Walterboro Dog Bite Lawyer
When a dog attack occurs, the consequences can be severe and life-altering, especially for the most vulnerable members of our community – young children and older adults. Even seemingly minor bites can lead to significant medical expenses for treatment, not to mention the potential for infection, scarring, and long-lasting emotional trauma.
Statistics reveal an alarming reality: in 2018 alone, 42% of fatal dog attack victims were six years old or younger, while an astounding 71% of adult victims were aged 50 and above. These numbers underscore the importance of taking immediate action to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite or attack in the Walterboro area, it is crucial to consult with an experienced Walterboro dog bite lawyer at The Stanley Law Group. Our dedicated team will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, emotional distress, and any other damages incurred due to the negligence of the dog’s owner.
Strict Liability for Dog Bites in South Carolina
In South Carolina, dog owners are held strictly liable for any bites or attacks caused by their pets, according to state law § 47-3-110. Unlike some other states that may provide leniency for a dog’s first offense, South Carolina’s strict liability law applies regardless of whether the dog has bitten someone before.
The only exceptions to this law are if the dog was a trained law enforcement canine performing official duties at the time of the incident, or if the victim provoked or harassed the dog in a manner that reasonably led to the attack. In such cases, the owner or handler may not be held liable for damages.
However, in most situations involving dog bites or attacks on private property or public spaces, the dog owner will be held strictly responsible for any injuries or damages incurred by the victim. This strict liability law exists to protect the rights of those harmed by negligent dog ownership.
South Carolina’s Comparative Negligence Doctrine
In South Carolina, the comparative negligence doctrine plays a crucial role in determining compensation for dog bite victims. This legal principle states that if the victim’s own negligence contributed to the incident, the amount of compensation they can receive from the dog owner will be reduced proportionally to their degree of fault.
For example, if the court finds that the victim provoked or teased the dog, thereby being 30% responsible for the attack, their compensation would be reduced by that same percentage. However, if the victim is found to be 50% or more at fault, they will be barred from receiving any compensation whatsoever.
Trust Our Walterboro Dog Bite Attorneys
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic dog bite, you deserve justice. The Stanley Law Group’s experienced Walterboro dog bite lawyers will fight for maximum compensation, covering medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Don’t delay – contact us today for a free consultation to protect your rights.
