Dog Bite Lawyer in Greenville

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks can produce severe trauma requiring multiple surgeries. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their height and proximity to a dog’s mouth, with face and neck injuries unfortunately common in younger victims:

• Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
• Severe bruising and crush injuries
• Nerve damage and loss of sensation
• Broken bones from being knocked down or shaken
• Facial scarring and disfigurement
• Rabies and bacterial infections
• Eye injuries and vision loss
• Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress

South Carolina Dog Bite Laws

South Carolina (S.C. Code 47-3-110) applies a strict liability standard to dog bite cases, meaning a dog owner can be held responsible for injuries even without prior knowledge that the animal was dangerous. That said, certain limited exceptions to strict liability exist:

• The victim was trespassing on private property at the time of the attack
• The victim provoked the dog through harassment or abuse
• The victim was committing a crime against the owner or property
• The injured person was a veterinarian or animal handler accepting known risks
• The dog was performing official duties as a police or military animal

Why Dog Bite Cases Are Challenging

Dog bite claims frequently involve disputes over what caused the attack, who was responsible for the animal, and whether insurance coverage applies to the incident. Some homeowners’ policies exclude certain breeds or restrict coverage after a previous bite, making it important to thoroughly investigate all potential sources of compensation.

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in South Carolina

Victims of a dangerous dog attack may recover damages for the immediate and long-term consequences of the injuries. Under South Carolina’s statute of limitations, dog bite victims have three years from the date of the attack to file suit. Recoverable damages include:

• Past and future healthcare expenses
• Reconstructive and plastic surgery costs
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and psychological counseling
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death

Why Clients Choose Watson Fowler Attorney at Law

Dog bite victims deserve attorneys who take the time to document every aspect of the attack and the recovery that follows. Our firm has earned the trust of clients across Greenville County by combining over six decades of legal experience with attentive case handling:

• Investigating the dog’s history and prior incidents
• Identifying applicable homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies
• Coordinating with medical providers to document injuries
• Working with mental health professionals
• Calculating the full scope of past and future losses
• Negotiating directly with insurance adjusters
• Preparing every case for litigation