Charleston Dog Bite Attorney
Dog Bite Attorney Representing Charleston & Nearby Areas of South Carolina
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.
PRACTICE AREAS
Charleston Dog Bite Attorney
Dog Bite Attorney Representing Charleston & Nearby Areas of South Carolina
Dogs are one of the most common 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.
Call our experienced Charleston dog bite lawyers at 843-376-5896 for a free case evaluation.
PRACTICE AREAS
Dog bites and other animal attacks can be extremely dangerous, particularly for young children and the elderly, and pet owners who allow these types of things to occur need to be held accountable for their negligence. If you have been the victim of a dog bite in Charleston, the dog bite lawyers at the Steinberg Law Firm fully understand how badly you may have been hurt, and we are committed to helping dog bite victims take action against those responsible for their needless suffering.
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 bad enough to require medical attention, but an estimated 800,000 of dog attack injuries are serious. Dog encounters account for more than 1,000 daily emergency department visits. In the years since 2005, 471 people have been killed by dogs. Young children are more at risk of serious and fatal dog-inflicted injury.
Why Dogs Bite
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 tooas 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
What do to if you have been bitten
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 dog. Laws vary from state-to-state, and many also follow strict liability. Even if they did not know that the dog would possibly bite or was aggressive, the owner would still be held responsible for the attack except for in only a few scenarios. 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 can usually 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.
Talk to a Charleston Dog Bite Attorney
If you have been the victim of injuries resulting from a dog bite, our Charleston dog bite attorneys know what it takes to help you pursue aggressive action against the animal’s owner. Your initial consultation is free, and we collect no fees until we get you compensation for your pain. Contact the Steinberg Law Firm or call us at 843-376-5896 to talk with a member of our professional legal staff and find out more about what we can do for you.
What Our Clients Say About Us
I am very pleased with my experience
I have, and will continue to recommend The Steinberg Law Firm. They have worked very hard on my behalf.
It is hard to really put in writing how much Tom was there for me
He really did such an unbelievable job. Even when the settlement was made, he returned a text with a call to share in the joy over another medical event we were going through, that had a great outcome. Yes, they really do care.
I would highly recommend them
Enjoyed the fact that every time I called, someone called me back. It made me feel like my case mattered, and that I mattered. They answered all of my questions and concerns in a timely manner.
They will go the extra mile for you
David Pearlman and his staff did an exceptional job on my claim. Mr. Pearlman was honest, patient and steered me in the right direction. A’Riel was always nice and very helpful. I would recommend them to everyone.
I would never seek help from any other Firm!
The lawyers and their staff are very professional, caring about your situation! They are one of a kind!Get this Firm behind you and you will never be sorry!
It was a pleasure working with Steven Goldberg and his staff
They were courteous and professional. They maintained regular contact for status reports on my case and provided needed documentation on a timely basis. I would recommend this firm.