A dog bite can happen in seconds, but the physical and emotional trauma can last a lifetime. From puncture wounds and infections to permanent scarring and psychological distress, the impact of a dog attack is often far more serious than many realize.
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Charleston, you may be entitled to financial compensation under South Carolina law. At Ted Law Firm, our experienced dog bite lawyers fight for victims and their families, helping them recover medical expenses, lost wages, and more. You focus on healing and we’ll handle the legal process.
South Carolina Dog Bite Laws: What You Need to Know
South Carolina follows a strict liability rule for dog bite cases. This means a dog’s owner can be held legally responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and even if the owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous.
According to South Carolina Code § 47-3-110, a dog owner is liable when:
- Their dog bites or attacks someone
- The victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property
- The victim did not provoke the animal
In other words, if you were bitten or attacked without provoking the dog, you have a strong legal case regardless of the dog’s history.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog attacks often result in serious, sometimes life-changing injuries. Common physical injuries include:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Lacerations and torn flesh
- Broken bones from being knocked down
- Facial injuries and disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Infections such as rabies or sepsis
- Scarring requiring cosmetic surgery
Beyond the physical injuries, many victims especially children suffer long-term emotional trauma, including anxiety, PTSD, and a lasting fear of dogs. You may be entitled to compensation for both physical and psychological harm.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?
In South Carolina, the dog’s owner is usually the primary party held responsible. However, others may share liability, including:
- A landlord, if they knew the dog was dangerous and failed to take action
- A property owner, if the dog was allowed to roam freely
- A dog walker or caretaker, depending on the circumstances
Our legal team conducts a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties and pursue the maximum compensation available.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Dog Bite?
Victims of dog bites in Charleston may be eligible for financial compensation that covers a wide range of losses, including:
- Medical bills (ER visits, follow-up care, plastic surgery)
- Lost wages and income if the injury prevented you from working
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma or PTSD
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Future medical care
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases where the dog owner was especially reckless or knew the dog was dangerous and failed to act, punitive damages may also be awarded.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Charleston
To protect your health and legal rights, follow these steps after a dog bite:
- Get medical attention immediately, even for minor bites there’s a risk of infection.
- Report the incident to Charleston Animal Control or law enforcement.
- Document everything:
- Take photos of your injuries
- Identify the dog and its owner
- Collect witness statements
- Take photos of your injuries
- Do not speak to the dog owner’s insurance company without legal representation.
- Call a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.
Prompt legal action helps preserve evidence and ensures your claim is filed within South Carolina’s three-year statute of limitations.
Dog Bite Claims Involving Children
Children are the most frequent victims of dog attacks, and their injuries are often more severe. Dog bites to the face or neck can require multiple surgeries, and the emotional toll can be life-altering.
At Ted Law Firm, we treat child injury cases with special care. We work with pediatricians, mental health professionals, and trauma specialists to fully understand the short- and long-term impact on your child’s life, and fight for the compensation they need to recover.
Why Choose Ted Law Firm?
Dog bite cases require skill, sensitivity, and aggressive representation. When you hire Ted Law Firm, you get:
- A legal team with extensive experience in dog bite and personal injury law
- Compassionate support tailored to your unique case
- Detailed investigation and evidence gathering
- Aggressive negotiation with insurers to seek full compensation
- No fee unless we win you pay nothing out of pocket
We’re committed to holding negligent dog owners accountable and helping you rebuild after an attack.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Charleston Dog Bite Attorney
At Ted Law Firm, we proudly serve clients across all of South Carolina and Georgia including Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta. No matter where you are in either state, we’re here to help. And remember: you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case. There’s no risk just experienced support from a team you can trust. You’re in good hands with Ted Law Firm.
