A dog attack can happen in seconds but leave lasting physical and emotional scars. In Greenwood, our peaceful neighborhoods and parks where families gather can become sites of unexpected trauma when a dog bite occurs. While dogs are often considered loving companions, it is important to remember that any dog can bite under certain circumstances, causing serious harm. If you have been bitten by a dog in Greenwood, you should know that you have legal rights to seek compensation for your injuries. At McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy, our Greenwood dog bite lawyers are committed to helping victims of dog attacks get the justice and compensation they deserve.
The Reality of Dog Bites in Greenwood
Dog bites remain a serious concern in our city. While Greenwood maintains specific leash laws and animal control regulations, incidents still occur with concerning frequency. As your local Greenwood dog bite lawyers, we have helped numerous residents seek compensation after attacks in areas like Phoenix Place, the Heritage Trail, and residential neighborhoods throughout the city.
South Carolina law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets. This means victims in Greenwood have strong legal protections, but securing fair compensation requires detailed knowledge of local ordinances and state statutes. Our team at McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy has years of experience handling dog bite cases in Greenwood, and we can guide you through the legal process while you focus on recovery.
What To Do After a Dog Bite
The moments immediately following a dog bite are critical for your health and your legal case. It is important to take specific steps to protect your well-being and ensure you have the necessary evidence to support your claim. First, seek medical attention right away. Dog bites can lead to infections or even rabies if the dog is not properly vaccinated. Having your injuries examined and treated by a medical professional is essential for your health and provides crucial documentation for your case.
Next, the incident should be reported to local authorities, whether it is animal control or the Greenwood Police Department. A formal report will help create an official record of the event and may prevent future attacks from the same dog. Finally, reach out to a Greenwood dog bite attorney.
Speaking with a lawyer soon after the incident ensures that you understand your legal options and can move forward with a solid case.
How a Greenwood Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You
Handling a dog bite claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you are recovering from an injury. A skilled attorney will fight for the compensation you deserve and give you the time to focus on healing. Our Greenwood dog bite attorneys at McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy will gather all necessary evidence, interview witnesses, and handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Victims of dog bites in Greenwood are entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
- Medical bills: This includes emergency room visits, follow-up appointments, and any future surgeries or treatments you may require.
- Lost wages: If you are unable to work, you deserve to be compensated for the income you have lost during recovery.
- Pain and suffering: Emotional distress and physical pain caused by the attack can have lasting effects, and victims should be compensated for their suffering.
At McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy, we fight for full compensation so our clients can move forward after a traumatic event without financial hardship. We are familiar with the local Greenwood laws, and we have a track record of helping clients achieve favorable outcomes in their cases.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries depending on the size of the dog, the circumstances of the attack, and where on the body the bite occurs. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Broken bones: Larger dogs can cause fractures, especially in children or elderly victims.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Bites to the face, arms, or legs can leave permanent scars.
- Laceration wounds: These injuries can lead to infections if not treated properly.
- Nerve damage: Deep bites may sever nerves, leading to long-term or permanent damage.
While some of these injuries may heal with time, others require extensive medical treatment and can leave victims with permanent impairments. A Greenwood dog bite attorney will work to ensure that your injuries are properly documented and that you are compensated accordingly.
The Legal Process of a Dog Bite Claim
Filing a dog bite claim in Greenwood involves several key steps. Being aware of these steps can help you feel more confident as you move forward with your case.
- Investigating the incident: Your attorney will investigate the circumstances surrounding the dog bite. This includes identifying the dog’s owner, obtaining medical records, and speaking with any witnesses to the attack.
- Filing the claim: Once the necessary evidence is gathered, your Greenwood dog bite lawyer will file a personal injury claim against the dog owner or their insurance company.
- Negotiating a settlement: In many cases, insurance companies will attempt to settle out of court. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to ensure that any settlement offer is fair and covers all of your lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
- Going to trial (if necessary): If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may take the case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Each step of this process is crucial, and having an experienced Greenwood dog bite attorney by your side ensures you are not navigating the legal system alone.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Our experienced legal team at McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy stands ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Remember, time limits apply to dog bite claims in South Carolina, so do not delay seeking legal help. Contact our office today at 866-MCCRAVY to speak with a dedicated Greenwood dog bite lawyer who will fight for your rights and help you move forward after this traumatic experience.