How Long You Have to Sue for a Dog Bite
If a dog bites you, you only have a limited time to take legal action. The state’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss that window, and the court won’t hear your case, no matter how severe your injuries or how clearly the owner was at fault. Acting quickly isn’t just smart. It’s the difference between being compensated and being shut out.
At John Price Law, we’ve seen how fast time slips away when medical treatment, lost wages, and emotional recovery take center stage. Our dog bite lawyers in Charleston, SC, will help you stay ahead of deadlines while building a case strong enough to stand up to insurers that rarely play fair.
The Cost of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks cause serious physical and financial harm. Victims often face puncture wounds, nerve damage, infections, or lasting scars that demand costly treatment. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite claims nationwide cost insurers over $1.1 billion in 2023, with many claims exceeding $58,000. This number doesn’t include the emotional toll or time missed from work.
SC follows a strict liability rule, which means an owner is responsible if their dog bites someone, even if the animal has never shown aggression before. However, having the law on your side doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be compensated. Insurers usually sound sympathetic at first, but behind the scenes, their priority is protecting their bottom line, not your recovery.
What a Lawyer Can Do to Strengthen Your Claim
Proving a dog bite case isn’t as simple as showing your injuries. You must demonstrate that the dog’s owner was legally responsible and that the bite resulted in your damages. A Charleston, SC, dog bite attorney keeps your case on schedule and ensures every piece of evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, animal control reports, and photos, lands where it needs to before time runs out.
Likewise, they know how to uncover and use the most persuasive evidence. That may include interviewing neighbors who witnessed the dog’s prior behavior, reviewing local leash ordinances, and obtaining insurance policy details that reveal coverage limits. Essentially, your Charleston, SC, dog bite lawyer becomes your timekeeper and strategist, explaining what comes next and protecting you from costly mistakes.
Negotiating with insurance companies takes persistence. Adjusters will downplay your injuries, question your story, or offer quick settlements that barely cover your medical costs. Having an advocate means you don’t face those tactics alone. Instead, you have someone fighting for the full value of your losses, including your medical bills, lost income, disfigurement, emotional distress, and future care needs.
Talk to Our Dog Bite Attorneys in Charleston, SC
Even the most substantial dog bite claim can fail if it’s filed too late. Acting early helps us gather the most unmistakable evidence, secure witness statements while memories are fresh, and negotiate from a position of strength. It also gives you peace of mind that your rights are protected while you focus on healing.
Recovering from a dog bite is hard enough without worrying about legal deadlines or insurance tactics. If you’ve been bitten, call 843-552-6011 or reach out to John Price Law online to schedule your case evaluation today.