Dog Bite and Dog Attack Lawyers in South Carolina

South Carolina’s dog bite law is straightforward: If a person is bitten or otherwise attacked by a dog while the person is in a public place or is lawfully in a private place, the dog owner or person in control of the dog is liable for the injuries and losses of the person bitten.

Unlike some other states, there is no “one bite” provision making an allowance for the first time a dog attacks someone.

The law does not apply if the person who was bitten had first harassed or provoked the dog or if the dog is a trained law enforcement canine.

Property owners and dog owners have a responsibility to keep visitors reasonably safe from preventable hazards, including dangerous or uncontrolled animals. They should take appropriate steps to restrain their dogs and prevent them from posing a risk to guests, neighbors, delivery drivers, and others lawfully on the property. When an owner fails to do so, they may be held liable for the injuries their animal causes.

Many people hesitate to pursue a claim because the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or family member. However, compensation for dog bite and other dog-related injury claims is often paid through the owner’s homeowners’ insurance policy rather than out of their personal finances. In one case, Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers secured a $430,000 settlement for a woman who suffered serious injuries after her neighbor’s excited dog jumped on her, causing her to fall down a flight of stairs.

South Carolina does not have a single statewide leash law, which means many cities and counties have their own ordinances governing leash requirements, animal restraint, and dangerous dogs. These local laws can play an important role in determining liability after a dog bite or other dog-related injury.

With seven offices across South Carolina, Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers has deep roots in communities throughout the state. Our attorneys are familiar with the local ordinances and leash laws that may apply to your case and understand how they can impact a claim. Whether your injury occurred in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, or another South Carolina community, we have the local knowledge and experience to help protect your rights.

Owners might claim the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing. An attorney can help counter these defenses effectively.

The lawyers at Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers can fully investigate your dog bite case to calculate your losses and determine what compensation you are due for your injuries. Then we can help you recover the financial assistance you deserve through the dog owner’s insurance or workers’ compensation insurance.