Dog Bites
When you come to my office to meet with me, I want to make sure that you understand what you're entitled to, and what your rights are, and I want you to be able to walk away and feel like you have someone on your side who is willing to help you at any time. – Attorney Kelly Alfreds
Getting Results
$3.15 Million
Personal Injury Case
Charleston, South Carolina Dog Bite Injury Attorneys
Dog owners have a responsibility not only to care for their pets and keep them happy but also to ensure they do not harm others. If a dog attacks, its owners are responsible for any injuries it causes.
For a free case review, call us at 843-720-2800.
Representing Injured People Since 1927
Dog Bite Attorneys Serving Charleston, Goose Creek and Summerville, South Carolina
Dog bite cases can be difficult emotionally because they involve animals many consider to be family members.
Dogs are one of the most common, and beloved, household companions in the United States, and most dog owners understand the responsibilities they need to take on when caring for their pets. However, in far too many situations, irresponsible or negligent dog owners fail to prevent their dogs from causing harm to others, potentially resulting in serious consequences. As a result, dog bite victims are often entitled to seek compensation for their resulting injuries and other losses.
What Our Clients Say:
I am a client of Steinberg Law Firm. I fired my first lawyer because they didnt make me feel that they working for me. I called Steinberg, & Steve Goldberg came over to my home that night. The weight & worry of the world came off my shoulders after Steve left. I just KNEW, I didn't have to look any further. He was & still is on top of everything. I don't believe there is a more professional law firm out there in the state.
- Chris
Answering Your Questions
To discuss the details of your case, contact an experienced South Carolina dog bite lawyer today.
What if the owner did not know the dog was dangerous?
In South Carolina, dog owners are responsible for any harm caused by their dog even if they did not know that the dog would bite or be aggressive. Only if the dog was being provoked or if the injured person was trespassing on private property when the incident occurred, may the owner potentially not be liable.
Dog Bite Injuries Are Common
There are around 90 million pet dogs in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those dogs cause approximately 4.5 million bite injuries per year. However, because there is no centralized data collection regarding dog bites the exact number of injuries caused by dogs is probably much higher than what is documented.
Many instances go unreported because they are not serious enough to require medical attention, but an estimated 800,000Â dog attack injuries are serious. Dog encounters account for more than 1,000 daily emergency department visits. Since 2005, 471 people have been killed by dogs. Young children are more at risk of serious and fatal dog-inflicted injuries.
Over 38 percent of American households own a dog, which amounts to approximately 63.4 million dog-owning households.
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We can help you understand your legal options for recovery.
If you have been the victim of injuries resulting from a dog bite in South Carolina, our Charleston dog bite attorneys know what it takes to help you pursue aggressive action against the animal’s owner.
The Steinberg Law Firm Looks Out for Your Best Interests
Why Dogs Bite
Dogs typically cause injury in response to a stressful situation.
Any dog can bite. The dog’s size, breed, history and general temperament can contribute to bad behavior; however, under the right circumstances even the nicest family pet can injure someone. Dogs typically cause injury in response to a stressful situation, such as when scared, in pain or while defending loved ones, food, toys or territory. Sometimes a dog may be too excited or playing roughly and hurt someone unintentionally.
It is important to be wary of unfamiliar dogs but also use caution around family pets, as they are capable of biting as well. Never approach a dog you do not know without first asking its owner for permission and letting the dog sniff you. Be mindful of a dog’s body language and other cues that it is feeling uncomfortable. Teach children about dog safety too, as they are most often hurt the worst in dog attacks.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Sadly, in addition to the physical effects that a dog bite can have, many dog bite victims face significant emotional suffering too, whether as a result of permanent disfigurement or because of emotional trauma resulting from the attack itself.
An encounter with an aggressive or agitated dog can have many different outcomes. You could potentially be compensated for your injuries even when the dog did not bite you.
The victims of dog bites and attacks may suffer several different types of harm, with some of the most common including:
- Puncture Wounds
- Lacerations
- Infections
- Scarring / Disfigurement
- Eye and Facial Injuries
- Nerve Damage
In far too many situations, irresponsible or negligent dog owners fail to prevent their dogs from causing harm to others, potentially resulting in serious consequences.
South Carolina is a strict liability state, meaning the dog does not get a one-bite pass allowed in other states. As a result, dog bite victims are often entitled to seek compensation for their resulting injuries and other losses.
Practice Areas
Results
WE HAVE RECOVERED OVER $800 MILLION FOR CLIENTS IN THE LAST 10 YEARS, INCLUDING:
$3.15 Million
Personal Injury Case
$175,000
UPS Driver Dog Bite Case
South Carolina Dog Bite Laws
South Carolina is a strict liability state, which means that dog owners are responsible for any harm caused by their dogs. Laws vary from state to state, and many also follow strict liability. Even if the owners did not know that the dog would possibly bite or was aggressive, the owner would still be held responsible for the attack with only a few exceptions.
If the dog was being provoked or if the injured person was trespassing on private property when the incident occurred, the owner may not be liable. Anything that scares or hurts a dog may be considered a provocation for an attack.
As with any other personal injury case in South Carolina, the injured person has three years from the date of the bite to file a claim. If this statute of limitations expires, there is little chance of the case being heard in court, so it is important to contact an attorney about your bite injury without delay.
Recovery for Damages
What Our Clients Say
They have amazing lawyers!
They have worked on an impossible situation and exceeded all expectations in the resulting settlements. I would recommend the Steinberg Law Firm to anyone and everyone!
- Susan
My experience was excellent
From the first consultation to the end of my case I was kept updated step by step. My attorney worked hard for me and got me more than what I expected.
- Vanessa
I never felt like I was alone
My lawyer and his Paralegal were right with me the entire case. I never felt like I was alone. At every turn they were in my corner. Someone recommended me to Steinberg law firm and I gladly would do the same for someone else.
- Mike
I couldn't have asked for better
The people from the Steinberg group are top-notch. They handled my case extremely well, I couldn’t have asked for a better performance. Thank you all so much for all you did for me.
- Brian
I am grateful for them!
At my worst, they honestly and carefully protected and defended my family on multiple levels. I’m a client for life and the integrity of this law firm is unmatched. Thank You Steinberg Law Family!!!
- Brandy
The people are thoughtful and professional
Questions and concerns always get answered and concerns are taken care of. Thank you all at Steinburg for a good experience and for showing me that you care about your clients.
- Joan
The best law firm
This the best law firm anyone could ever deal with. Mr. Pearlman will work hard to get everything that is owed to you. It was a pleasure to have been represented by this firm.
- Rena
A wonderful experience
Had a wonderful experience with Mr. Pearlman and his team. Thank you very much for your diligence and expertise.
- Meagan
I highly recommend them
They work as a team providing the best referrals and assistance to accomplish what my family and I needed. I highly recommend them because you won’t be disappointed.
- Erika
Contact a Charleston Dog Bite Attorney
What Our Attorneys Can Do For You
At Steinberg Law Firm, our dog bite injury lawyers have experience dealing with dog owners and their insurance companies, who are reluctant to pay. Our team of attorneys will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers know how to build your case to pursue the best outcome for you and your family.
We have the resources and knowledge to investigate the circumstances of the attack and handle insurance companies so you do not have to. We are committed to offering our clients high-quality legal representation that gets results.