In South Carolina, owners of dogs are legally responsible for the damage caused by a dog bite or attack. If you have suffered a dog bite or dog attack in Charleston, there is a good chance that the owner or the keeper of the animal is liable for the resulting injuries. Call the Charleston dog bite lawyers at Anderson & Schuster, Attorneys at Law, LLC to discuss your Charleston dog bite case. Contact our Dog Bite Lawyers Now
Dog Owners Liable for Dog Bites
South Carolina has a statute that makes dog owners responsible for the injuries caused by dog attacks. Under the S.C. dog bite statute, a dog owner can be held liable for dog bite injuries even if the animal has never exhibited dangerous behavior before. Simply owning a dog that bites another person may enough to find the owner liable. Our Charleston dog bite lawyers will work to get you the compensation you deserve for your dog bite injuries.
People Watching a Dog Liable for Attack Injuries
Under South Carolina's dog bite statute, anyone who has "possession and control" over the animal may also be liable, even if they don’t own the dog. For example, if a friend or family member was dog sitting at their own home at the time of the attack, they may share liability with the dog owner for the injury. Our dog bite lawyers can help sort out liability for your dog attack injuries.
Recover for Dog Attacks that Don’t Involve Bites
The law holds dog owners liable for more than just dog bites. Under the statute, dog owners are liable when their animals "otherwise attack" another person. This may include instances when the animal jumps or pounces on someone or when someone is injured when trying to escape from a dog attack. For example, if a dog jumps on a child and the child breaks his or her arm as a result, the dog owner may be responsible for the child's injury.
Recover Under a Homeowner's Insurance Policy
A homeowner's insurance policy is the most common source of compensation following a dog bite injury. Most homeowners carry insurance coverage on their homes to provide protection in the event of fire, theft or other damage, and also in the event that someone is injured on their property. This can include those who are bitten or attacked by a family dog or other pet. Our Charleston dog attack attorneys will work with the insurance company to get you compensated for your dog bite injuries. Contact Our Charleston Dog Bite Attorneys Now.
No “One Free Bite” rule in South Carolina
In some states, a dog owner is only liable for injuries caused by the dog if the owner knew or should have known of the dog's dangerous propensities. Generally, this means that the dog has previously attacked another person, putting the owner on notice of the dangerous nature of the dog. Thus, if you are a dog's first victim, the owner may claim he had no knowledge of the dog's dangerous nature and thus, he is not responsible for your injuries. This is commonly referred to as the "one bite" rule. This is not the law in South Carolina.
Our Charleston dog bite lawyers help those injured by dog bites and attacks in Charleston, South Carolina and the surrounding areas. If you suffered a dog bite or animal attack in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan, or anywhere in South Carolina, please give our Charleston dog bite Attorneys a call today. Contact Our Dog Attack Attorneys
