Bluffton Dog Bite Injury Lawyers: Get Compensated

Comprehensive Legal Assistance for Dog Bite Victims

Dog bites are often unexpected but can be extremely serious. Depending on the size of the animal and the ferocity and duration of the attack, a dog bite incident can render devastating, long-lasting injuries.

If you or a loved one has been attacked by an animal, our Bluffton dog bite lawyers at Horton & Associates, LLC can help you recover compensation. We have over 15 years of legal experience and have a complete understanding of South Carolina laws governing dog bites and owner liability.

Request Your Free Consultation for Dog Bite Claims in Bluffton. Call (843) 420-1344 or contact us online today!

South Carolina Dog Bite Liability Explained

To recover damages in a dog bite personal injury case, the owner of the animal will need to be found liable for your injuries. Fortunately, South Carolina’s rules are fairly victim-friendly.

A dog owner can be held liable for injuries if:

• The injuries were caused by their dog biting or attacking someone
• The injured party was in a public place or a private place with permission
• The injured party did not provoke the dog

In other words, if a dog injures you while you are in a public place or in a private place where you had permission to be, you can potentially recover compensation so long as you did nothing to provoke the attack. We can assess the circumstances surrounding the dog bite incident you were involved in and determine if you have a case.

Keep in mind that you do not necessarily have to be bitten by a dog to recover damages. The law only requires that you be attacked. If a large dog charges at you in a park and knocks you down, for example, the owner can likely be held liable for any injuries you sustained as a result of the fall – even if the dog never actually bit you.

Unlike some other states, South Carolina does not have a “one bite” rule, which grants some lenience in these situations and requires that the owner have prior knowledge that the dog was aggressive or dangerous. South Carolina also does not have a negligence rule, in which a dog owner can only be held liable if they failed to take “reasonable care” to manage their animal.

Maximize Your Dog Bite Compensation in Bluffton

Some dog bite incidents can lead to catastrophic injuries and property damage, especially if an attack results in a serious fall on a hard or abrasive surface. You should immediately seek medical attention after a dog attack incident, as some injuries may not be immediately obvious.

Our Bluffton dog bite attorneys at Horton & Associates, LLC can help you recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses. You can recover compensation for all medical expenses stemming from your injuries, including examinations, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitative care.
• Property damage. You can be compensated for any of your possessions that were damaged or destroyed as a direct result of the dog attack. This might include clothing that was torn or a phone that shattered after being dropped during the incident.
• Lost income. If your injuries prevented you from immediately returning to work, you can receive compensation for missed or lost earnings.
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering. Depending on the severity of the attack, you may be able to secure compensation for any mental anguish you continue to experience as a result of the incident. You can also obtain pain and suffering damages if your injuries were so significant that they permanently alter your quality of life.

Need Legal Help After a Dog Bite? Contact Bluffton's Trusted Attorneys. Call (843) 420-1344 or contact us online to discuss your case today!