If you have been bitten by another person’s dog, you should reach out to a Georgetown dog bite lawyer today. You could sit down one-on-one with a personal injury attorney to discuss the details of your situation. Depending on your case, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries from the animal’s owner. Let an experienced legal professional help you today.
What are One Bite and Statutory Laws?
While many states follow the “one bite” legal doctrine, South Carolina, however, does not follow this rule. Instead, the statutory law under South Carolina Code §47-3-110 the owner is strictly liable for the dog’s behavior. If the plaintiff is able to merely prove that they were in a public place or lawfully on private property and that the dog bit them, the owner would be held liable for the victim’s injuries. A Georgetown dog bite lawyer may be able to help victims of dog attacks present these factual and legal arguments before the court.
Dogs and Owners that Are Exempt
There are several applicable exceptions to the statutory rule that, depending on the case, may apply to the plaintiff’s situation. For example, the owner of a dog may not be held liable if any of the following are found to be true:
- The plaintiff was harassing or provoking the animal, which was the proximate cause of the attack
- The dog was working in the official capacity of its duties with law enforcement at the time of the incident and attacked on the lawful command of a certified canine officer in compliance with South Carolina’s standards
- If, at the time of the attack, the plaintiff was unlawfully trespassing on the defendant’s private property
With such a strict rule set by South Carolina’s statute, the defendant’s only legal options may be to allege that the plaintiff was harassing the animal or trespassing at the time of the attack. If these claims are raised, they could become legally complex and require contention before the court. Even if the plaintiff’s case appears clear cut, it is always advisable to seek the advice and counsel of a dog bite attorney from Georgetown who may be able to help achieve a favorable resolution.
Is there a Time Limit to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit?
If a plaintiff is considering filing a lawsuit, they should contact a dog bite attorney in Georgetown as soon as possible. Under S.C. Code §15-30-530, an injured person, has three years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit.
This statute of limitations acts as a legal “timer” that begins ticking down from the day the harm occurred. If a plaintiff files suit after these three years has expired, the case will likely be dismissed by the court on a motion by the defendant. An experienced attorney, therefore, can help the plaintiff to ensure that they do not allow this and other applicable statutory deadlines to expire.
Reach Out to a Georgetown Dog Bite Attorney Today
A dog attack has the potential to hospitalize you, cause you to miss work, and leave not just physical, but psychological scars that last a lifetime. If you were injured from such an incident, you should consult with a Georgetown dog bite attorney regarding your situation. Call today to find out what is possible for your case.
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