Animal Attack Attorney

 

Being involved in any type of attack is devastating, often causing serious implications for health and emotional well-being and long-term financial loss. Hiring an animal attack attorney in Charleston or Columbia, South Carolina, enables you to hold those who hurt you accountable. 

Our legal team at Joe Cunningham Law has the experience to fight for you to recover fair damages, and we will do so to the fullest extent of the law. Schedule a free consultation with our South Carolina personal injury lawyer today after suffering an injury in an animal attack.

Why Hire Our Animal Attack Lawyer to Fight for You

Former U.S. Congressman Joe Cunningham has worked closely with victims of vicious animal attacks to help them recover damages the law allows. It is very common for victims to face ongoing losses from these attacks, and insurance companies are not always willing to provide fair compensation. You gain legal clarity when you bring our animal attack lawyer in Columbia into the picture to help you determine what course of action to take.

• A people-first approach to personal injury. We believe in prioritizing you and your well-being in these complicated cases. That means we always strive to ensure you receive fair compensation to the fullest extent allowed under the law. We are here to listen and guide you, but also to advocate fiercely.
• A proven record of success. At Joe Cunningham Law, we have helped victims recover millions of dollars in losses from serious injuries caused by the negligence of others. Let us fight for you.
• A strong reputation for getting justice. Victims of an animal attack deserve more than just to have their medical bills paid. The need for justice is very much a reality. We have a strong reputation for providing our clients with reliable legal support.

Expect fair treatment, respect from an attorney who believes in you, and a dedicated advocate ready to seek maximum compensation under the law. Call Joe Cunningham Law now for a free consultation so you can learn more about our firm and how we can help with your claim.

South Carolina Animal Attack Laws

Under South Carolina law, animal owners are responsible for their pets. It is a strict liability state. That means that owners are responsible for any type of attack their animals engage in, as long as it was unprovoked. It also means that the owner does not have to know the animal was a safety risk.

Under some state laws, a one-bite rule applies. That means that if an animal hurts someone, but has never shown any aggression in the past, and the owner could not have known of the risk, then the owner is not responsible for that initial attack. That is not the case in South Carolina. The state holds that owners are responsible, regardless of whether they know the animal is aggressive or not.

Under Section 47.3.10, South Carolina law defines additional requirements that all animal owners face. Specifically in relation to dogs, the following applies:

• Restrained. Dogs and other dangerous animals cannot be allowed to roam free when away from their property. Dogs that are known to be aggressive must be restrained.
• Public and private locations. In public places, the owner is responsible if the dog or other animal bites or hurts another person, even if the incident occurs on the owner’s property. Liability applies when the victim is lawfully present on the owner’s property.
• Provocation. If the dog’s bite provoked the animal in any way prior to the incident, the owner may not be held liable for the injuries sustained.
• Confined to the property. Owners must also keep the animal confined to the property in some manner. For example, if the dog is not on a leash, it must be within a fenced-in area or in the home where it cannot get out.
• Local law enforcement registration. In some situations, if the dog is known to be aggressive, the owner must register the animal with local law enforcement. If that animal leaves the home, it must always be securely restrained.

With so many laws in place, it may seem that it is hard to be a victim. Yet, not all animal owners are trustworthy, and many do not actually take the steps necessary to keep others from being hurt. It is important to know that not all owners know that their animal is dangerous, yet that does not limit their liability in these cases. If an animal attacks you and you suffer injuries, and you know you did nothing to provoke that animal, seek the help of a lawyer. Our animal attack attorney in Charleston, SC, can offer guidance on what your legal rights are under these laws.

Types of Dangerous Animals in South Carolina

South Carolina laws protect victims from dangerous animals. Any animal can cause injury to another person, from a small cat to a large predator. In any situation where you are hurt, you may have the legal right to pursue fair compensation for the injuries you can document. Some of the types of animals that may fall under this law include, but are not limited to:

• Dogs of all types
• Cats
• Venomous snakes
• Birds
• Big cats
• Primates

Any exotic animal living on private property may be the owner’s responsibility. That does not apply to wildlife that is on a person’s property. Some animals, according to the American Animal Hospital Association, should not be considered pets because they are inherently dangerous. This might include animals that are wild carnivores, some types of birds, and some reptiles.

If someone has an animal at their home, whether they legally own that animal as a pet or not, they may be responsible for the injuries and losses victims suffer. This typically applies to those people who are not living in the home.

South Carolina law defines dangerous animals as those that have shown a propensity to attack people or other animals unprovoked or otherwise cause injury to another person or other animals. It may also include any animal that can threaten the safety of humans or other animals on the property. Remember, this includes animals that have shown aggression in the past as well as those who have not.

Types of Injuries Caused by Dangerous Animal Attacks

A minor scratch may not seem like anything, but if that scratch becomes infected or causes nerve damage, open wounds requiring stitches, or disfigurement, it is often beneficial to take legal action. The following are some of the most common injuries caused by dangerous animal attacks, all of which warrant seeking immediate medical advice.

• Puncture wounds to soft tissues
• Lacerations of all levels
• Bone fractures
• Dislocations
• Bruises
• Eye damage, including loss of vision
• Nerve damage, including the onset of chronic pain
• Crushing injuries
• Traumatic head injuries from falls, including brain injuries
• Infections
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Serious blood loss
• Internal organ injuries

In addition to these types of wounds, victims often face emotional trauma from such events. This includes the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder. Do not overlook the trauma that can occur and its impact on a person’s life.

What an Animal Attack Lawyer in Columbia, SC Can Do for You

When you are hurt in an animal attack, prioritize getting medical care and seeking full attention to your recovery. Yet, for many people with serious injuries, the risk of complicated financial matters is a concern. When you hire our animal attack attorney in Columbia, SC, we go to work building a strong case for you.

Determine Fault

One of the first steps our legal team will take is to determine fault. We look for evidence to do so, such as:

• The animal’s previous aggressive behavior
• Witness statements about what occurred
• Images from wounds and damages caused by the animal
• Neighbor statements about the dog’s previous behavior
• Medical expertise
• Animal expert support and testimony

If there is any question as to why the owner is responsible, our lawyer will work with you to disprove that as applicable under the law. For example, if they claim you provoked the animal, we will work to find evidence that this is not the case, if possible.

Determine Losses

In a dangerous animal attack, the risk of serious injuries and losses is very high. Victims often face a long road to recovery, and in some situations, they may not fully recover at all. With the guidance of our attorney, we will examine all types of losses you have and place a fair value on them. This will be exhaustive so that we can help you file a maximized claim for fair recovery.

Some of the types of losses you may be owed in these types of animal attacks include:

• Medical costs associated with the emergency care you received, as well as ongoing medical losses
• Future medical losses for cosmetic surgery or further care needs
• Lost wages from being unable to work
• Disfigurement and scarring-related losses
• Temporary or permanent disability due to your injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of quality of life

It is critical to think about all of the ways this accident is impacting your life now and how it could impact you later. That includes your ability to work and pursue your career goals, maintain relationships, and your mental health and outlook. You may not be able to do the things that you love, or you may be facing PTSD symptoms that impact your quality of life.

What to Do After an Animal Attack Occurs

No matter where you are and what you are doing, if you are around a dangerous animal, be cautious and take steps to protect yourself. It is very important to keep small children away from such animals. When an incident happens, know what to do to protect your health and well-being.

• Get out of harm’s way. Do whatever you need to do to remove yourself from the dangerous situation. Note that running from an animal may not be possible. Protecting yourself, yelling, and “getting big” to scare the animal may help in some situations.
• Call 911. Call the dispatcher as soon as you can to ask for help from law enforcement and medics. Tell the police if the animal is still on the loose.
• If it is safe to do so, take photos from a distance of what occurred, where it happened, and the injuries you have.
• If possible, get the name and contact information from the animal’s owner. Request their insurance information as well. Property insurance often covers animal-related injuries to those not living in the home.
• Get the name and contact information for any witnesses to the incident.

Get the medical care you need. That includes going to the emergency room, having a full exam, taking proper steps to minimize infection risk, and following up as directed. Prioritize your focus on healing fully. It can also be wise to seek immediate care from a mental health professional.

Then, call your attorney. Working with an animal attack attorney in Charleston, SC, provides you with the best possible insight into your rights. It may also help you to know what your losses may be and who is responsible for paying them.

How to Protect Yourself and Children from Dangerous Animals

If you live in an area where there is a risk of being around dangerous animals, take steps to prevent risks. For example, animals are often attracted to smaller children because they are louder, more likely to be unpredictable, and can sometimes not know their limits. Keep children away from animals that are not known to you, including dogs.

Avoid touching an animal unless the owner tells you that it is safe to do so. If an animal is loose, avoid approaching it and instead call the local animal warden for help. Taking these steps protects you. If attacked, be sure to speak with an experienced Charleston dog bite lawyer to learn about their legal services.

Seek Out the Help of a Trusted Animal Attack Attorney in Charleston, SC

At Joe Cunningham Law, we know how important it is for victims to get fair treatment and justice after such a terrible accident. Contact our animal attack attorney in Charleston, SC, for immediate help and guidance. We offer free consultations and provide peace of mind. Contact us to learn more.