Coming and going from home should feel safe and familiar. For one woman, that sense of security was shattered during what should have been an ordinary walk back to her apartment.
As she approached her building, a neighbor opened their door. In an instant, a pit bull rushed out and immediately attacked. The powerful animal latched onto her right leg. Terrified and in pain, she frantically tried to escape the attack by jumping onto a nearby bench. Unfortunately, it did little to stop the attack, and the dog snuck its teeth deeply and repeatedly into her left leg before others were finally able to intervene and bring the situation under control.
What began as a normal day had quickly devolved into a frightening and painful ordeal. While she was happy to have survived the vicious attack, she still had a long road ahead.
Emergency Treatment and Ongoing Medical Complications
The victim was rushed to the emergency room, where doctors treated and sutured the lacerations, punctures, and tissue tears within her multiple bite wounds. She also received a tetanus shot as part of her immediate care.
Recognizing the seriousness of what had happened, and unsure how she could afford to pay her medical bills, she contacted Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers the very next day. Attorney Michaella Magaard and Case Manager Stella Rodriguez took on the case with zeal and determination. Because the victim had reached out so quickly after the attack, her legal team was well-positioned to begin protecting her interests while the details were still fresh and critical evidence could be preserved.
That early decision would prove important as the case unfolded.
A Complicated and Painful Recovery Physically and Emotionally
Unfortunately, despite seeking medical care right away, our client’s recovery was far from simple.
In the weeks that followed, her wounds struggled to heal properly. She later required treatment at the MUSC outpatient wound-care facility, where medical providers discovered and treated serious fluid buildup from one of the wound sites on her lower leg.
Even after treatment, she was left with skin pigmentation issues and developed prominent keloid scarring on both legs. The attack also damaged a sentimental tattoo on her calf, adding emotional distress to her physical injuries.
During her recovery, walking became painful and difficult, limiting both her personal life and daily routines. Although she pushed through and continued working, the injury affected her mobility and comfort for months.
The emotional toll proved just as significant.
Despite clear breed restrictions that prohibited renters from having pit bulls, the dog remained in the same apartment complex. As a result, our client lived in constant fear, worried about her safety every time she entered or exited her home. What should have been a place of comfort and security became a source of anxiety and stress.
Investigating Liability Beyond the Dog Owner
Complicating the case, the dog owner did not carry renters’ insurance. In many dog-bite cases, this alone can severely limit a victim’s ability to recover compensation. Rather than allowing the claim to stall, Attorney Michaella Magaard focused on identifying a viable path forward.
Building on the apartment complex’s failure in enforcing its own safety rules, atty. Magaard pursued liability against the property owner. By leveraging the complex’s role in allowing a prohibited dog to remain on the property, Attorney Magaard was able to pursue a recovery that reflected the full scope of our client’s physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term impact on her life.
A $250,000 Settlement Provides a Path Forward
Through strategic investigation and aggressive negotiation, Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers secured a $250,000 settlement for our client.
The recovery is allowing her to buy a home and move out of the environment that had become a daily source of fear. While no settlement can erase the trauma or permanent scarring, the outcome provided meaningful financial support and an important step toward reclaiming her peace of mind.
Standing Up for Injury Victims Across South Carolina
Dog attacks can leave more than physical wounds. They often create lasting emotional and financial burdens. This case highlights the importance of looking beyond the obvious facts and identifying every potentially responsible party.
At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we remain committed to helping injured South Carolinians level the playing field and pursue the full compensation they deserve after a serious injury.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a dog attack, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers offers a free consultation, and because of our No Fee Guarantee, you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. Contact our team to learn how we can help protect your rights and pursue the recovery you deserve.
