Many Laurens residents own pets, and dogs are particularly popular. They provide companionship and protection to their owners but can pose a threat to others in the community. Dog bites in Laurens can cause devastating injuries and often happen as a result of negligence.
McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy holds them accountable and provides the trusted local legal services that victims and their families need to get justice.
Our Laurens dog bite lawyers have 30 years of experience helping clients in our community in these cases. Between our knowledge of South Carolina dog bite laws and our expertise in how they apply, we have a proven record of getting those we represent the best possible results. To find out how we can help you, contact our office and request a consultation today.
Our Laurens Dog Bite Lawyer Helps You Recover From Your Injuries
A charming city in the Piedmont region of South Carolina, Laurens sits an hour west of Columbia, just a short drive from Greenville and Spartanburg. Home to a diverse mix of students, families, retirees, and former military members, it offers historic buildings, eclectic architecture, a bustling downtown area, and a host of public parks, trails, and waterways to explore.
The city generally boasts a low crime rate, but dog bites in Laurens are unfortunately common. They can happen in local neighborhoods, parks, stores, or other public places and can result in potentially devastating injuries. At McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy, our Laurens dog bite lawyers help victims and their families hold the dog’s owner accountable.
While you focus on healing from what happened, our experienced Laurens dog bite lawyers focus on getting you the maximum compensation needed to recover. Common dog bite injuries in Laurens include:
- Claw marks and scratches capable of causing scarring and infections
- Bite wounds that penetrate through muscles, tendons, and other tissues
- Loss of limbs in severe dog attacks
- Facial injuries, which are common and potentially disfiguring
- Head, back, and neck injuries suffered while fighting an attack off
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which can haunt victims years after an attack
What Should I Do If A Dog Bite In Laurens Happens?
While dogs have a reputation for being trusted, loyal companions, even the most mild-mannered and well-behaved pet can turn vicious if hurt, hungry, frightened, or feel the need to protect themselves, their owner, or their young. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns close to five million people suffer serious, potentially life-threatening dog bite injuries in the U.S. each year. Almost half the victims are children, while 20 percent of fatal dog attacks involve older adults.
Given the risks, the AVMA advises using caution when dealing with any dog you encounter, especially if they are off-leash and not responding to the owner. If they are snarling or otherwise appear about to bite, avoid turning and running, as this could cause the dog to chase you. Instead, remain calm and slowly back away.
If the dog attacks, curl into a ball and use your coat, bag, or whatever is handy to shield your face and other sensitive areas. In the aftermath, follow these tips to protect yourself and your rights in a Laurens dog bite claim:
- Get a description of the dog and its owner
- If they fled the scene, note the direction they went
- Notify the police, who can file an accident report
- Get contact information for any witnesses
- Visit the E.R. or your doctor right away, regardless of the severity of your injuries
Once you get medical care, contact McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy. While you focus on treatment, our Laurens dog bite attorneys can take legal action to hold the dog owner liable.
We Hold Reckless Owners Accountable For Dog Bite Injuries In Laurens
Both state laws and the Laurens County Municipal Code require dog owners to keep their pets leashed and under control at all times. They can be held liable for not controlling the dog, allowing them to run unleashed, not restraining them on private property, and failing to post warnings that a dangerous dog is on the premises.
Getting compensation for a Laurens dog bite claim is not easy. To protect your rights, get McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy on your side. During this difficult time in your life, our Laurens dog bite attorneys act as strong legal advocates, holding reckless dog owners accountable and helping you get the total amount you need to recover. Actions we take for you include:
- Investigating your case and identifying the dog owner
- Collecting medical records, eyewitness statements, and other evidence
- Negotiating with the dog owner’s property insurer, which may cover your losses
- Filing a dog bite lawsuit against the dog owner through the Laurens County Civil Court
How Much Is A Laurens Dog Bite Claim Worth?
Under Section 47-3-110 of the South Carolina Code, you can hold dog owners accountable for injuries their pet causes, even if the dog showed no prior aggressive tendencies. The amount you are entitled to for dog bite injuries in Laurens depends on the extent of harm suffered and other circumstances involved.
You can count on McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy to fight for the maximum amount allowed by law. While this varies from case to case, common types of compensation available include:
- Payment of all the medical bills that result from your injuries
- Reimbursement for lost earnings and benefits suffered both now and in the future
- Additional amounts for your pain, suffering, any disfigurement or scarring, symptoms of PTSD, and lost enjoyment in life
- Punitive damages, punishing the dog owner for particularly reckless behavior
Contact Our Laurens Dog Bite Lawyer Today To Request A Consultation
Dog bites in Laurens can cause devastating injuries. McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy have 30 years of experience protecting local victims and their families, fighting to get them the maximum amount they need to recover. To get the best possible results in your case, contact our office today online or by phone at 866-MCCRAVY and request a consultation today with our Laurens dog bite lawyers.