What to Do If Your Child Is Bitten by a Dog in South Carolina

Dog bites are frightening, painful, and emotionally traumatic—especially when the victim is a child. South Carolina sees hundreds of dog bite incidents each year, and children account for a large percentage of them. Because kids are smaller, more vulnerable, and less able to defend themselves, their injuries are often more severe, with higher medical costs and a greater risk of long‑term scarring.

If your child was bitten by a dog in South Carolina, you may be overwhelmed, angry, and unsure of what steps to take next. The good news: South Carolina law strongly protects child victims. Understanding your rights can help ensure your child receives proper medical care and the full compensation they deserve.

At Joe Cunningham Law, we guide families through this difficult process with care, clarity, and strong legal advocacy. Below is a complete breakdown of your rights and what you need to know.

Understanding South Carolina’s Dog Bite Law

South Carolina follows a “strict liability” rule for dog bites. This is important because it makes it far easier for victims—especially children—to recover compensation.

Under strict liability:

• The dog owner is responsible if their dog bites or attacks someone
• You do NOT have to prove the dog had a history of aggression
• You do NOT have to prove the owner was negligent
• You do NOT have to show the child provoked the dog (unless the owner tries to raise this as a defense)

In other words, if your child was lawfully in a place—such as a home, yard, park, sidewalk, or public space—and the dog bit them, the dog owner is typically liable.

What If the Dog Never Bit Anyone Before?

It does not matter. South Carolina does NOT follow the “one bite rule” used in some states.

Even if the dog was friendly, well‑trained, and had no prior incidents, the owner is still responsible. This protects child victims who often do nothing wrong before an attack.

What If My Child Was Bitten at a Friend’s or Relative’s House?

This is extremely common, and you still have rights.

Most dog bite claims are paid by the dog owner’s homeowners insurance or renters insurance—not by the individual out of pocket. Pursuing a claim does NOT mean you’re personally attacking or suing a friend or family member.

You are simply accessing their insurance coverage to pay for:

• Emergency medical care
• Stitches or surgery
• Infection treatment
• Counseling
• Scarring treatment
• Lost wages if you miss work to care for your child

Many families feel guilty about making a claim, but remember: Insurance exists for exactly this reason.

Common Injuries Children Suffer in Dog Attacks

Children tend to suffer more serious injuries than adults because they are smaller and dogs often bite their face, hands, and neck.

Common injuries include:

• Deep cuts and lacerations
• Facial injuries
• Permanent scarring
• Nerve damage
• Eye injuries
• Broken bones
• Tissue damage
• Infections such as MRSA or rabies
• PTSD or anxiety

Because children may need long‑term treatment—including plastic surgery—these cases often have higher compensation values.

Emotional Trauma Is a Major Factor in Children

Child dog bite victims often develop:

• Fear of animals
• Nightmares
• Separation anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Social anxiety
• Regression in behavior

South Carolina law allows families to seek compensation not just for physical injuries but also for emotional and psychological harm.

Therapy, counseling, and long‑term mental health support can all be included in a claim.

What Compensation Can a Child Receive After a Dog Bite?

Your child may be entitled to significant compensation, including:

Medical Expenses
Current and future medical bills, including ER care, surgery, stitches, antibiotics, and follow‑up visits.

Plastic Surgery
Children often need future scar revision or reconstructive surgery as they grow.

Therapy and Counseling
Emotional trauma is real and compensable.

Pain and Suffering
The physical and emotional pain your child endured.

Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement
This is often one of the largest components of a child dog bite case.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If the child becomes fearful or loses confidence in activities they once enjoyed.

Parent Damages
Parents may recover for their own financial losses, such as missing work to care for the child.

Every case is unique, and the value often depends on the severity of injuries, scarring, and long‑term needs.

Who Is Legally Responsible for My Child’s Dog Bite?

Responsibility typically falls on:

• The dog owner
• The property owner (if different)
• A landlord (in some cases involving known dangerous dogs)
• A caretaker or dog walker

The key is determining who had control of the dog when the bite occurred.

An attorney can evaluate the situation and identify all potentially liable parties.

What to Do Immediately After Your Child Is Bitten by a Dog

Take these steps as soon as possible to protect your child’s health and your family’s legal rights.

Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Even small bites can lead to serious infections or long‑term scarring.

Report the Bite
Contact:

• Local animal control
• The police
• The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) if advised

Document the Injury
Take photos of:

• The wound
• Clothing
• The dog
• The location where the bite occurred

Get Contact Information
Gather information from:

• The dog owner
• Any witnesses
• Anyone who saw the dog loose, aggressive, or unrestrained

Avoid Talking to the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company
They may try to reduce or deny your claim.

Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer
An attorney can protect your child’s rights, gather evidence, and handle insurance negotiations.

What If the Dog Owner Claims My Child Provoked the Dog?

This is one of the most common defenses, but it rarely succeeds.

Children:

• Are legally presumed not to understand dangerous behavior
• Cannot be held to the same standard of behavior as adults
• Are protected under South Carolina strict liability laws

An experienced attorney can push back against false or exaggerated claims of provocation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim for My Child?

In South Carolina, parents generally have three years to file a personal injury claim. However, children have extended protections.

Even so, you should not wait.

Evidence disappears quickly, memories fade, and insurance companies begin building a defense immediately. The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be.

Why You Should Contact a South Carolina Dog Bite Attorney

Dog bite cases involving children require careful handling, medical documentation, and experienced negotiation. Insurance companies often try to:

• Downplay emotional trauma
• Minimize future medical needs
• Blame the child
• Avoid paying for future surgeries

A lawyer can:

• Investigate the attack
• Work directly with medical providers
• Document scarring and long‑term needs
• Protect your child from unfair blame
• Negotiate full compensation
• Handle all communication with insurers

Your focus should be on your child’s recovery—not on battling an insurance company.

Joe Cunningham Law Protects Child Dog Bite Victims in South Carolina

A dog attack is traumatic for any child and devastating for parents. You don’t have to go through it alone.

Joe Cunningham Law stands up for families, protects injured children, and fights for the full compensation needed for physical and emotional healing. We handle the legal burdens so you can focus on your child.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help your family every step of the way.