What are the Reasons You Need an Attorney for a Dog Bite?
Dog attacks are a growing concern, with an alarming 98 fatalities being reported in the United States in 2022. If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog, you may experience physical injuries as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even if the canine is your friend’s or neighbor’s, you should consider taking legal action.
Our dog bite lawyers have helped thousands of victims become whole again following a canine attack. When you hire our Charleston dog bite lawyers, you are ensuring that you will recover the greatest amount of compensation for your injuries.
Your Injuries May Be Severe
A dog bite can result in staphylococcal and streptococcal infections, causing severe illness. Staph has shown up in approximately 20 percent of dog bite cases, with some people developing toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome can cause a range of symptoms, such as a high fever, stomach pain, muscle aches, confusion, and nausea/vomiting.
Understanding of Dog Bite Laws
If you have fallen victim to a canine attack, you need an advocate who has legal knowledge. South Carolina has strict dog bite laws, making the owner or keeper strictly liable if their dog bites another person. This means that even if the dog was leashed and the owner was otherwise behaving responsibly, he or she can still be held responsible if the dog bites anyone.
Albeit liability will be negated if the victim “provoked or harassed the dog,” and the attack was the result of teasing the animal. An exception also applies if the canine is working as a police dog, responding to a direct order by an officer.
Experience
The opposing party will present defenses that reduce or eliminate their liability. Having seen a variety of dog bite cases, we have the necessary experience to combat these defenses. Additionally, a dog bite lawyer can explain the claims process to you to help put you at ease.
Helping You Recover Maximum Compensation on Your Claim
A dog bite attorney will assist you in gathering evidence to prove that the strictly liable party is indeed the owner or keeper of the dog, that the dog bit you, and that your injuries were a result of the attack. A dog bite attorney will further assist you in collecting the necessary documentation to reflect your losses. This may be in the form of lost wages, loss of future earnings, and past and future medical expenses. Helping you recover these monetary losses will help provide the resources you need to get better.
Other non-monetary losses will be factored in as well, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, and psychological trauma. Although these losses are not easily quantifiable, they can impact your ability to heal following a dog attack.
Informing You of Your Legal Timeline
South Carolina law only allows a person three years following a dog bite or attack to make a claim. This applies to all personal injury cases. Once the three years have passed, you will be barred from recovery. However, there are exceptions that would toll the statute of limitations, thereby pausing the legal “clock.” It is important that you speak with a Charleston dog bite lawyer even if you believe the deadline has passed.
Consult with a Charleston Dog Bite Lawyer Immediately
A dog bite can rob you of more than just one day; it can have a long-lasting impact on your health and happiness. If you or a family member have been attacked or injured by a dog, our lawyers want to hear from you. To schedule your free consultation with our Charleston dog bite lawyers, call us or complete our online contact form.