by their animal.
South Carolina does not have a one-bite rule. Instead, dog owners are strictly liable for any harm their animals cause to someone else.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Greenville, South Carolina?
If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog in Greenville, SC, you should immediately get medical attention. You should go to an emergency room like Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital ER or St. Francis Hospital ER. Then, you should report the incident to Greenville County Animal Control.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Fountain Inn, South Carolina?
If you or a family member has suffered dog bite injuries in Fountain Inn, SC, you should go to one of the closest emergency rooms like Prisma Health Hillcrest Hospital ER. You should then report the dog bite to Fountain Inn Animal Control.
Call a Dog Bite Lawyer for a Free Consultation
You need to act fast after a dog bite. Evidence fades quickly in these types of cases. When you call Venus Poe, Attorney at Law, we will immediately begin working to help you get the best outcome possible. Call us for a free consultation at 864-963-0310 or use our online contact form to reach out.