Kingstree Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are often cherished as “man’s best friend,” but unfortunately, not every dog lives up to this reputation. Here at MDSW Legal, our Kingstree dog bite lawyers know that an animal attack can be an incredibly traumatic experience, often resulting in serious injuries.

Recovery from a dog bite injury can be a lengthy and painful process. However, the path to financial recovery can be even longer and more challenging. The good news is that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Our dedicated Kingstree personal injury lawyers are here to assist you every step of the way.

Get started with a free case evaluation.

Common Dog Bite Injuries We Handle

Depending on the nature of the incident, dog bites can range from moderate to severe.

Our experienced dog bite attorneys regularly encounter and represent victims with wounds such as:

• Facial injuries: A dog bite to the face can cause severe and long-lasting harm, potentially requiring reconstructive surgery.
• Puncture wounds: The sharpness of a dog’s teeth can result in puncture wounds, which may seem superficial but can lead to significant problems.
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement: Deep wounds from a dog bite can result in lasting scars.
• Nerve trauma: Serious bites may cause permanent nerve damage, reducing sensation in the affected area and, in extreme cases, hindering movement.
• Emotional distress: The trauma of a dog bite incident can lead to anxiety, PTSD, or mood changes, especially in children.

What To Do After a Dog Bite

Taking certain steps after a dog bite is crucial. First and foremost, seek prompt medical attention to address the injuries, as dog bites carry a high risk of infection due to the deep insertion of bacteria.

Next, try to find out who owns the dog, get information from any witnesses, and take pictures of the available evidence. Snap photos of your injuries as soon as possible. Continue taking pictures throughout your recovery, providing undeniable visual documentation of your experience. All of this evidence can be invaluable in supporting your claim.

The next step is to contact a dog bite lawyer in Kingstree with a track record of successful case results. Our personal injury attorneys possess the skills and experience to identify the responsible party, gather evidence, and fight for compensation on your behalf.

Understanding Liability After a Dog Attack

South Carolina Code of Laws § 47-3-110 clearly defines liability in dog bite cases: The dog owner or caregiver is responsible for the victim’s damages if a dog bites or otherwise attacks a person while they are lawfully on private property, including the dog owner’s property or the property of the person caring for the dog.

However, this section does not apply if, at the time of the attack, the person who was bitten or otherwise attacked provoked or harassed the dog, and such provocation was the direct cause of the attack. While the abovementioned statute establishes liability, it doesn’t clarify where compensation can be obtained for the injuries sustained.

In most cases, the dog’s owner is responsible for injuries resulting from a dog bite. There are a few defenses a dog owner can use, including cases of trespassing or provocation by the injured party. However, these defenses are not always successful. In some cases, other parties, like landlords or dog walkers, may be held responsible for an attack.

Determining the Value of a Dog Bite Settlement

The financial aftermath of a dog attack can be overwhelming due to medical complications and emotional trauma.

Depending on your circumstances, our Kingstree dog attack attorneys may seek compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses: These include things like testing and hospitalization.
• Future medical costs: This category includes medical devices and ongoing rehabilitation.
• Lost income: This compensation aims to reimburse you for your time off work.
• Reduced earning ability: If the injury affects your ability to earn a living in the future, you can pursue this damage.
• Pain and suffering: This includes the physical and emotional distress caused by your injury.
• Mental distress: This refers specifically to the psychological impact of the incident.

An experienced dog bite attorney from our team will thoroughly assess the situation, investigate various avenues, and pursue a claim on your behalf to ensure you receive the rightful compensation you are owed.

What a Dog Bite Law Firm in Kingstree, S.C., Can Do for Your Case

Physical recovery from a dog bite is challenging enough, but adding stress and worry about medical bills can compound the difficulties. Having competent legal representation is essential to putting your mind at ease.

Your dog bite lawyer will initiate your lawsuit with the court, gather critical evidence, interview witnesses, and navigate the pretrial process, including discovery, depositions, and mediation. Throughout this process, we will negotiate to attempt to settle your case out of court.

If these negotiations prove unsuccessful, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court to fight for justice and financial compensation.

Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in South Carolina

In order to ensure the best chance of a successful claim, it’s crucial to file promptly. In South Carolina, you have a three-year window to file a dog bite case, as per South Carolina Title 15 Civil Remedies and Procedures.

Barring unique circumstances, failing to file within the allowable timeframe will result in the dismissal of your case. Don’t delay; schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with the Thumbs Up Guys today and preserve evidence for your case’s success.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Kingstree Dog Bite Lawyer

We firmly believe that everyone should have access to professional legal representation, especially dog bite victims seeking justice. That’s why we offer free, no-obligation consultations. During these consultations, you can have your case reviewed by a qualified Kingstree dog bite lawyer.

Don’t leave the compensation you may be entitled to up to chance. The Thumbs Up Guys have the legal experience and knowledge necessary to build the strongest case possible and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our services come at no cost unless we win your case.

Contact our law firm by phone or complete our online form to schedule your free case review today!