Dog Bite Victims: Permanent Scars & Trauma
Humans think of dogs as harmless, even loyal, companions. And frequently, they are. But even a dog that has always been friendly before may attack viciously and without warning. Some dogs are also trained to attack and then poorly supervised by negligent owners. As a result, 47 million Americans seek treatment for dog bites each year; 6,000 are admitted to hospitals and about 17 die. And sadly, the vast majority of these preventable deaths are the deaths of children and the elderly.
If you or someone you care about was bitten or seriously injured by someone else’s dog, contact our South Carolina dog bite injury lawyers toll free at 803-592-6231 for a free evaluation of your case. You can also fill in our online form.
Dog Bites in South Carolina
Dogs attack by literally ripping and tearing victims’ flesh with their teeth, and by crushing bones with their powerful jaws. Because dogs’ teeth can puncture deep into a victim’s flesh, bites also put injury victims at serious risk of secondary infections such as rabies, cellulitis and tetanus. On adults, these wounds are most often found at the lower arms and legs, but children are at special risk for head and face injuries because of their shorter stature. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that 65 percent of dog bite victims aged four and under had head and neck wounds. Victims with significant bite wounds on their faces face the possibility of eye damage, permanent facial scarring, even brain damage.
In South Carolina, the law allows dog bite victims to hold owners liable for unprovoked dog attacks. That includes the dog’s first attack, and attacks that took place when the victim was lawfully on the dog owner’s property. South Carolina personal injury law also gives dog owners the legal duty to keep their dogs from running free, and the duty to keep a vicious or unruly dog restrained on their own property. Under any of these circumstances, victims and their families may sue the dog owner (and, often, his or her insurance company) for hospital bills, past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, wrongful death and other damages.
Get Help from Our South Carolina Dog Bite Lawyers Now
If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog, it’s important to make sure that you preserve all the paperwork and other evidence related to the incident. Do not sign any documents from the dog owner or his or her insurance company. Instead, you should contact the experienced South Carolina dog bite attorneys at The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers to discuss your unique case. We have represented dog bite and other personal injury victims since 1959 and remain committed to providing personal service while achieving the best possible results for our clients. For a free consultation, call The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers today at toll free at 803-592-6231.
If a dog has bitten you or your loved ones, you should contact The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers so we can discuss your particular situation to determine whether or not you have a case. At The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers, you can rest assured that we will work hard to protect your interests. Contact our South Carolina dog bite lawyers now for a free consultation. Call us toll free at 803-592-6231, or fill out our confidential online form.
