Florence Dog Bite Lawyer
Dogs are one of America’s favorite pets, being part of the family in almost 85 million households nationwide according to data from the American Veterinary Medical Association. Canine friends offer loyalty, unconditional love, protection, and other benefits, making it easy to forget that these are animals that can be unpredictable or aggressive. Research indicates that more than 316,000 victims seek medical care at hospital emergency rooms annually, and around half of them are children.
Dog bite claims are covered by South Carolina personal injury laws, but there can be challenges with the legal process. To ensure you receive fair monetary damages, trust our team at the Stanley Law Group. We have extensive experience representing victims and in-depth knowledge of the relevant concepts, so please contact us to set up a no-cost case review. A Florence dog bite lawyer can provide details, and a summary is useful.
4 Facts About South Carolina Dog Bite Cases
One of the first important points about dog bites and animal attacks is the unique nature of the harm to the victim. The most severe trauma is often to the face, which could mean extensive cosmetic surgery to repair the damage. Plus, many victims are traumatized by the experience, frequently suffering from emotional disorders and a life-long fear of dogs. Some additional facts to note include:
- South Carolina has a dog bite statute, which holds the owner strictly liable for losses, i.e., you do not need to prove fault.
- It is also possible to pursue the dog’s owner for compensation under the “one bite” rule, in which liability attaches if the animal had previously attacked.
- It is a defense to a dog bite claim if the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing.
- There is a three-year statute of limitations on South Carolina dog bite claims, so you must sue in court before the deadline expires.
Legal Help with the Claims Process
In a successful dog bite claim, it is possible to recover monetary damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and other losses. The Stanley Law Group will guide you through the process, as our Florence dog bite lawyers are prepared to:
- Conduct an investigation and collect evidence regarding fault;
- Review your medical records, including those on cosmetic surgery and psychiatric treatment for emotional disorders;
- Prepare all forms to file a claim with the dog owner’s insurance company;
- Attempt to negotiate settlement with the insurer for a fair amount of compensation;
- Participate in mediation; and,
- Represent you throughout the litigation process and during a trial on the merits.
Trust a Florence Dog Bite Lawyer to Guide You Through the Process
This overview about dog bite laws is helpful, but it should also convince you that legal representation is essential when pursuing your remedies. Our team at the Stanley Law Group has years of combined experience assisting victims, so we are prepared to tackle all important tasks. Please contact us today to schedule a free consultation. A South Carolina dog bite lawyer can advise you on what to expect after reviewing your case.
