North Charleston, SC Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

Experienced South Carolina Attorneys Hold Negligent Pet Owners Responsible

Dog bites can occur in homes, public places, and commercial establishments. Whether you were attacked at a friend’s house, a dog park, a pet-friendly restaurant, or a store, the owner is responsible for ensuring their dog does not harm others. Unfortunately, not all dog owners take this duty seriously. A bite can happen without warning, and the effects can last for years once an injury occurs.

Steinberg Law Firm has fought for injury victims across South Carolina for nearly a century. With more than 170 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys are ready to hold negligent dog owners accountable.

Dog Bite Statistics You Should Know

Dog attacks are increasing nationwide, leading to more injuries, higher medical costs, and larger legal settlements. Many people underestimate the severity of dog bites, but data shows that these attacks often cause life-altering damage, requiring extensive medical care.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2023, homeowners’ insurers paid out $1.12 billion in dog bite-related claims. This staggering figure reflects both the frequency and severity of these incidents. Over the past decade, the average cost per claim has surged by 82.5%, largely due to rising medical expenses and the size of settlements and jury awards. Victims often face long-term medical treatments, reconstructive surgery, and lost wages, making full compensation essential.

Some breeds are more likely to cause severe injuries than others. Studies indicate that pit bulls are 4.4 times more likely to inflict complex wounds than other commonly reported biting breeds. Additionally, off-property attacks by pit bulls are 2.7 times more frequent than those involving other breeds. While any dog can bite, certain breeds have stronger jaws and a tendency for prolonged attacks, increasing the risk of permanent disfigurement, disability, and fatal injuries.

The number of fatal dog attacks is rising sharply. In 2021, CDC Wonder recorded 81 fatal dog attacks, the highest number ever documented in a single year. This represents a 69% increase from 2019 and a 131% increase from 2018. The growing number of fatal and catastrophic injuries underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and legal action against negligent dog owners.

Where Do Dog Bites Happen in North Charleston?

Dog attacks can happen anywhere. Specific environments increase the likelihood of an aggressive incident, mainly when a dog is unfamiliar with a location, strangers, or other animals. Understanding where attacks commonly occur may help victims establish who is responsible and how a claim should be handled.

Private Homes and Neighborhoods

Many dog bites happen on residential properties. A person might be visiting a friend, working as a delivery driver, or walking through their neighborhood when a dog suddenly attacks. Even when an owner believes their dog is friendly, any unexpected movement or loud noise can trigger aggression.

South Carolina law is clear: a dog’s owner is responsible for injuries caused by their pet, even if the bite occurs inside a home. You may be entitled to compensation if you were lawfully on the property and suffered injuries.

Dog Parks and Walking Trails

North Charleston has several off-leash dog parks and walking paths where owners bring their pets for exercise. While many visitors follow leash laws and keep their dogs under control, some do not. Even a friendly dog can become aggressive when startled or overwhelmed by other animals.

Off-leash areas present unique risks. A dog may suddenly chase a runner, bite a child, or attack another dog. When an owner fails to control their pet, they can be held liable for injuries that occur.

Restaurants, Breweries, and Retail Stores

More businesses are now allowing dogs in stores, outdoor patios, and public spaces. While this creates a welcoming atmosphere for pet owners, it also increases the risk of a bite.

Dogs in highly populated or loud areas may feel overwhelmed, nervous, or threatened. Even a well-trained pet can react poorly if it perceives a threat from a stranger or another dog. If a business allows dogs on its premises, it may share liability if an attack happens due to poor safety measures or a lack of enforcement.

Apartment Complexes and Shared Spaces

Apartment buildings and multi-family housing complexes often have shared spaces where tenants and their pets interact. An unleashed or poorly trained dog can bite a neighbor, maintenance worker, or delivery driver.

If a landlord or property manager knew about a dangerous dog on the premises and failed to take action, they may be partially responsible for the attack.

Top 3 Injuries After a Dog Bite

A single bite can cause lifelong medical and emotional complications. Injuries range from deep puncture wounds and broken bones to permanent disfigurement and infections.

1. Severe Wounds

Dog bites often result in torn skin, muscle damage, and nerve injuries. Some victims require surgery to repair deep lacerations or remove infected tissue. In 2018, nearly 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery due to dog bite-related injuries. The road to recovery is long, painful, and expensive, often requiring multiple procedures and extended physical therapy. In a 2022 study, facial injuries accounted for 90% of emergency department intakes for dog bites to the face. 

2. Emotional Trauma and PTSD

Dog bite victims frequently have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression; many experience recurring nightmares, fear of dogs, and difficulty going outside alone. Children are particularly vulnerable to lasting psychological trauma after a severe bite.

3. Infection Risks and Medical Complications

Dog bites introduce harmful bacteria into the body, increasing the risk of serious infections such as rabies, sepsis, and cellulitis. Left untreated, these infections can become life-threatening.

Medical bills from infections, surgeries, and rehabilitation quickly add up over time. With the cost of medical care increasing every year, obtaining full compensation is more important than ever.

What Are South Carolina’s Dog Bite Laws?

South Carolina has clear and strict liability laws regarding dog bites. If a dog attacks someone in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property, the owner is automatically responsible for any injuries that result. Unlike states that require proof of prior aggression or negligence, South Carolina does not allow dog owners to avoid liability simply because the dog has never bitten before.

Strict Liability for Dog Owners

South Carolina follows a strict liability standard, meaning a dog’s owner is legally responsible as soon as an attack occurs, regardless of the animal’s history. Under South Carolina Code § 47-3-110, owners cannot claim ignorance of their dog’s aggression or argue that the bite was unexpected. This law applies whether the bite happens in a public park, a business, a private residence, or other lawful setting.

Unlike states that adhere to a “one-bite rule,” which only holds owners responsible after their dog has bitten someone at least once, South Carolina’s law does not require prior evidence of aggression. This means that even if an owner had no reason to believe their dog was dangerous, they are still fully liable for the attack and any resulting damages.

How a South Carolina Dog Owner May Avoid Liability

While strict liability laws place the burden on the dog’s owner, there are a few limited exceptions where the owner may not be held responsible for an attack.

One exception occurs when the victim provokes the dog. If someone teased, tormented, or physically harmed the animal before the attack, the owner may argue that the bite was a defensive reaction rather than an unprovoked incident. Courts consider whether the provocation was intentional and whether it directly led to the attack when deciding liability.

Another exception applies if the victim was trespassing at the time of the bite. South Carolina law only holds owners responsible when the victim had a legal right to be on the property. If a person enters a private home, yard, or business without permission, the owner may not be liable for the resulting injuries. However, this does not apply when a business invites customers or a worker, such as a delivery driver, has implied permission to enter the premises.

A final exception exists for law enforcement and military dogs acting within the scope of their duties. If a trained police K-9 bites someone while assisting an officer, the owner or handler is typically not liable for injuries. These dogs are trained for law enforcement, and their actions during an arrest or pursuit are usually protected under state law. However, if a police K-9 attacks someone outside of official police activity, liability may still apply. 

If a dog bit you or a loved one, you may be entitled to financial recovery, and speaking with an attorney can help clarify your legal options.

Types of Compensation You Can Recover After Sustaining an Injury From a Dog

Dog bite victims can recover a range of financial damages, including:

• Permanent scarring—compensation for visible disfigurement.
• Medical expenses–hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and therapy;
• Lost wages—compensation for missed work due to injuries;
• Pain and suffering—physical pain, emotional distress, and PTSD; and

The long-term costs of a dog attack can be overwhelming. A North Charleston dog bite lawyer can help you receive the full amount you deserve. 

Why You Need a North Charleston Dog Bite Lawyer

After a dog attack, the financial burden of medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery can be overwhelming. While South Carolina law holds dog owners liable for bites, insurance companies rarely make the claims process easy. They aim to limit payouts by minimizing injuries, disputing liability, or blaming the victim. You may struggle to receive the full amount you are owed without legal representation.

Insurance adjusters are not on your side. They may offer a lowball settlement that barely covers initial medical expenses, ignoring future surgeries, rehabilitation, or emotional trauma. Some insurers attempt to shift blame onto the victim, suggesting that you provoked the dog or were partially responsible for the attack. If you accept an early settlement, you may waive your right to pursue further compensation, even if your injuries require additional medical care in the future.

A dog bite lawyer levels the playing field. An attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, consult medical experts, and push back against unfair insurance tactics. Legal representation ensures that your claim is taken seriously and that you receive compensation for the full extent of your injuries, not just what the insurance company wants to pay. Without an attorney, you risk being pressured into a settlement that does not reflect the true cost of your recovery.

Hold Negligent Dog Owners Accountable – Call Steinberg Law Firm Today

A dog attack can leave you with serious injuries, lasting trauma, and financial strain. If you or a loved one has been bitten in North Charleston, you should not have to bear these burdens alone. At Steinberg Law Firm, our attorneys fight for the rights of injury victims, ensuring negligent dog owners are held responsible. We have a proven track record of success in dog bite cases, and we are ready to take on your case. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your suffering or deny you the financial recovery you deserve. Call Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 today for a free consultation and get the legal support you need.