CHARLESTON, SC AND SUMMERVILLE, SC DOG BITE AND ANIMAL INJURY ATTORNEY

In South Carolina, dog bites are covered under a legal standard of "strict liability". In a nutshell, absent any showing of an exception that is stated in the statute, the satisfaction of the elements laid out in the "dog bite" statute are de facto violations that are not subject to any other legal defenses for negligence or reckless acts. It would not matter that the owner of the dog did not know and could not have known the dog would attack or bite.

WHAT IS THE LAW IN SOUTH CAROLINA CONCERNING INJURIES FROM DOG BITES

The South Carolina "dog bite" statute can be found at S.C. Code Ann. Sec. 47-3-110. In South Carolina, a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by the animal when:

• the injuries are caused when the owner's dog bites or "otherwise attacks" another person

• the injured person was in a public place or was lawfully in a private place, and

• the injured person did not provoke the dog.

WHAT FACTORS MUST BE CONSIDERED IN BRINGING A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM FOR DOG BITES

There are two things to take special note of in the South Carolina dog bite statute. First, there is a statutory defense that a person may not recover damages for injuries if they provoked an attack by the animal. Second, that this statute includes the phrase "otherwise attacks." Therefore, technically under the statute, there does not have to be a bite per se, only that the dog "attacked" the injured party. 

The two most common defenses to the "dog bite" claim is that the injured party provoked the attack or that the injured party was a trespasser. 

The McMillian Law Firm is known for compassionate and effective legal representation. Call us now at (843) 900-1306 or use the online form to schedule your free no-obligation case evaluation today.

As a personal Injury lawyer in my solo practice, I will take all necessary steps to protect your rights and work to secure compensation for your injuries as a victim of a dog bite. Being a small firm allows you to have direct access to your lawyer during this entire process, with open lines of communication as we work together towards a viable solution to your specific case. 

Being an experienced personal injury attorney, I have experience dealing with insurance companies. I also know where the courthouse is and will not be afraid to call the insurance company to the mat in front of a judge and jury if necessary.

THE MCMILLIAN LAW FIRM - CHARLESTON, SC AND SUMMERVILLE, SC DOG BITE / ANIMAL INJURY ATTORNEY

Being an experienced personal injury attorney, I have experience dealing with insurance companies. I also know where the courthouse is and will not be afraid to call the insurance company to the mat in front of a judge and jury if necessary.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite in Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, James Island, West Ashley, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, North Charleston, or any of the other fine communities of the Low Country, and need to meet with an experienced slip and fall lawyer, please contact me to set up your free case evaluation today. Let me help prevent you from being taken advantage of by the insurance company. I am serious and I am here for you! Contact The McMillian Law Firm @ 843-900-1306