South Carolina Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bites cause severe wounds, emotional trauma, costly medical bills, and lasting financial losses. South Carolina holds dog owners strictly liable for unprovoked attacks, and you deserve an advocate who will fight for the full compensation the law allows.
Dog attacks range from minor wounds to life-altering trauma.
Some injuries are not immediately apparent in the aftermath. If you were hurt by a dog in South Carolina, we can help you seek compensation for its full effect on your life.
- Puncture wounds, lacerations, and avulsions (tearing injuries)
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Facial, eye, and vision injuries
- Nerve damage
- Bone fractures, dislocations, and crush injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Infections such as rabies, tetanus, or sepsis
- Traumatic amputations
- Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Children are the most frequent victims of serious dog attacks, and facial injuries and lasting emotional trauma are common. If a dog bit you or your child, call us for a free evaluation.
Why dog bite cases are unique.
Attorney Aaron Scheer explains what sets South Carolina dog bite claims apart, from strict liability to the homeowner’s insurance that usually pays, and why they are not as simple as an auto accident.
A strict-liability state, with a few important exceptions.
South Carolina law gives dog bite victims a strong foundation for a claim. You generally do not have to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous.
Strict Liability for Dog Owners SC Code §47-3-110
South Carolina holds dog owners strictly responsible for unprovoked injuries their dogs cause, whether or not the owner was negligent or knew of the dog’s aggressive tendencies. The owner is liable whether the attack happens in a public place or on private property, as long as the victim was lawfully present and not trespassing.
Owners may not let their dogs roam freely, and dogs that display aggressive behavior must be properly restrained. Owners of animals with known aggressive tendencies must keep them securely confined and, in the case of dangerous dogs, registered with local law enforcement.
When the Owner May Not Be Responsible
The strict-liability rule has exceptions. If the victim provoked or harassed the dog and that provocation directly caused the attack, the owner may not be liable. The same applies when a law enforcement animal was performing its official duties.
Provocation is complex and often disputed. It can involve striking or teasing a dog, but insurers may also argue that innocent actions, like unintentionally startling a dog, amounted to provocation. If you think an owner or insurer may try to blame you, talk to an attorney before giving any statement.
Statute of Limitations SC Code §15-3-530
You generally have three years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit (exceptions apply). Certain situations carry different deadlines, and claims involving a government entity are subject to shorter notice requirements. Because the applicable deadline is fact-specific, it is important to consult a lawyer early.
Report the bite to animal control, identify the dog and owner, photograph your injuries, get medical care immediately, and avoid signing anything from the owner’s insurer before speaking with a lawyer.
From free review through settlement or trial.
A dog bite claim is built on prompt medical care, clear documentation, and a full picture of how the injury affects your life.
Free case evaluation
We review how the attack happened, your injuries, and whether an exception like provocation may be raised, then explain your options at no charge.
Independent investigation
We identify the dog, the owner, and every potentially liable party, gather evidence of the dog’s history, and interview witnesses who saw the attack.
Medical documentation
We compile your records and bills, document scarring and any lasting effects, and consult medical professionals on your prognosis and future care needs.
Valuing your losses
We evaluate the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs, lost income, disfigurement, and emotional trauma, not just the bills you have paid so far.
Negotiation with the insurer
We handle all communication with the owner’s homeowner or renter insurance carrier and press for a settlement that reflects what you actually lost.
Settlement or trial
Most cases settle. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, Joe is prepared to file suit and try the case. You pay nothing unless we recover.
Economic damages
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Future medical expenses, including reconstructive surgery
- Lost income and time off work
- Loss of earning capacity
Non-economic damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Permanent disfigurement and scarring
- Lost quality of life
How we value your claim
We document every category of harm, from the immediate medical costs through the long-term impact of scarring and trauma, and we do not quote settlement ranges. Your individual case documentation determines your recovery, and we build it to reflect the full effect of the attack on your life.
A trial attorney who negotiates aggressively and is ready to try your case.
Former U.S. Congressman Joe Cunningham knows how to build a compelling case and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. Years of taking on powerful entities taught him what it takes to win.
His people-first approach means your best interests are always the priority. Joe personally handles each case, walks you through every step, and keeps you informed throughout. If an insurer will not offer fair compensation, he does not hesitate to go to court.
Questions we hear before every first call.
Usually, yes. South Carolina is a strict-liability state, so owners are liable for unprovoked injuries their dogs cause, whether or not they were negligent, as long as you were lawfully present and not trespassing. Limited exceptions apply, such as provocation or attacks by a law enforcement animal on duty.
If you provoked the dog in a way that directly triggered the attack, the owner may not be liable. But provocation is subjective and often disputed. If you suspect the owner or insurer will try to blame you, talk to a lawyer before giving any statement so your side is documented properly.
Report the bite to animal control, try to identify the dog and owner, and gather witness contact information. Photograph your injuries and the scene, get medical care immediately even if the wound seems minor, and keep all records and bills. Do not sign anything from the owner or their insurer, and avoid posting about the incident on social media.
You may recover medical bills, rehabilitation and future medical costs, lost income and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disfigurement, and lost quality of life. Facial scarring and psychological trauma are significant components in many dog bite cases.
Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner’s homeowner or renter insurance policy, not out of the owner’s pocket. That means seeking compensation usually does not mean financially ruining a friend, neighbor, or family member. We identify every applicable policy.
Generally three years from the date of the bite under SC Code §15-3-530 (exceptions apply). Claims involving a government entity carry shorter notice deadlines. Because the applicable deadline depends on the facts, it is best to consult a lawyer early.
Straightforward cases with clear liability and well-documented injuries can settle in a few months. More complex cases, or those that go to trial, can take a year or more. Injury severity, healing time, and the insurer’s willingness to be fair all affect the timeline.
Nothing upfront. Joe Cunningham Law works on contingency, so we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Talk to a South Carolina Dog Bite Lawyer — Free Consultation
Bitten by a dog or attacked by an animal in South Carolina? Contact Joe Cunningham Law. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
Charleston, S.C. 29407
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