Columbia Dog Bite Lawyer
Most dog bite that break the skin need to be treated by a medical professional, which costs thousands of dollars in emergency room fees. More serious dog attacks leave the victim with surgery expenses, potential infection, and long-lasting or permanent psychological harm. Small children and older adults are the most likely victims of dog attacks, and these two age groups are the most vulnerable when it comes to physical and psychological harm. Of the 36 fatal dog attacks in 2018, 42 percent of victims were six years old or younger. And, 71 percent of adult victims were 50 and older. If you or your loved one is the victim of a dog bite or dog attack, you need to contact a Columbia dog bite lawyer at The Stanley Law Group. We can help you pursue financial compensation to cover your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, emotional distress, and much more.
Understanding The South Carolina Comparative Negligence Doctrine
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if the victim in a personal injury case contributed in some way to their injury, the amount of compensation that they can receive from the negligent party is reduced by their degree of fault. For example, if the victim teased or provoked the dog, they may be found 40 percent at fault, and in so doing, will have reduced their compensation by 40 percent. If the victim is found to be 50 percent at fault or more, he or she cannot collect any compensation. As such, if a court decides that the victim provoked the dog and shared at least half or more of the blame, no compensation will be awarded.
Strict Liability For Dog Bites in South Carolina
Under South Carolina § 47-3-110, dog owners in South Carolina are held strictly liable for dog bites and attacks committed by their dog. In some states, a dog owner whose dog commits a first bite may be given somewhat of a free pass, depending on the circumstances. South Carolina is not one of these “First Bite” states. The only exceptions to this law are if the dog was a trained law enforcement dog on duty and was performing its official duty, and, as described above, the dog was provoked or harassed. In either of these two scenarios, the dog owner or handler may not be found liable for any damages at all, depending on the case.
Call The Stanley Law Group Today for Legal Representation
Being attacked or bitten by a dog can be a life changing, traumatic event. Sadly, many victims end up developing a fear of dogs, which can by one of the most tragic outcomes of a dog bite. Medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages must all be accounted for as well. The Columbia dog bite lawyers at The Stanley Law Group assist our badly injured clients maximize their financial compensation, and we are here to help you do just that. Call 803-799-4700 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys today.
