Charleston Dog Bite Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Charleston dog bite incident, you need strong legal representation by your side. Dog bites can cause severe injuries, emotional trauma, expensive medical bills, and significant financial losses; you deserve an advocate who will fight relentlessly to secure the maximum compensation under the law.

The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm knows how to build a compelling case and negotiate effectively with insurance companies. With years of experience taking on powerful entities, Ali Awad understands what it takes to win.

His people-first approach ensures that your best interests are always the top priority. Ali Awad will guide you through every step of the legal process, providing clear advice and always keeping you informed.

Don’t navigate the aftermath of a dog bite or animal attack alone. With Ali Awad as your advocate, you can know your case is in expert hands.

Contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm today for a free consultation.

How Our Charleston Dog Bite Accident Attorneys Can Help You

Hiring a dog bite attorney in Charleston, SC, can greatly enhance your chances of obtaining full and fair compensation for your injuries. Here’s how a skilled lawyer can assist you:

• Thoroughly investigate the incident to gather all relevant details.
• Determine all individuals or entities that may be responsible for the incident.
• Gather crucial evidence to establish liability and support your claim.
• Evaluate the full extent of your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
• Work with medical professionals to understand your current condition and future prognosis.
• Engage experts in dog behavior to provide insights into the incident.
• Speak with witnesses who observed the incident to strengthen your case.
• Handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf.
• Negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company to seek a fair settlement.
• Provide advice on settlement offers to ensure they are in your best interest.
• If a fair settlement cannot be reached, file a lawsuit and advocate for you in court.

By getting the help of an experienced dog bite attorney, you can navigate the legal process more effectively and work towards securing the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Our Charleston Dog Bite Accident Law Firm?

If you’ve suffered injuries from a dog bite, having a dedicated and experienced legal team is crucial. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we fight aggressively to protect your interests and secure the compensation you deserve.

We handle negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance company to pursue a favorable settlement. If the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, we will take your case to trial or explore alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options.

Our lawyers have a proven track record of successfully settling and litigating dog bite cases in South Carolina, consistently achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.

You can read some of our most recent client testimonials here. We carefully limit our caseloads to ensure that each case receives full, individualized attention.

With offices in almost all the states of the United States. We are ready to seek the damages you deserve for your dog bite injuries. Contact us today to get the representation you need.

Is a Dog’s Life That Easy?

Over 36% of households in the United States have at least one dog. Studies show that dogs help increase our exercise levels, reduce stress, and provide delightful companionship for our families.

It’s easy to forget that dogs have adapted to fit into our lives, not vice versa.

Despite their seemingly carefree lifestyle of naps and lounging, domesticated dogs retain their animal instincts. Their behavior can change rapidly, often triggered by subtle cues.

Much like human infants, dogs are highly attentive to us. They can pick up on minute details, such as a change in eye direction, which can be a source of pride for dog owners.

However, this attentiveness also means that a dog’s reaction can swiftly shift from submissive to aggressive. If a dog suddenly decides to bite or attack, it can lead to significant stress, injury, and costly medical care.

Understanding these dynamics helps us appreciate the complexity of our relationship with dogs and the importance of responsible pet ownership. By being aware of a dog’s potential behavior changes and taking necessary precautions, we can prevent future dog bite incidents and ensure the safety of our communities.

Common Locations for Dog Bite Incidents in Charleston

Dog bites can happen anywhere in Charleston, but some places tend to see more incidents than others. Here are the common locations:

• Residential Areas: Dogs often roam or walk freely in neighborhoods. Encounters can occur while walking, jogging, or passing by a house. Dogs may feel protective of their territory and react aggressively if they perceive a threat.
• Public Parks: Many people bring their dogs to parks for exercise and socialization, leading to interactions with unfamiliar dogs. Conflicts may arise if dogs are not properly supervised or trained, resulting in bites or other injuries.
• Streets and Sidewalks: Dog bites frequently occur where dogs are not properly restrained or contained. Dogs roaming freely without a leash or fence can pose a risk to pedestrians and cyclists, especially if they are aggressive or territorial.
• Dog-Related Events: Dog parks, pet stores, and outdoor festivals are common settings for dog bites. While these places are intended for dog-friendly activities, having multiple dogs nearby can sometimes lead to conflicts or confrontations.
• Private Residences: Dog bites can also occur in the homes of friends, family, or neighbors. Even familiar dogs can behave unpredictably under certain circumstances, such as when startled, frightened, or provoked.

If you’ve been involved in a dog bite incident, contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm for dog bites in Charleston for legal assistance.

What Should You Do After a Dog Bites You?

Sustaining a dog bite injury can be very traumatic. Many people are unsure of the steps to take and what evidence to collect to file a claim.

Here are the steps you should follow after getting a dog bite injury:

• Get Medical Attention Right Away: Dog bites can be very serious. Regardless of the bite-size, you should see a doctor immediately. Any puncture wounds need to be cleaned, stitched, or bandaged. Even if you have a small wound, it’s important to see a doctor to receive medication for possible infections. Early treatment will prevent further pain and scarring.
• Regularly Clean Your Wound: Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to clean and care for your dog bite injury. Adhering to these instructions is crucial to avoid lengthening your healing process or causing infections.
• Report the Event to DHEC: Contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to inform them of the incident. They will investigate the animal, checking if the dog is up to date on its vaccinations and properly secured in its home. They will also help identify the true owner of the dog, allowing you to hold them responsible for your injury. When filing your claim with a Charleston dog bite injury lawyer, keep a copy of their report for reference.
• Collect Witness Information: After the accident, try to gather the names and phone numbers of bystanders who witnessed the dog attack. Their accounts may be crucial. If anyone mentions that the dog has a history of violence or has attacked others before, collect their information as well.
• Take Photos of the Injury: Document your wound by taking photos as soon as possible. Capture the injury when it is still fresh, and continue to take photos if the injury leads to scars or other lasting evidence. This documentation will help prove the extent of the damage and harm you experienced.
• Contact a Charleston Dog Bite Attorney: After gathering all this information, contact a personal injury lawyer in Charleston, SC. They will provide advice and legal guidance on your next steps, explain the complexities of your dog bite case, and help you file your claim.

Common Treatments for Dog Bites

Treatment for dog bites depends on the location and severity of the injuries and any complications that develop. Both adults and children bitten by a dog may require various treatments, including:

• Emergency Medical Treatment: Immediate medical attention is needed to assess and stabilize the injury.
• Wound Cleaning: Thorough cleaning of the bite wound to prevent infection.
• Sutures: Stitches to close deeper wounds and promote healing.
• Tetanus Shot: A tetanus shot if the wound is deep or the patient’s vaccination is not current.
• Rabies Shot: Rabies vaccinations may be necessary if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown or if the dog is suspected to have rabies.
• Bone Fracture Treatment: Treatment for any fractures caused by the bite.
• Antibiotics: Medication to prevent or treat infections resulting from the bite.
• Plastic Surgery: Procedures to minimize scarring or disfigurement from the injury.

Each treatment is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and the nature of their injury to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.

Charleston, South Carolina’s Dog Bite Law

Charleston, South Carolina, follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means dog owners are held strictly responsible for any unprovoked injuries their dogs cause, regardless of whether they were negligent or aware of their dogs’ aggressive tendencies.

This legal framework provides a solid basis for dog bite insurance claims and lawsuits.

Key aspects of South Carolina’s dog bite laws include:

Owner Responsibility:

• Dog owners are prohibited from allowing their pets to roam freely off their property.
• If a dog displays aggressive behavior, the owner must ensure the dog is appropriately restrained.

Liability:

• Dog owners are liable if their dog attacks or bites someone in a public place or on private property, even if the incident occurs on the owner’s property, provided the victim is lawfully present.
• Exceptions exist, such as when a victim provokes the dog into biting.

Dangerous Animals:

• The law defines “dangerous animals” as those that have shown tendencies to attack unprovoked, cause injury, or pose a threat to humans or other animals.
• This definition includes animals involved in fighting and those known to have aggressive tendencies.

Containment of Dangerous Animals:

• Owners or custodians of dangerous animals must securely confine them indoors or within properly fenced and locked areas.
• Dangerous dogs must be securely restrained and registered with local law enforcement when off the owner’s property.

Recoverable Damages in a Successful Charleston Dog Bite Case

While many dog bites may not cause significant harm, serious injuries can and do occur. In some instances, a dog attack can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and lasting impairments.

Our team is committed to helping you secure compensation for various treatments, including:

• Wound infections
• Deep puncture wounds
• Broken bones
• Nerve, tendon, and ligament damage
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional trauma, physical suffering, and mental anguish

When a severe injury happens, the medical costs alone can be overwhelming, potentially reaching thousands of dollars. Additionally, you may require reconstructive surgery and ongoing care.

All these treatment costs are recoverable if we win your case. We also seek compensation for your non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering.

Some common damages we have secured for previous clients include:

• Medical treatment and related expenses
• Physical therapy and other necessary outpatient treatments
• Reconstructive and plastic surgery, when needed
• Ongoing and future care costs
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity
• Emotional counseling costs for trauma recovery
• Pain and suffering damages
• Mental anguish compensation

Our goal is to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve for all the impacts of a dog bite injury.

Common Injuries in Dog Bite Cases

Dog attacks can result in many injuries, some of which might not be immediately noticeable. While minor cases may involve small cuts and bruises, severe attacks can lead to significant trauma with lasting consequences.

Here are some common injuries associated with dog bites:

• Puncture wounds
• Lacerations
• Contusions (bruises)
• Avulsions (tearing injuries)
• Bone fractures
• Dislocations
• Crush injuries
• Facial injuries
• Nerve damage
• Eye injuries
• Vision loss
• Neck injuries
• Head injuries
• Infections (like rabies, tetanus, or sepsis)
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Sprains and strains
• Abdominal injuries
• Blood loss
• Psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Traumatic amputations

Contact Our Charleston Dog Bite Accident Lawyer!

Experiencing a dog attack can be a traumatic event, leaving you with severe injuries and emotional distress. The aftermath can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Our experienced attorneys support you through this difficult time at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and guide you through the legal process.

We aim to fight for your rights, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. Contact our Charleston dog bite lawyer at (864) 664-3865 or schedule your complimentary consultation, and we’ll help you explore all your legal options.

FAQs:

1. Can I file a claim if the dog bite happened on private property?

Yes, you can file a claim even if the dog bite occurred on private property, provided the property owner or dog owner is liable for the incident.

1. How long must I file a dog bite injury claim in Charleston?

In South Carolina, you generally have three years to file a personal injury claim from the incident date.

1. What if the dog owner claims that I provoked the dog?

You may still be entitled to compensation even if the dog owner claims provocation. Our experienced lawyer can help determine the validity of such a claim.