Mount Pleasant Dog Bite Lawyer

If you’ve been a victim of a dog attack in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, our team, known locally as The Thumbs Up Guys, is here to provide you with the support and legal help you need. Our Mount Pleasant dog bite lawyers understand the physical and emotional toll of such incidents and have been dedicated to offering compassionate care to clients in Mount Pleasant since 2018.

Reach out to our Mount Pleasant personal injury lawyers immediately following a dog bite so we can handle all your legal requirements while you focus on your recovery. Our team will discuss your options and work towards securing the compensation you deserve. 

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Mount Pleasant?

Dog bites often require medical attention, especially if the bite is severe or there are multiple bites. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Mount Pleasant, consider taking the following steps:

• Call 911
• Identify the dog
• Collect evidence
• Report the dog bite
• Contact a dog bite lawyer for assistance

Your attorney can take the lead on interactions with the insurance company and provide insights into dog bite laws specific to the area. We are prepared to hold the dog owner accountable for your medical expenses, so reach out to us to discuss your options for maximum compensation or to facilitate expediting your personal injury claim.

How Can a Mount Pleasant Dog Bite Lawyer Assist You?

Our dog bite lawyers in Mount Pleasant offer a range of services tailored to clients in your situation. At the Thumbs Up Guys, we prioritize personalized care and adjust our approach to meet the unique needs of each client.

We leverage our experience and proven strategies to develop a plan for handling your claim. We promise to stay in constant communication with you as we focus on:

• Investigating the dog bite incident
• Assessing your losses
• Dealing with insurance representatives on your behalf
• Negotiating a settlement
• Assisting with a lawsuit if necessary

Our investigation may involve gathering witness statements, obtaining police or animal control reports, and consulting with dog bite injury specialists. All services will be curated to meet the individual needs of your case.

What Compensation Can You Receive for a Dog Bite Injury Claim in Mount Pleasant?

Victims of dog bites in Mount Pleasant are entitled to financial compensation for their losses. This may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, counseling fees, and lost wages if the injury prevents you from working.

Personal injury damages are calculated to cover both current and future expenses. Dog bite victims often require ongoing medical treatment, such as reconstructive surgery or therapy, which can increase economic damages.

In addition to economic losses, victims may seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. Your Mount Pleasant dog bite lawyer can guide you in pursuing fair compensation for these damages.

Can You Get Punitive Damages in Mount Pleasant?

In certain cases, you may be eligible to receive punitive damages in Mount Pleasant. These damages are intended to punish the dog owner for their actions and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are rarely allotted and only given in egregious situations.

An experienced dog bite attorney in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, can provide further information on seeking punitive damages in your case.

How Do South Carolina Dog Bite Laws Impact Your Case in Mount Pleasant?

In Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, dog bite laws significantly impact how cases are evaluated and the potential outcomes for victims. Here are key aspects to consider:

Strict Liability vs. Negligence

South Carolina follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, meaning that dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs if the victim was lawfully present (e.g., on public property or invited onto private property).

The victim does not need to prove negligence; it is enough to show that the dog caused the injury.

One-Bite Rule

South Carolina does not strictly adhere to the “one-bite rule,” which allows for liability only after the owner knows of the dog’s aggressive tendencies. Instead, if the dog bites someone and the victim was not trespassing, the owner is generally liable.

Comparative Negligence

South Carolina operates under a modified comparative negligence system. If the victim is found to be partially at fault for the incident, their compensation may be reduced proportionally.

If the victim is more than 50% at fault, they may be barred from recovering any damages.

How Are Dog Bite Claims Paid in Mount Pleasant?

Homeowners’ insurance often covers dog bite incidents in Mount Pleasant. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to inquire if the owner has homeowners’ insurance. Similar to a car accident, you may need to contact their insurance provider and possibly animal control to address the situation.

Since most dog bites occur at residences, it’s crucial to obtain the owner’s information for filing a claim. A Mount Pleasant dog bite lawyer can provide further insights into the claims process in the area.

What Is the Timeframe for Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Mount Pleasant?

There is a statute of limitations for dog bite claims in South Carolina, including Mount Pleasant. It’s essential to act promptly and file an insurance claim within the specified timeframe to secure compensation. Delaying the process can make it more challenging to obtain the compensation you deserve, so don’t hesitate to contact a Mount Pleasant dog bite attorney.

Seek Legal Assistance After a Dog Attack in Mount Pleasant

If you’ve been a victim of a dog bite in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, The Thumbs Up Guys at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward are here to assist you. We are dedicated to helping clients in your situation seek the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to get started on your dog bite claim.