When a dog bites or an animal attacks, injuries may be serious or fatal. The animal’s owner can be held accountable but victims need help understanding their rights and pursuing a claim for compensation. A Charleston dog bite lawyer at Christmas Injury Lawyers can help those who have experienced the pain and fear of an attack.
Give our experienced injury lawyers a call to learn how we can help you to get compensation and to get answers to questions including:
- Can I take legal action after a dog bite or animal attack?
- What kinds of compensation can I get when an animal attacks me?
- How Can a Charleston dog bite and animal attack attorney help?
Steps To Take Following An Attack
South Carolina law imposes strict liability on owners of dogs. According to South Carolina Code Section 47-3-110, animal owners become responsible for all damages suffered by a person who was “bitten or otherwise attacked.”
You may pursue legal action against not only the owner, but also others who are responsible for the care of the dog. As long as you were lawfully in a private place or were on public property and did not provoke the attack, you can pursue a damage claim.
While canine attacks are especially common, victims of other animal attacks may also pursue claims against those who are responsible for the animal. An experienced Charleston dog bite attorney can help you to understand your options for pursuing compensation.
Types Of Damages
An animal attack can cause serious injuries including broken bones, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or death. Disfigurement is common in canine attacks. You may require plastic surgery to try to recover from injuries. Emotional ramifications also result from animal attacks and you may suffer from anxiety or PTSD that necessitates therapy.
Victims of an attack can get compensation for medical bills and for any wage losses that occur when injuries sustained in the attack result in time off work or a reduction in earning power. Victims may also be able to recover compensation for non-economic damages, including their emotional distress and any physical pain endured.
If the animal attack is a fatal one, surviving loved ones of the person who was killed can pursue a claim for wrongful death damages with the help of a Charleston dog bite lawyer.
Benefits Of A Dog Bite Attorney
Understanding the law is important so you know how to pursue legal action and what you must prove to make a damage claim. Often, homeowners or renters’ insurance providers pay for damages so you may need to negotiate an out-of-court settlement of your case. An attorney can deal with the insurer for you and can try to negotiate fair compensation. If litigation becomes necessary to recover the money you deserve after a bite or attack, a Charleston dog bite attorney can help make your case.
Christmas Injury Lawyers has successfully represented many victims after they were harmed by dogs or other animals. We know every case is different and we will put more than four decades of collective legal experience to work to help fight for your right to full and fair compensation. Call today to speak with a member of our legal team for a free case evaluation to learn more about how we can help.
