Greenville Dog Bite Lawyer

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A car came through a stop sign and ran into the side of my Jeep. McCravy Law Firm helped deal with the insurance company and get my car fixed. They also helped me with another accident claim even though the driver didnโ€™t have insurance. If you were in an accident, this is the best place to call and get someone to represent you. The people are great, and theyโ€™re fair. Everyone in the office was sweet. Iโ€™d recommend them to anybody. Theyโ€™ll take care of what you need, and they donโ€™t take long.
Zachary Norman
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When I sustained an injury to my head, I saw some Emergency Room physicians but wasnโ€™t seeing the results I needed. My dad recommended the McCravy Law Firm. They jumped right on the case and said Iโ€™d get the care and treatment I needed. Everyone in the office was always helpful. Mr. Newlon and Mr. Sturkie were in my corner the whole time. They were able to reach a great negotiation in my favor, and we settled the case. Everything was taken care of on my medical end. Within a couple weeks of our negotiations, I received the final settlement. Now that theyโ€™ve helped me get the medical treatment I needed, Iโ€™ve been on the road to a great recovery.
Rhonda Grimes
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I fell 7 feet off a ladder and got spine damage. I lost my 42-year career and the certainty of my future. I would go from being worried to feeling really good about everything. The McCravy Law Firm, I couldnโ€™t say enough good about them. It was a trying time for me, and they were just fantastic all the way through. Iโ€™ve recommended McCravy to a few of my friends. I told them not to go anywhere else.
Ray Graham
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Mr. McCravy and his staff were exceptional when handling my case. They were very compassionate and helpful through a very difficult time. His Paralegal Angie made sure was constantly in loop. She stayed in top of every detail in my case ensuring I was taken care of. If I ever needed an attorney again I would call Mr. McCravy and his staff without hesitation!
lawyers.com
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I was injured after being rear ended in a car accident after dropping my son off at work. I had nightmares seeing the accident again. Even though it was a trying time for me, I still contacted the McCravy Law Firm office. I couldnโ€™t have asked for anyone better than those who helped me out. I trust them. They never put me off. I would recommend this office to anyone who needs a lawyer. I was pleased with how everything turned out for me.
Olivia Cox
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Mr.Clardy was amazing in sticking to facts related to my case. His compassion and dedication shows he cares genuinely about his clients. He will do all he can to help you . Very professional and as I said will work for you the client.
lawyers.com
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My arm was broken when a door slammed close during a storm. I just want to express the compassion and love I felt from the office staff. I was having such a hard time just trying to use my arm again. They were so wonderful, compassionate, and kind that it really touched my heart. They treated me like a human being and understood the pain I was going through. I would recommend this law firm to anyone and everyone whose had a personal injury.
Vicki Davix
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I was stressed out figuring everything out. I walked in one day, and a paralegal told me I definitely had a case. From that moment on, itโ€™s been a big uplift. They kept me updated, and Mr. Clardy walked me through each step. He stepped up to the plate and went into action. I even told my brother to come speak with Mr. Clardy. Iโ€™d tell anybody to go to him.
Rebecca Robinson
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Greenville, like the rest of South Carolina, is very dog friendly. There are many scenic nature trails, off-leash parks, and other amenities for people and their pets throughout the city. Unfortunately, while dogs have gotten the nickname of being โ€˜manโ€™s best friend,โ€™ that is not always the case. They can bite and attack and these incidents are far more common than people think.

If you have been hurt by a dog while in a public space or lawfully on another personโ€™s property, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Greenville dog bite lawyers can ensure your rights are upheld so you obtain the full damages you deserve.

Dog Bite Statistics

Dog bites and attacks are quite prevalent in South Carolina and throughout the country. The most alarming statistics that show this are as follows:

  • According to the National Library of Medicine, there are more than 4.5 million dog attacks every year in the United States.
  • Of all the dog bites that happen every year, more than 800,000 of them require medical treatment.
  • More than half of all dog bite injuries are sustained by children aged 12 years old or younger.
  • Seventy percent of dog bite fatalities involve children aged ten years old or younger.
  • Children aged five to nine are most susceptible to sustaining serious dog bite injuries.
  • An American is bitten by a dog every 75 seconds in the United States.
  • Over 25 percent of all fatal dog bites and attacks involve animals that were chained at the time.
  • In 2021, the average cost for dog bite claims was $49,025.

Dog Bite Laws in Greenville

The dog bite law in Greenville is very clear. If you have been bitten or otherwise attacked by a dog, you can hold the dog owner or person in control of the animal at the time liable for paying damages.

You do not have to prove that the dog had aggressive or violent tendencies, or that they have bitten a person in the past. The only exception to the law is when a dog bite victim was unlawfully on someone elseโ€™s premises. Property owners do not have any duty of care to trespassers in the state.

South Carolina also has another law that is known as โ€˜bystander recovery.โ€™ Under this law, any parent who sees their child being attacked or bitten by a dog can obtain compensation for the emotional trauma they endured as a result.

Common Injuries Sustained in Dog Bites and Attacks

The injuries sustained during a dog bite or attack are often extremely serious. The most common of these are as follows:

  • Cuts and scrapes
  • Puncture wounds
  • Avulsion, or tearing
  • Bruises, medically known as hematomas and contusions
  • Fractures
  • Dislocations
  • Amputations
  • Crushing injuries, particularly head and skull injuries

The hands, arms, legs, feet, head, and neck are the most common areas of the body to suffer from a dog bite or attack. These serious injuries often require surgery, long hospital stays, and physical rehabilitation. Another factor that makes dog bites so serious is that a dogโ€™s mouth is full of bacteria.

When their teeth puncture a personโ€™s skin, that bacteria can make its way into the wound and cause serious infections and other complications.

Another factor that makes dog bite claims so complex is that not all injuries are physical. Victims can suffer from psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even when a person loved dogs prior to a bite or attack, they may become very fearful of them and require therapy or counseling.

Lastly, one of the most troubling aspects of dog bites is that children and elderly individuals are the most vulnerable to suffering serious injuries. This is due to the fact that they are not as well equipped to fend off an aggressive dog and escape from a bite or attack. Children are also closer in height to a dogโ€™s face, which is why head and facial injuries are so commonly suffered by children involved in a dog bite or attack.

Claiming Compensation for a Dog Bite

The vast majority of dog bite claims are paid by the homeownersโ€™ insurance carried by the dog owner. According to the Insurance Information Institute, over one-third of all homeownersโ€™ insurance liability claims every year involve dog bites and attacks.

It is important to understand homeownersโ€™ insurance after a dog bite. Many people are hesitant to file a claim against their relative, neighbor, or friend because they do not want to place a strain on the relationship. In fact, it is the insurer that pays the claim and not the person you are close to.

Also, filing a claim is the only way to obtain the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost income, and more.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

Although the dog bite law in Greenville is quite straightforward, the steps you take immediately afterward are still very important, as they can help strengthen your claim. The most important steps to take are as follows:

  • If you do not know it already, obtain the name, address, and contact information of the dogโ€™s owner.
  • Take photos and video footage of the injuries, as this can help prove the dog bit or attacked you or your child.
  • Seek medical attention immediately. This will help prevent infections and complications, and ensure your injuries do not get worse. Seeing a doctor will also document the nature and severity of the injuries, making it more difficult for the insurance company to refute them.
  • Locate anyone who witnessed the bite or attack and ask for their name and contact information.
  • Contact a Greenville dog bite lawyer who can help you through the process.

Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyer in Greenville for Help Today

The Greenville dog bite lawyer you choose to help with your case is important and can greatly determine how successful you are with your claim. At McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy, our experienced attorneys offer free consultations to review your rights and any compensation you may be entitled to. Call us now at 866-MCCRAVY or contact us online to schedule an appointment with our attorney and to learn more about how we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer?

The best way to know if you need a lawyer is to ask. If you have injuries that you received medical attention for, itโ€™s worth having a legal consultation. Your consultation is where you can decide if you want to hire a lawyer. Weโ€™ll explain the pros and cons and how a lawyer may help you

How much is my case worth?

Case values vary. Your losses and the strength of the legal case are the primary factors. The ability to collect compensation is important, too. There are things you can do to maximize the value of your case. Our lawyers can help.

Will my case settle?

Most cases settle. Building a strong case and negotiating effectively can help you reach a settlement. Weโ€™ll evaluate your case and the factors that make a case likely to settle. When we represent you, weโ€™ll work towards your goals. That includes a settlement, if you choose.

What happens if I have to file a lawsuit?

Sometimes, you must file a lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve. Even most cases that are filed still result in settlement. Filing the case makes the defense respond and it moves the claim forward. As your lawyer, we take care of the filing documents and legal procedure.

Should I speak with the insurance company before hiring a lawyer?

No. The insurance company can use your statements against you. They may try to confuse you or pressure you to accept a low offer. This is true even if you havenโ€™t hired a lawyer yet. We can start representing you as soon as you sign up. Then, we speak to the insurance company for you.

Should I allow an insurance company access to my medical records?

Insurance companies like broad disclosures of medical records. Theyโ€™re looking for things that might embarrass you or things they can use to minimize compensation, like pre-existing conditions. Our lawyers can help you respond to a request for medical records.

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